HO'OPONO
About Ho'opono
"Ho'opono", from the Hawaiian word "ho'oponopono” meaning "to make things right” is a branch of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Human Services, State of Hawaii. Ho'opono provides comprehensive services and specialized services to Oahu as well as neighbor island consumers to meet the varied needs of persons who are blind, both deaf and blind, or visually impaired persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. There is no fee for services. You do not have to be totally blind to use Ho'opono’s services. Blindness can vary from total blindness with no light perception to being able to read large print at a comfortable distance. If you are having difficulty doing tasks at work or home because of poor vision, Ho'opono may be able to help you in a number of ways.
Ho’opono, the Services for the Blind program's goal is to enable visually impaired adults to attain maximum vocational and functional independence with its team of skilled professionals providing varied services to meet the participant’s individual needs.
Organization chart - MS Word document
New Visions
Ho‘opono's New Visions program became a reality on November 1, 2002. It utilizes effective methods and techniques to teach blindness skills such as cane travel and Braille. Center students commit to full-time participation to take classes and learn new skills without the use of residual vision to become proficient in the use of the white cane. Ho'opono leases several nearby apartments where students may reside at during their program training. Practicing skills learned in the Center classes at the apartments helps students learn faster and more completely. The New Visions Mission is to create an atmosphere where students gain knowledge, skills and develop a positive attitude about themselves. Developing confidence and blindness skills will enable them to obtain employment and make their dreams a reality. Students participate in the planning and organization of numerous events in and for Ho‘opono as part of their training which includes luncheons, recognition ceremonies, and Open Houses. Students conduct tours of Ho‘opono and have joined consumer organizations to develop their social skills and awareness of issues that affect them.
Mission Statement
We create an environment where students gain the knowledge, skills and positive attitude they need to achieve success in life.
Vision Statement
Blindness is not a barrier to success.