Prior to the start of training, operators were asked don black out masks and find their way into the training room, using a 10-2 tapping technique with a white cane, and locate a seat at the table. Elizabeth Unchangco discovers the challenge with a spirit of humor with fellow drivers during Passenger Service and Safety training on April 23, 2015.
Fellow driver Marian Eber played "passenger as coach" for Julian Bergeron (standing) for techniques of appropriate occupant securement. Other drivers served as observers and quality control monitors for the process. In the background L - R: Elizabeth Unchangco, David Mesa, Ginger Porter (CEDDERS), Joe Tedtaotao, Tom Honda, and Daveson Tamanyon.
In addition to standard wheelchairs, operators had the opportunity to secure other devices, such as this three-wheeled power scooter. Scooters often do not have standard points of securement, therefore owner Evelyn Duenas provided them with guidance on locating her preferred points and the importance of communicating with the passenger.
Highlights from The Week of the Young Child
WOYCThe Week of the Young Child began with the Proclamation signing on April 13 at the Governor’s Office in Adelup.  From April 13-17, Guam CEDDERS staff facilitated several training activities throughout the island for Parents, Families, Parent Leaders, and Early Childhood Providers.  The Week of the Young Child concluded on Saturday, April 18 with the Early Childhood Parent Conference held at Pacific Star Hotel.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Highlights!
Developmental DisabilitiesMarch was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! The Tri-Agency along with SiñA collaborated to host a series of events to celebrate and promote public awareness of developmental disabilities. The events included the annual GSAT Conference & Fair, a Celebrity Bagging at Pay-Less Supermarket, and the Guam Developmental Disability Council Family Fun Day, which took place this year at the Sinajaña Community Center. Self-Advocates, families, and advocates joined together to celebrate accomplishments, talk about future activities, and most of all, to establish or renew friendships.
The Guam MCH LEND Cohort Attended the Third and Final Joint Training Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii
LENDThe 4th cycle of the Maternal Child Health Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders Program (MCH LEND) is winding down with about two months left in the school year. As part of the curriculum, the Guam MCH LEND cohort flew to Honolulu, Hawaii for the third and final joint training symposium. The symposium was filled with activities and presentations that centered on an important MCH leadership competence: the ability to apply concepts of cultural diversity and influences on attitudes and health care practices for families with children with disabilities and the blending of health protocols with local ways of caregiving.
For the remainder of the semester, trainees will complete a research project they developed called “Investigating Housing Options for Teen Moms on Guam.†This research will gain insights of teenage mothers’ perspectives of structured, stable housing options. The initial data may reveal the potential need for such housing on Guam.