Project EPICS Update: Approaching The Last Lap

After fully engaging in an “epic marathon,” Project EPICS scholars are “quickly approaching the finish line!” Currently, midway into the planned final year of a five-year project, the “Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Pathology” project, also known as “Project EPICS,” is in “the last lap” of this amazing endurance event. Eighteen student “scholars” are entering their last few months of the project whose mission is to produce graduate-level speech language pathologists to serve and provide much-needed speech services to the children of Guam and the Pacific region. This project is funded through a U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs personnel preparation awarded to San José State University (SJSU), in partnership with Guam CEDDERS. The Spring 2020 semester is packed with activities including completing two online courses and finishing up the required number of practicum hours in school and hospital settings. In April, the scholars can opt to participate in an online “Praxis Preparation Workshop” with Dr. Kay Payne, CCC-SLP, a nationally recognized expert on Praxis prep and the author of numerous Praxis Preparation resources. Similar to the national Praxis examination for teacher certification, the Praxis test for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) is a requirement for national certification for SLPs. Scholars have the option as to when to sit for this examination. The last SJSU program requirement for all the EPICS scholars is the Comprehensive Examination, fondly referred to as “Comps.” This is scheduled for May 2, 2020. If you may recall, the group of 18 scholars was divided into two cohorts for the purpose of completing an externship in the San José, California area at various sites in collaboration with SJSU. Nine scholars in Cohort 1 completed this externship in August 2019. The remaining nine who comprise Cohort 2 are scheduled to complete their externship this summer, ending in early August 2020. Upon this group’s return, the Project will hold a much-anticipated graduation ceremony to celebrate the incredible effort of these scholars in completing this “marathon” program. As of this writing, however, things are looking like Cohort 2’s externship plans will need to change, given the situation with the COVID 19 pandemic. And sadly, graduation may have to be postponed as well. Stay tuned for the next issue of I Tellai for the update.

(Front Row left-right) Guam CEDDERS consultant, Terrie Fejarang, Dr. Carol Zepecki, CCC-SLP, San Jose State University faculty, and Keokia Mendiola, CCC-SLP, EPICS
Clinical Practicum Supervisor, pose with the EPICS scholars during the end of the classes celebration on August 3. (Second Row left-right) Camille Onglao, Bobbie Obillo,
Dianne Sapida, Tricia Taitano, Liahlanni Cruz, Megan Merfalen, Lisa Eclavea, and Jasmin Advani. (Back Row left-right) Aileen Serrano, Catherine Ruszala, Lillian Reyes,
Cassandra Dimla, Christina Cole, Gabriella Duenas, Ignacio Dela Cruz, Tatiana Perez, Meagan Terlaje, John Payne, and JJ Mendiola.

EHDI Conference Provides Valuable Resources

by Guam CEDDERS Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

In early March, a team of four embarked on flights from Guam to Kansas City, Missouri to attend the 2020 Annual Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference. The Guam Team consisted of Guam EHDI staff and a parent from Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc., the non-profit organization which provides Parent-to-Parent Support for families with children identified with a hearing loss. The Annual EHDI Conference gives participants the opportunity to learn new and relevant information related to EHDI, network with other professionals in the EHDI system, and participate in face to face meetings with each EHDI’s Project Manager and Quality Improvement Technical Assistance provider.

The four-day conference began with the Islands/Outlying Territories Meeting held on March 7. Representatives from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Palau, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam presented on their respective program successes for the grant year. Tony Ronco, a parent with California Hands & Voices facilitated a discussion on website development in preparation for the new EHDI grant year. Also present at the meeting were Leticia Manning representing HRSA; Marcus Gaffney representing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and Karl White, and Alyson Ward representing National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM).

Over the next three days, the Guam EHDI Team planned their schedules to attend plenary and topical sessions that would assist the Guam EHDI Project in meeting its goals and objectives. While at the Conference, the team met with Bethany Applebaum, HRSA Project Manager for Guam EHDI, and Alyson Ward, Quality Improvement Director at NCHAM, to discuss the progress of the Guam EHDI Project and to provide guidance on how to address data concerns for new grant objectives in light of the loss of CDC funding for territories not meeting the minimum birth rate requirements for continued grant funding.

