Carla Torres, Assistive Technology and Special Projects Program Coordinator, provided training to staff of the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on November 20, 2015. The training demonstrated how to create accessible text documents using Microsoft Word and how to create accessible and tagged PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Pro. This training was at the request of the SBDC’s Director Casey Jeszenka in an effort to ensure accessible documents are available to individuals with disabilities.
A Scavenger Hunt assignment was given to the seven students enrolled in UOG’s ED443, Assistive Technology class. Their assignment was given to them to familiarize themselves with GSAT, its vast array of technology, and an opportunity for “hands-on” exploration of its lending library. The students were given multiple scenarios/circumstances in which they needed to identify a minimum of two assistive technology devices, ranging from low to high tech that would assist in providing sufficient support in those areas. In the photo above, Ann Flores, Anntonette Quiambao, and Gabriel Posadas, (L-R) came in to GSAT on November 13, 2015, to complete their scavenger hunt.Gabriel Posadas, a student from the University of Guam’s UOG’s ED443- Assistive Technology class, explores features of a software program designed to help students with learning disabilities who struggle with reading and writing.
Guam CEDDERS facilitated a webinar presented by Donna McNear, Vision Instruction Consultant (shown on screen) for the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education’s Vision Instruction (VI) Program. Topics discussed included the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB) and assistive technology for students who are blind. Also discussed was Donna’s upcoming on-site visit in January 2016. Attending the webinar were (starting left, clockwise) Paula Ulloa, VI School Program Consultant; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS; Darlene Taimanglo, VI teacher; Diane Artero, VI Teacher; and Judy Quinata, Braille transcriber. This activity was supported through a contract between Guam CEDDERS and the Guam DOE, Division of Special Education.
John Hernandez, a teacher in the Health Department at John F. Kennedy High School, visited Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, on November 5 to discuss early childhood services and supports and receive resources. After conducting a pilot class, Mr. Hernandez recently spearheaded the approval process to teach a health course titled, “Prenatal to Infancy Wellness: Nutrition and Healthcare.” Students in the class include pregnant teens and new mothers. Resources shared included the “Guam Early Learning Guidelines,” “Neni Directory,” “Building Young Brains,” and various posters and early childhood videos produced by Guam CEDDERS.
On October 29-30, 2015, Janet Stevely, Senior Consultant at Griffin-Hammis Associates provides training at the Westin Resort Guam, on “Introduction to Customized Self Employment.” The training was aimed at providing self-employment information to individuals with disabilities looking to be entrepreneurs and service providers who work with individuals with disabilities.A resource panel consisting of agency representatives provided information on services that they offer to entrepreneurs. Panelists included: (L-R) Denise Mendiola Hertslet, Executive Director, Pacific Island Microcredit Institute; Fred Granillo, Traning Program Coordinator, Small Business Development Center; Carla Torres, MEd, ATP Assistive Technology & Special Projects Program Coordinator, Guam System for Assistive Technology; and Lydia Calvo, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID).Training participants posed with guest speaker, Janet Stevely: (L-R) Janet Stevely, Senior Consultant, Griffin-Hammis Associates; Lou Mesa; Jeng Magana; Gian Magana; and Leone Rohr, Executive Director of Parents Empowering Parents Disability Organization.
