Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Act 253 SLH 2023: Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Pilot Program

 

Background
Hoʻopono is starting a series of focus groups across the state to meet the requirements of Public Act 253 (2023).  This law requires Hoʻopono to establish a working group to research and plan a neighbor islands blind and visually impaired services pilot program to supplement Hoʻopono’s existing statewide services by providing training and other support services to neighbor island residents who are blind or visually impaired.

This working group’s tasks, in collaboration with Hoʻopono, is to develop a pilot program implementation plan and submit the plan to the legislature.  Together, we need to figure out what types of training and other services are needed for blind and visually impaired people in places where there are not many services available.  The implementation plan must include a pilot program performance period and program budget.

The law states the working group shall be composed of neighbor island residents who are blind or visually impaired.  It also says that the services provided by the pilot program shall be provided by qualified volunteers using the structured discovery approach for training blind people.

We will post updates on the program’s progress here, so check back often!

Interested in joining the stakeholder groups to share your perspectives and feedback?  Sign up here

Meetings

Virtual
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30P (Click here for Zoom Link)  Meeting ID: 873 3050 7027, Meeting PW: 881892
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30P (Click here for Zoom Link) Meeting ID: 860 2818 7335, Meeting PW: 476272
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30P (Click here for Zoom Link) Meeting ID: 848 1494 1932, Meeting PW: 377972

In-person

Date	Time	Island	Location
Monday August 19	9:00am	Hawaiʻi- Hilo	Hilo State Office Building- Conference Room C, 75 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720
Monday August 19	2:00pm	Hawaiʻi- Kona	DVR Field Office- Kuakini Tower 75-5722 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 213 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Wednesday August 21	9:30am	Maui	JW Cameron Center, Conference Room 2 95 Mahalani Street Wailuku, HI 96793
Thursday August 22	9:30am	Kauaʻi	Lihue State Office Building- 2nd Floor Conference Room 3060 Eiwa Street Lihue, HI 96766
Friday August 23	10:30am	Molokaʻi	Kaunakakai Civic Center, Phase II, Room 4 55 Makaena Street Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Monday August 26	10:00am	Lānaʻi	Lanai Filipino Community Coalition 450 Jacaranda Street, Lāna‘i City, HI 96763

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Act 253 (HB 870) SLH 2023 and what does it do for blind and visually impaired people who do not live on Oʻahu?

The legislature passed Act 253 with the Governor’s approval to establish a pilot program to offer training and other services using structured discovery training methods for residents of neighbor islands. This pilot program is intended to supplement the existing services offered by Hoʻopono. The law defines neighbor islands as a “county with a population less than five hundred thousand,” which effectively covers all counties except Honolulu County (Oʻahu).

2. The Act refers to structured discovery as the methodology for the pilot program. What is that and why was it selected?

Structured discovery training methods involve non-visual techniques to develop problem-solving skills and confidence, emphasizing independence.  Specifically, it promotes self-determination and individualized planning for blind and visually impaired services.  Structured discovery does not require a program participant to pursue a particular career path or education credential, but rather seeks to connect participants with immersive and tailored services that match their goals.  The Act requires structured discovery be used as the underlying methodology for the pilot program, which also aligns with many of Hoʻopono’s programs and goals. 

3. How can I enroll in the pilot program established by Act 253? What are the eligibility requirements?

Hoʻopono, with community input, will develop eligibility criteria and an application process to participate in the pilot program. Generally, residents of neighbor islands who are blind or visually impaired and seeking vocational rehabilitation services will be eligible for the pilot program (subject to other limitations that are yet to be determined).

4. What types of vocational training and services will be offered through this pilot program? Where will they be offered?

The program details will be determined after focus group meetings with blind and visually impaired residents of the neighbor islands. The services will minimally include peer-to-peer outreach, sight loss adjustment, peer counseling support, mobility training, and special needs transportation services. The program aims to provide services on neighbor islands and in locales that are accessible to people who live outside of Oʻahu, but some specialized training may require travel to a central location. The pilot program will also explore potential offerings for outreach efforts to identify individuals with unmet needs, coordinating services and benefits across different programs, adjustment services, access to training to use telecommunications services, awareness development training, daily living skills, orientation and mobility training, advocacy training, and similar types of services.

5. Who will provide these services?

The pilot program will use a combination of volunteers, non-profit partners, and existing Hoʻopono staff to organize and deliver the pilot program. The law specifies which types of non-profit organizations are eligible and other general requirements to be service partners.

6. Who can I contact for more information or to get started with the application process for the pilot program?

You can contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/ Hoʻopono Services for the Blind. Both Gavan Abe, Branch Administrator ([email protected]) or Shane Hatchett, project manager ([email protected]) will be able to answer your questions about this program.