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Committee approves bill renaming neighbor-island blind services pilot to include "low vision"
Summary
SB 1419 changes program wording for the neighbor-island blind and visually impaired service pilot to use the term "low vision." The measure drew support from disability organizations and DHS and passed the committee with technical amendments.
The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness on Thursday voted to pass SB 1419 SD1, which updates statutory language for the neighbor-island blind and visually impaired services pilot program by substituting the term "low vision" for "visually impaired." Supporters said the change clarifies program eligibility and reflects contemporary usage.
James Gashel, legislative chair of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, testified in favor, saying the change would help neighbor-island blind residents gain access to services more comparable to those on Oahu. "Our blind people on the neighbor islands don't get the kind of services that are available on Oahu very often," Gashel said.
Leah Diaz, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation administrator representing DHS, said the department supports the bill and was available for questions. The committee also noted a preamble reference in Act 253 that still used the prior program name; the chair directed a technical correction to match the updated terminology.
The committee adopted technical amendments and the correction to the Act 253 preamble and passed the bill unanimously.
