Hawaii House Bill HR11

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/22
• Refer: 2/23/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement An Affirmative Action Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Professionals To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.

Impact

The resolution aims to rectify a historical imbalance where the Department of Education has primarily employed instructors without the specific NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility Certification) credential. By advocating for the employment of blind professionals, HR11 seeks to enhance educational outcomes for visually impaired students through direct instruction from those who have firsthand experience with blindness. The potential implementation of this program could lead to significant changes in how blind individuals are viewed in educational roles and create new pathways for employment within the system.

Summary

House Resolution 11 (HR11) urges the Department of Education of Hawaii to implement an affirmative action program aimed at recruiting and employing qualified blind professionals as orientation and mobility instructors, as well as teachers for visually impaired students. The resolution emphasizes the need for a more inclusive educational environment, where blind individuals are empowered and given opportunities to contribute to the education of visually impaired students through their unique experiential learning techniques, notably those gathered through the Structured Discovery Cane Travel approach.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR11 appears largely supportive among advocates for the blind community, as it highlights the importance of representation and experiential learning in education. The emphasis on employing blind instructors directly addresses the long-standing issues within the educational system regarding the lack of qualified personnel who understand the unique needs of visually impaired students. However, some concern may arise regarding the practicality of implementation and the systemic changes required to facilitate such a program.

Contention

While HR11 does not directly impose legal changes, it serves as a resolution to prompt action from the Department of Education. The notable contention lies in the historical employment practices that have marginalized blind professionals, which the resolution seeks to challenge. Critics may question the effectiveness of affirmative action in achieving true equal opportunity and whether adequate support systems will be established to ensure the successful integration of blind instructors into the educational framework.