Hawaii schools provide Braille services for eligible students

The Department of Education ensures each eligible student's school plan provides an opportunity to receive Braille educational services. This applies to eligible students with low vision or blindness who have a Section 504 plan or an individualized education program. Braille instruction and materials must be included in an individualized education program unless assessments support a finding that they are not appropriate and the team documents its reasons. Plans that provide Braille materials must assure they are delivered with other students' print materials, or substitute Braille materials are provided if the originals have not arrived.

The Department provides Braille literacy support services and information, and takes part in school plan development. Support includes validated reading assessment tools, materials needed for students' school plans, and reliable information about Braille services. The Department cooperates with the Department of Human Services on the state blind register when requested. It gives preference to Braille materials from in-state suppliers when possible.

The law appropriates up to $300,000 from general revenues for the Department of Education to carry out the act. The Department of Education spends the money for the act's purposes. The amount may be less than $300,000 if that is all that is needed. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2026–2027. The act took effect July 1, 2026.