Guam CEDDERS provided GSAT and Akudi Brochures to Naval Base Guam School Liaison Officer

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Guam CEDDERS provided GSAT and Akudi brochures and copies of the 2017 Neni Directory of Services for Young Children to Barbara Askey (right), Naval Base Guam School Liaison Officer, on January 16, for the upcoming Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) Workshop for military parents who have children with special needs. School Liaison Officers help connect military families, commands, and Kindergarten – 12 th Grade schools.

Guam State Rehabilitation Council Executive Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On January 11, the State Rehabilitation Council, held its first Executive Meeting at the DVR Conference Room. (Front row, L-R) Jeanette Yamashita, Planning and Resource Committee Chairperson; Laura Taisipic, Planning and Resources Committee Vice Chairperson; and Barbara Johnson, Services Committee member. (Second row, L-R) Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; Erlinda Tydingco, SRC Vice Chairperson; Lou Mesa, SRC Chairperson; Pete Barcinas, SRC Secretary; Leah Abelon, Outreach Committee Chairperson; and Edmund Cruz, Services Committee Chairperson. The State Rehabilitation Council provides clients of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation with a mechanism to influence the direction of the rehabilitation programs in Guam at the System Policy Level.

GSAT Advisory Council Executive Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Uncategorized
The GSAT Advisory Council Executive members held their quarterly meeting on January 9 at GSAT, House 19. (Pictured L-R, clockwise) Barbara Johnson, Secretary; Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; Lou Mesa, Chairperson; Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; Evangelis Babauta (standing), ASL Interpreter; Evelyn Duenas, Vice Chairperson; and Josephine Cortez, Member at Large. (Not shown) Dawn Maka, Member at Large. The executive members meets to developand approve the agenda for the upcoming GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting on January 23, 2018.

Guam CEDDERS Participates in the Head Start Parent Engagement Conference

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Renee Koffend, AuD, Audiologist and Guam EHDI Consultant, presents information on “Hearing Loss Identification and Rehabilitation” to interested parents during a session at the Head Start Parent Engagement Conference on October 21 at the Pacific Star Resort and Spa.
Leah Abelon (left), GSAT Center Coordinator, and Christina Jung (right), CEDDERS Research Associate, help secure Praiselyn Mario to her mother, Mimy Mario, while using the FireFly Upsee Mobility Harness. This assistive technology device allows parents to assist their child to stand and walk.
Leah Abelon (right), GSAT Center Coordinator, shares information with an interested parent on the Logan ProxTalker, an assistive technology device known for its advanced and adaptable recorded speech communication options during the 2017 Head Start Parent Engagement Conference on October 21 at the Pacific Star Resort and Spa.

Guam CEDDERS Participates in OPTAG Cerebral Palsy Awareness Outreach

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
(L-R) Shawni Acfalle, GSAT Center Assistant; Tanya Simer, Social Work Practicum Student; and Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, display assistive technology devices at the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Outreach Event hosted by the Occupational & Physical Therapy Association of Guam (OPTAG). The event took place at the Agana Shopping Center on October 14.
Alieh Zinatroo holds her son, Ashkan Teimoury, while he uses the FireFly Upsee Mobility Harness during the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Outreach Event at Agana Shopping Center on October 14. The FireFly Upsee Mobility Harness is an assistive technology item that allows parents to assist their child to stand and walk.
Leah Abelon (right), GSAT Center Coordinator, poses for a photo with the Zinatroo family during the Cerebral Awareness Outreach Event hosted by Occupational and Physical Therapy Association of Guam (OPTAG).
Marie Wusstig (right), Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Project Coordinator, shares information with visitors about the Guam EHDI program and the importance of monitoring a child’s hearing and speech development, during the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Outreach Event at Agana Shopping Center on October 14.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation (NDEAM) Signing

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology

On September 29, Acting Governor Ray Tenorio signed a proclamation declaring October, “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” This year’s theme is “Inclusion drives Innovation.” The Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will be hosting the NDEAM Conference and Resource Fair on October 11 at the Nikko Hotel Guam. A variety of workshops will also be held in October. Please see Guam CEDDERS calendar for event listing.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation Attendees of the NDEAM Proclamation Signing pose for a photo with Acting Governor Ray Tenorio.

State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Swearing In Ceremony

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology

On September 29, GSAT Center Coordinator, Leah Abelon was sworn in as a new member of the State Rehabilitation Council. The ceremony was held at the Governor’s Office Conference Room in Adelup and conducted by Acting Governor Ray Tenorio. Ms. Abelon, representing Guam CEDDERS, was appointed for a three year term.

Leah Abelon (Left), GSAT Center Coordinator, and Lt. Governor of Guam Ray Tenorio (Right).

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio swears in new members of the State Rehabilitation Council.

Assistive Technology Model Home Opens at GSAT

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On July 28, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT), held an Open House for the Accessible Model Home and Demonstration Center. The Model Home features various Assistive Technology (AT) Devices, furniture, and appliances to help individuals with disabilities live independent lives. Among those that visited GSAT’s Model Home were (sitting,L-R) Dallas Taijeron; Edward Mendiola; and Tom Manglona. (Standing, L-R) Jana Mendiola; Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; John Guiao, Sherolyn Guerrero, Christina Jung, Guam CEDDERS; Marie Libria, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC); Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS; Barbara Johnson; Kirsten Bamba, Guam Community College (GCC).
Leah Abelon (right), GSAT Center Coordinator, demonstrates various functions of the adjustable bed to Rosanne Ada (left), GDDC Director.
Christina Jung (right), Guam CEDDERS Research Associate, interacts with Barbara Johnson (left), using an AT device called Ubi Duo.

GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Advisory Council, held their General Membership Meeting on July 25. Pictured Left, clockwise: Tom Manglona; Barbara Johnson, Vice Chairperson; Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; Lou Mesa, Secretary; Rudy Ignacio, Chairperson; Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; Josephine Cortez, Member at Large; Lee Perez; Kirsten Bamba, ASL Interpreter; and Raymond Sayas, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC) Representative.

Guam CEDDERS Participated in the 7th Annual Healthy Hearts, Healthy Living Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services

On June 25, Guam CEDDERS participated in the 7th Annual Healthy Hearts, Healthy Living Fair held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located in Toto. (Pictured L-R) Brittney Cruz, Parents Empowering Parents (PEP); and Christina Jung, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate.
On June 25, Brittney Cruz (sitting left), PEP; Marie Wusstig (sitting right), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; and John Wusstig (standing), gather for a group photo at the 7th Annual Healthy Hearts, Healthy Living outreach event held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located in Toto.