On March 9, the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Team break posed for a photo after attending the Opening Plenary Session of the Annual EHDI Conference held in Kansas City Missouri. Pictured (Left to Right): Ann Marie Cruz, Board President, Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT); with Guam CEDDERS Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director; Marie Wusstig, Training Associate; and Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager.

On March 10, the Guam EHDI Team met with JJ Whicker, an audiologist at Primary Children’s Hospital during the Annual EHDI Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Whicker volunteered his time and expertise as an audiologist for The CARE Project of North Carolina as the lead facilitator for the CARE Team that came to Guam in November 2019 to facilitate the Guam CARE Project Family Retreat. Pictured Front Row, (Left to Right): Ann Marie Cruz, Board President, GPPT, Marie Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS. Back Row, Left to Right: JJ Whicker, AuD. and Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS .

On March 9, the Guam EHDI team met with the HRSA EHDI Project Manager in Kansas City, Missouri to discuss progress of the Guam EHDI project. Pictured (left-right) Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, JJ Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS, Bethany Applebaum, HRSA Project Manager, and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS.

GSAT Hosts 26th Annual Assistive Technology Fair “Leading Our 2020 Vision”

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and one of the highlights of the month is the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Fair. This year’s theme, “Assistive Technology: Leading Our 2020 Vision,” showcased the advancements in technology and services available for the commuity. GSAT, in collaboration with the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC) and Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center (GLS-DLC), held the fair on March 7 at Agana Shopping Center.

The fair gave the public an opportunity to network with service providers and learn about available services and programs. There were twenty-eight vendors who participated in the fair. They included various programs from the Department of Public Health and Social Services , Guam Client Assistance Program, WestCare Pacific Islands, Office of the Public Guardian, Ross Hearing Aids, Helen Keller National Center / ICanConnect Program, Guam American Sign Language – Machanao Congregation, Guma’ Mami, Inc., Guam Department of Education Student Parent Community Engagement Project, Guam Community College Office of Accommodative Services, Autism Community Together, Department of Integrated Service for Individuals with Disabilities, Health Services of the Pacific, The Medical City, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Phil MD – St. Lukes Medical Center, Parents Empowering Parents, Pacific Human Resource Services Inc., and TOHGE (Transforming Guahan through Healing, Growth, & Enrichment). Vendors were given an opportunity to present brief descriptions of their agency/organization. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters were present to assist with communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). AT devices and equipment were on hand for participants to try out with assistance provided by Guam CEDDERS staff.

Maria Bontogon and Rodney Calimlim, both individuals with disabilities, were available to demonstrate the devices they use to access information and help them perform activities of daily living. The fair also showcased The Guam Community College ASL students who performed songs in sign language and the “MagicMan” show with Wally Wusstig.

Si Yu’os Ma’ase to the staff, vendors, and participants who made the fair a successful event.

Highlights from the Assistive Technology Fair

Guest Speakers Share Experiences with Social Work Class

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Self-Advocacy

On February 28, the Social Work class of Terrie Fejarang and Michelle Aguigui were honored to have Tashia Hanley (standing), as a guest speaker. Ms. Hanley, an individual who is deaf, shared her life growing up in Oregon and her experiences when she moved to Guam.

On February 21, the Social Work class of Ms. Terrie Fejarang and Michelle Aguigui was fortunate to have Ms. Myra Aguon, a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, present her various experiences as an individual who is deaf and how people can communicate with community members who are deaf and hard of hearing.

On March 06, Alina Butler (standing), a student majoring in Social Work, shared her very emotional journey in growing up with a disability, dealing with self-esteem issues, and how she was able to overcome these challenges.

