Hawaii Senate Bill SR5

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Passed: 4/7/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Persons To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors, And In Other Positions, As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.

Summary

Senate Resolution 5 (SR5) urges the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement a program designed to recruit and employ qualified blind persons as orientation and mobility instructors and teachers for visually impaired students. The resolution highlights the importance of the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), which focuses on the structured discovery method of teaching mobility skills to blind individuals, empowering them to navigate their environments more confidently. SR5 acknowledges that historically, the Department of Education has not actively employed NOMC credentialed instructors, leading to a limited employment opportunity for qualified blind professionals in educational settings. The sentiment surrounding SR5 appears to be supportive, emphasizing the need for increased employment of blind educators who can serve as role models for visually impaired students. Advocates argue that employing blind instructors can significantly enhance the learning experiences of students and promote inclusivity. By encouraging the Department of Education to recognize and hire these qualified professionals, SR5 aims to address disparities in employment practices that have historically marginalized blind individuals in educational roles. Notably, SR5 calls for the Superintendent of the Department of Education to create a report detailing the recruitment and employment progress of blind instructors, aiming for transparency and accountability in the implementation of such an initiative. This report is expected to address actions taken, progress achieved, and any suggested legislation necessary for improvement. The emphasis on a structured discovery approach also signifies a paradigm shift in hiring policies, potentially influencing how mobility instruction is delivered within the school system. There may be points of contention about the adequacy of resources and training programs to support this new recruitment strategy. Questions regarding funding and the effectiveness of the proposed affirmative action program may arise, as stakeholders evaluate the potential for successful integration of blind professionals in the educational landscape. Overall, SR5 represents a pivotal step towards improving educational outcomes for visually impaired students through equitable employment practices.