URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY AND EQUITY FOR STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC AND AUTOIMMUNE ILLNESSES.

This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to support academic flexibility and equity for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes. The resolution asks the department to encourage schools to provide flexible attendance and assignment deadlines during medically documented illness flare-ups, promote consistent implementation of existing accommodations like Section 504 plans, and coordinate with families to maintain learning continuity during extended medical absences. It specifically highlights the needs of students on neighbor islands who face additional barriers due to limited access to medical specialists and the need for off-island travel. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead calls for the department to use its existing authority to guide schools in providing equitable educational support.