The Pacific Disability Forum Takes an Interactive AT Tour of GSAT

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies

On March 2, the Pacific Disability Forum members visited Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT). GSAT Center Coordinator, Leah Abelon, facilitated a presentation on available devices, equipment, and services provided by GSAT. Participants were given a tour of the GSAT Demonstration Center and Model Home. Participants included the North Pacific Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities-Sustainable Development Goals (CRPD-SGDs) Training, from Palau, Yap, Guam, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and the Marshall Islands. The Pacific Disability Forum is a regional body governed by persons with disabilities from the Pacific and works with organizations run by persons
with disabilities to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Pacific.

GSAT Provides Resources to UOG School of Health

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination

On February 5, Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, provided several resources including the Pripara Hao Emergency Preparedness Guide for Persons with Disabilities, Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru, and Guam Directory of Services for Individuals with Disabilities to the University of Guam School of Health Team. Pictured above from (left-right): Leah Abelon, Guam CEDDERS, GSAT Coordinator; Janice Ada, UOG School of Health Education, Training Coordinator; Veronica B. Alave, MSN/ED, RN; and Margaret Hattori-Uchima, RN, PhD, Dean of the School of Health and Assistant Professor. Not pictured: Jaysleen Lainos and Clarissa Leon Guerrero, UOG Social Work practicum students

Lion’s Club Holds Health Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

On February 01, Marie Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, conducts a hearing screening during the Lions Club Health Fair at the Micronesia Mall. Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) and Guam’s Positive Parents Together (GPPT) participated in the Lions Club Health Fair held at the Micronesia Mall. Information and resources were provided to attendees on the importance of early hearing screening, detection of hearing loss, enrollment into early intervention services, and information on parent support group services available to families of children with a hearing loss.

University of Guam Social Work Interns Jaysleen Lainos (left) and Clarissa Leon Guerrero (middle) share resources with fair participants.

GPPT Project FitMe Sponsors “Let’s Paint Family Day”

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

On January 25, the Guam Positive Parents Together Deaf/Hard of Hearing (GPPT DHH) Family Support Group met at Color Me Guam to learn basic ASL signs geared to the art activity that followed immediately after the lesson. Guam Community College (GCC) ASL students and their instructor, Kirsten Rosario were present to provide additional support to families.

SKI-HI Institute Facilitates Deaf Mentor Training on Guam

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

Two years of preparation and hard work to bring the SKI-HI Institute’s Deaf Mentor Program to Guam came to fruition. On January 15, SKI-HI Institute Deaf Mentor trainers, Paula Pittman and Jodee Crace met with Cathy Tydingco, Guam Department of Education Part C Coordinator – Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) to discuss the critical role GEIS holds in the development of a Deaf Mentor Program for the island’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children birth to 5-years-old and their families. The success of the program relies on the partnership between the GEIS Service Providers and the Deaf Mentors working together to provide families with the best services possible.

SKI-HI lead trainer Paula Pittman is no stranger to Guam. Her last visit was about 10 years ago when she conducted SKI-HI training for teachers and service providers of DHH infants. This was Ms. Crace’s first trip to the island as a SKI-HI trainer for Deaf Mentors. Ms. Crace is a DHH adult and one of a team of three trainers for the Deaf Mentor component of the SKI-HI curriculum. SKI-HI programs can be found throughout the United States as well as countries such as South Africa, England, Poland and a few areas in China to name a few. The unique aspect of the Deaf Mentor Training compared to other trainings is that the entire training is done in American Sign Language (ASL). Participants are required to be fluent in ASL to attend the three-day training. From January 16-18, 13 deaf adults participated in the rigorous training to build the island’s local capacity of Deaf Mentors at the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) training room located at the University of Guam. Of the 13 trainees, 11 completed the program.

To better understand the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Program, Guam CEDDERS’ Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Deaf Mentor Program invited GEIS and Guam Positive Parents Together (GPPT) staff to participate on the first day to receive an overview of the program. Two ASL interpreters were present on day one to interpret for the hearing attendees of the training.

