Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind

Opened in 1914, the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind has a rich history. Originally located behind Kaʻiulani Elementary School, it was first known as the School for Defectives. The school was later renamed Hoʻolana in 1918. That same year, the school relocated to the former Cecil C. Brown Estate. The Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind continued to evolve, becoming the Territorial School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1921. After Hawaii became a state, it was renamed the Diamond Head School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1949. Finally, it adopted its current name in 1969. The school has occupied five acres of land in Honolulu. It provides a vital service to deaf, blind, and deaf-blind students across the state. Interestingly, all teachers at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind are certified in American Sign Language. This creates a uniquely supportive environment. The school even offers dormitory facilities for students who don’t live on Oahu. This ensures access for students from all Hawaiian islands. The school even covers the travel costs for neighbor island students to return home each weekend. In the 1980s, the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind faced a challenging period with enrollment dropping to just nine students. The school underwent several name changes during this time. It was briefly the Hawaii Center for the Sensory Impaired, the Statewide Center for Students with Hearing and Visual Impairments, and the Hawaii Center for the Deaf and the Blind before reverting to its current name in 2009. Dr. Jane Kelleher Fernandes, a deaf woman, became the school’s director in 1989. During her tenure, she significantly expanded the school, increasing enrollment tenfold. In 2016, Angel Ramos, a deaf man, became the school’s first deaf male principal. He served until 2019. Despite its dedicated staff and community support, the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind has historically faced challenges with student achievement. In 2010, there were programs like extended learning time aimed at improving outcomes. The school continues to serve a vital role in the Hawaiian community, offering specialized education and a supportive environment for its unique student population.