CEDDERS Expressed Their Appreciation to GMHA Staff

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
December 21, 2018: Guam CEDDERS expressed their appreciation to GMHA OB Ward and Nursery staff for continued collaboration throughout the year. Pictured from left to right: Ma Victoria (Marivic) Guaio, GMHA OB Ward Nursing Supervisor, and Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS. Not pictured: Marie Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS.
Pictured from Left to right: Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS; Nursery staff; Avelina (Bing) Opena, GMHA NICU Supervisor; Elena Mariano, Nursing Staff; JennyLyn Pascual, GMHA Staff; and Marie Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS.

Guam CEDDERS Celebrates 25th Anniversary

by Jenika Ballesta CEDDERS CORE Developmental Disabilities

What began as a University Affiliated Program at the University of Guam on February 14, 1993, has evolved into a dynamic organization twenty-five years later that continues to build bridges with partners to create stronger linkages, programs, services, and supports to positively impact the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Various stakeholders including people with disabilities and their families, the Lieutenant Governor of Guam, Senators, University leaders, government and non-profit organization representatives, friends, and staff gathered on February 13 at the Westin Resort Hotel to commemorate and celebrate this major birthday and milestone.

 

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio signs a proclamation declaring March as DD Awareness Month. Proclamation signing was part of the celebration held at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
Dr. Robert Underwood, June De Leon, Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, and Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio pose for the camera after a proclamation signing.
June De Leon, Dr. Robert Underwood, Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, and Amanda Shelton; Staff from the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, smile during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
On February 18, 2018, Guam CEDDERS received a resolution from the 34th Guam Legislature in recognition of 25th years of service (L-R)June De Leon, Senator Joe San Agustin, Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Senator Dennis Rodriguez, and Dr. Robert Underwood.
Dr. Robert Underwood, University of Guam President; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director, and Dr. Anita Enriquez, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, pose for a picture during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, June De Leon, and Dr Robert Underwood smile for the camera during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary at the Westin Resort Guam.
Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, and Ben Servino smile with a beautiful cake provided by LSG.
Guam Developmental Disabilities Council members pose with Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio. Members from various agencies came to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Guam CEDDERS which was held on February 13, 2018 at the Westin Resort Guam.
Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director and Erlinda Tydingco, Self-Advocate; pose for the camera during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
Candace Perry, Self-Advocate, smiles for the camera during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
Moses Puas, Self-Advocate, smiles for the camera during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.
Barbara Johnson, Self-Advocate, smiles for the camera during the Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary celebration at the Westin Resort Guam on February 13, 2018.

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Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary Celebration

 

 

Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meet to Discuss CORE Work Plan for 2018-2023

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council
The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council held ​its​ quarterly meeting​ on December 7. In addition to the regular agenda items, ​ ​discussions took place on ​potential goals, objectives, and activities for ​the ​Guam CEDDERS ​Core Work Plan for ​2018-2023. (Front row, L-R) Erlinda Tydingco; Josie Guerrero, Chairperson; Joyce Tejeresas, Vice Chairperson; baby Richard Flores; Julia Flores; Linda Rodriguez; Maria Bontogon; Carol Cabiles; Ben Servino; Barbara Johnson; and Marie Tedtaotao-Libria.

Guam DD Tri-Agency Create 2018-2023 Tri-Agency Work Plan

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE
Representatives from the Guam Developmental Disabilities Tri-Agency met on November 16 to develop the 2018-2023 Tri-Agency Work Plan. Attending the meeting were (L-R): Carol Cabiles, Program Coordinator, Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center (GLS-DLC); Marie Libria, Program Coordinator, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC); Hank Parker, J.D., Executive Director, GLS-DLC; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS; June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; and Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS.

Guam CEDDERS Facilitates Input Session for the Down Syndrome Association of Guam

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Community Services: Technical Assistance
The Down Syndrome Association of Guam participated in a Guam CEDDERS Input Session on Saturday, October 28 at the Guam System for Assistive Technology Conference Room. Standing left to right are: Josie Guerrero and Vincent Guerrero with their son Vadin Guerrero and grandson, Dreyden Salas; Mary Kidd, Input Session Facilitator, Tanya Simer, Social Work intern, Francisco Mendiola, grandson of Joe & Nacrina Mendiola standing behind; Johanna Mendiola, daughter of Joe & Nacrina; Starlette Santos, Serene Pecha, Social Work student, and Joey Pecha in the back.

Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council
The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council held its first quarterly meeting for this new fiscal year on September 8. During this meeting, Mrs. Josephine Guerrero was elected as Chairperson and Joyce Tejeras was elected Vice Chairperson. Council members also had opportunity to review and provide input on the Core Work Plan Updates and the latest draft of a 10-minute video production which shares the accomplishments of Clinton Mesa, an individual with autism. (Seated left, clockwise) Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Director; Marcellene Santos, Public Guardian; Maria Bontogon, Self-Advocate; Ben Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID); Barbara Johnson, Self-Advocate; Joe Taijeron, and Tanya Simer (sitting at back), University of Guam Social Work Practicum Students; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Josephine Guerrero, Chairperson, Parent; Evangelis Babauta (standing), American Sign Language Interpreter; Kirsten Rosario, American Sign Language Interpreter; Lee Perez, Self-Advocate; Sally Sablan, University of Guam, ADA Support Services; Joseph Gumataotao, UOG Director, EEO and Title IX/ADA Coordinator; Ray Sayas, Program Coordinator, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council; and Linda Rodriguez, representing the Department of Public Health & Social Services.

Bridging Yet Another Health Gap: Chamoru Glossary on Behavioral Health and Disabilities Is Now Available

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Community Services: Technical Assistance Continuing Education
Key contributors and collaborative partners who guided the production of the ​“Fino’ Siha Put Kinalamten Salut Yan Inutet Gi I Fino’ CHamoru (Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru)” celebrated the release of the publication during a ceremony held on August 4 at the Senator Antonio M. Palomo Guam Museum and Educational Facility in Hågatña. (Left to Right): Zita Pangelinan, Dr. Lilli Perez, Rosa Palomo, Ronald Laguana, Rufina Mendiola, Joey Franquez, Mariles Benavente, editor, Terrie Fejarang, Ann Rivera, Teresita Flores, Helene Paulino, Terry Aguon, Tasha Tydingco, and Dr. Pat Taimanglo.

A book launch ceremony was held on August 4 to celebrate the release of the first edition of the “Fino’ Siha Put Kinalamten Salut Yan Inutet Gi I Fino’ CHamoru (Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru).”

The CHamoru glossary aims to facilitate communication about mental illness and disabilities in the CHamoru language.”Although not an exhaustive glossary, it can help CHamoru speakers use other words and phrases to describe the conditions being experienced, endured, and/or observed,” said Mariles Benavente, MSW, ACSW, Editor of the Glossary and former Guam CEDDERS Cultural and Linguistic Competence Consultant. “The Glossary serves as an important community resource. Hopefully, the use of the Glossary can help evoke more informed decisions about getting, and giving, the right kind of help, or to better arm others to respond with more compassion and understanding towards those who face these challenges.”

Critical to the successful publication of the Glossary was the partnership with an exceptional team of CHamoru Language Specialists: Rufina Mendiola, Ronald Laguaña, Maria Ana Rivera, Rosa Palomo, Teresita Flores, Joseph Franquez, and Dr. Patricia Taimanglo, a clinical psychologist who served as the content specialist. Contributors to the book include Dr. Lilli Perez, Dr. Tricia Lizama, Zita Pangelinan and well-known artist, Dr. Judy Flores.

The production of this Glossary was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the University of Guam’s Center of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS), Project Kariñu and Guam LAUNCH under the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and the PEACE Program under the Prevention and Training Branch of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

Guam CEDDERS Participated in the Breastfeeding Awareness Month Proclamation Signing

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE

Attendees at the Breastfeeding Awareness Month Proclamation Signing gather around the table to witness the event.

Attendees of the Breastfeeding Awareness Month Proclamation Signing.
Guam CEDDERS participated in the signing of a proclamation declaring August as “Breastfeeding Awareness Month” on Guam. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together.” Guam has a comprehensive breastfeeding protection law, The Nana yan Patgon Act (PL 32-098), which protects and supports a mother’s right to breastfeed anywhere and anytime, and to express milk for her child while working or going to school. Acting Governor Ray Tenorio presided at the event held on August 2 and attended by numerous breastfeeding advocates and government representatives.