This was a first for both interpreters and hearing adults present during day one of training. GEIS, GPPT, and EHDI staff, as well as interpreters gained the unique experience of the communication challenges DHH adults face on a daily basis in the hearing world. Interpreters shared that they are used to and most comfortable when interpreting in ASL for DHH community; however, when voicing the signs from DHH individuals to hearing individuals, the task was more challenging in conveying the message that the DHH speaker intends to relay. The completion of this training forged stronger connections between the Deaf Mentors and GPPT. The GPPT Parent Support Group is currently planning activities to bring the deaf adults in contact with families of children identified with a hearing loss. Guam CEDDERS continues to work with Guam’s Special Education personnel to develop an approach to utilize and maximize the skills acquired by the identified Deaf Mentors.

The SKI-HI curriculum for early intervention and training began in 1972. The institute is currently part of the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Families are given choices, illuminated to possibilities, given information and skills and are strengthened in confidence, appreciation and love of their child, as well as envisioning a future full of hope for their child.

On January 18, participants completed a three-day SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Training held on January 16, 17, and 18, at the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) conference room. This intensive three-day training was conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by SKI-HI Deaf Mentor instructors, Paula Pittman and Jodee Crace. The purpose of the training is to provide a foundation for development of the Deaf Mentor Program on Guam. Pictured Front Row (left-right): Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, Bong Sun Ahn, Cory Mendiola, Paula Pittman, Ph.D. SKI-HI, Jodee Crace, MA, SKI-HI, Cory Mendiola. Back Row (left-right): Tasha Hanley, Normie Ilustre, Myra Aguon, Janice Toves, Melencia Porto, Eufrocino Porto, Christopher Taitingfong, Francisco R. Perez, Jr., and Regina Hawkins. Not Pictured: Tanya Simer, Research Associate, Guam CEDDERS and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS.

On January 16, Myra Aguon (left), Deaf Mentor trainee, introduces herself as Deaf Mentor Trainers Jodee Crace and Paula Pittman, from Utah State University, SKI-HI Institute watch and listen intently.

On January 16, members of the Deaf Community shared about themselves and what they hope to gain after the three-day SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Training. Pictured sitting at the table (left-right): Normie Ilustre, Bong Sun Ahn, Christopher Taitingfong, and Regina Hawkins.

On January 16, after discussion and brainstorming with her group members, Myra Aguon records potential “Challenges” and “Solutions” a Deaf Mentor may encounter during a home visit as Paula Pittman seizes the moment to capture a photo of the group in action. Pictured from (left-right): Eufrocino Porto, Myra Aguon, Normie Ilustre, Paula Pittman, Director SKI-HI and Deaf Mentor Outreach, SKI-HI Institute, Utah State University.

On January 16, participants worked collaboratively in small groups to discuss and list the characteristics of an effective Deaf Mentor. Pictured (left-right): Tasha Hanley, Cory Mendiola, Regina Hawkins, Normie Ilustre, Christopher Taitingfong, and Melencia Porto. Not Shown: Francisco R. Perez, Jr., Janice Toves, and Jude Ogo.

On January 18, as part of the training activities, participants broke into two groups to play a game of “Trivia”. Each team generated a list of famous Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults. The team with the most unduplicated names determined the winner of the “Trivia” game. Pictured (left-right): Tasha Hanley, Normie Ilustre, Melencia Porto, Christopher Taitingfong, and Regina Hawkins.

Families Participate in Workshops for Improving Literacy Using Online Resources

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Technical Assistance Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Department of Education

Two Guam Department of Education (GDOE) State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP) schools provided family engagement workshops for parents centered on improving literacy. The schools were M.U. Lujan Elementary and J. M. Guerrero Elementary. M.U. Lujan Elementary held their session on December 19, 2019 and J.M. Guerrero Elementary held their session on January 14. Both sessions were conducted at the respective schools. A combined total of 144 parents participated in the workshops. The workshops were focused on the online family toolkit from the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL). Using laptops provided by the schools, parents were given the opportunity to explore the NCIL website for parent resources and tools that can be used to support reading at home. The sessions were an extension of the Pacific SSIP Collaborative which was held on Guam in October 2019. As part of the Pacific SSIP Collaborative, Sarah Sayko, Deputy Director of NCIL, conducted a workshop for families and school personnel on October 12, 2019. The SSIP principals who attended the sessions took back the information to their school community and had their own workshops to share this valuable online resource.