[NFBOH-Cleveland] Hawaii Anyone?

[Cheryl Fields]

Hey There, weather got you dreaming of a beautiful tropical location
to live? Check out the article below from the Blind Perspective
Magazine.
Stay warm and Happy Reading! CF

International Perspective


Hawaii
By Karen Santiago as told by Keao Wright
Karen at TheBlindPerspective.com <mailto:karen at theblindperspective.com>

A Bit about Hawaii:
Oahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian chain of 132 islets.
Located on Oahu is the state capital, and the largest city, Honolulu. Oahu
is Known as the Gathering Place. It is Hawaii's most populous island.

Some places to see while on the island of Oahu include the beaches of
Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and a host of other
wonderful attractions.

With beautiful weather nearly all year long, outdoor sports and recreations
activities are plentiful. Some activities include surfing, kayaking, whale
watching, skydiving, hang gliding, or a relaxing dinner cruise. The island
is full of wonderful music. Most weekdays, and weekends you can enjoy an
evening out in a local bar and listen to some great lively music.

Schools for the Blind:
Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind is in Honolulu. Students who are hard
of hearing, deaf, or deaf blind attend this school from preschool to grade
12. Initially this school was designed for blind and visually impaired
students.

Now a days, most blind students are mainstreamed into the public school
system. Depending on the school district, TVI (teachers of the visually
impaired) and O&M (Orientation & Mobility) teachers work at the schools. In
addition, sighted teachers are instructed on how to teach and work with
blind students.

Students learn braille and can submit their assignments in braille, and via
email. Mobility is also taught within some of the school districts.

University:
The University of Hawaii (U H), is difficult to get into. However, the state
agency collaborates with the U H disability service office in providing
assistance to students. They help with signing up for BookShare, NLS
services, and other accessibility needs.

Job training:
The state agency provides a transition summer program for students from age
15 to 24. Interested students can choose, or be paired up with a company for
four weeks in the summertime as an intern.

The state agency provides classes on what one needs to know when being
interviewed for a job. Furthermore, they teach interviewing skills, and
conduct mock interviews.

Benefits:
Like the others states in the US, blind individuals in Hawaii are able to
receive either Social Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability
Income (SSDI).

Accessibility
Transportation:
HandiVan is a transportation system available for persons with disabilities.
Individuals need to call to arrange for rides three days in advanced. The
fair is 2 dollars per ride.
The public buses are not available throughout Oahu. The fair for all to ride
the bus is currently 2 dollars and 50 cents per trip. However, the rate will
increase to 2 dollars and 75 cents beginning in January. Not all buses have
automated announcements, but it is getting better.
Uber and Lift are available in Hawaii. These two options tend to be a bit
pricey.

Walking Around:
Many rural regions do not have sidewalks. However, the business and tourist
areas have tactile markers and curb cuts on the sidewalks. This also holds
true for the presence of audible signals at intersections.

Braille:
In Oahu, braille is not consistently seen in the public. Some restaurants
have braille menus, some companies provide their documents in braille, and
some public buildings have braille on doors, restrooms, and in elevators.
Keao says that the best thing to do is to request items in braille.

Reading Service:
Blind individuals living in Hawaii are able to sign up with the National
Library Service (NLS). With this agency, blind and visually impaired people
can call and request a book in either braille or audio format. These
materials can be mailed, and at no cost to the individual.

Guide Dog Schools:
There are no guide dog schools in Oahu, or throughout Hawaii. However, guide
dogs are allowed in Hawaii, and all must enter via Honolulu International
Airport. The guide dogs have access to public buildings as stated in the
Americans with Disability Act (ADA). people and business owners are getting
accustomed to the reality of blind individuals using guide dogs.

Blind Organizations:
Ho Opono Services for the Blind: this is a branch of the Department of Human
Services. They provide comprehensive and specialized services that meet the
varied needs of those across the state who are visually impaired, blind, or
deaf/blind. These services are provided free of charge. Some of the services
they provide include:
White cane awareness
Prevention and blindness awareness
Vocational rehabilitation services
Low vision clinic
Instructional services in mobility, braille, computers, living skills, and
more.

New Vision Program: Students are enrolled in program classes that run from 6
to 9 months. Program students commit to full-time participation. Curriculum
includes such classes in braille, mobility, computers, athletics, personal
and home management.

Island Skills Gathering: ISG seeks to inspire people with disabilities to
discover solutions of assistive technology while serving as a role model; a
trusted mentor and end-user of technology.

Guide Dogs of Hawaii: Members are offered technology aides, adaptive aides,
and guide dog placements. One can explore the benefits of technology, gain
safety and independence, and experience mobility freedom with continued
orientation and support.

Hawaiian chapters in both ACB and NFB.

Final thoughts:
Keao would like to see more pedestrian audible signals throughout Oahu, and
a reduction in transportation fees for those with disabilities.
Keao believes that blind people in Hawaii are accepted and treated well. She
agrees with her friend, Derrick who says, “Diversity is a strength. The fact
that different cultures can live together on a small island is certainly a
positive. We learn about each other by sharing our customs, food and music.”
Keao believes that Oahu is a great place to be blind!


Onward!


Cheryl E. Fields

Secretary

National federation of the Blind of Cleveland

216-566-4317

cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com

nfbohio.org

nfb.org


I am filled with hope, energy, and love by participating in the
National Federation of the Blind because my expectations are raised,
my contributions make a difference to me and to others, and I can
celebrate the realization of my dreams with my Federation family.