Guam CEDDERS provided the “Pripåra Hao Emergency Preparedness Checklist and Guidebook for Persons with Disabilities” to the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Program Coordinator

by Guam CEDDERS Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Information Dissemination
Jenika Ballesta, Research Associate, presented copies of the “Pripåra Hao Emergency Preparedness Checklist and Guidebook for Persons with Disabilities” to Marie Libria, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Program Coordinator. Ms. Libria will share these products during the 2018 AIDD Technical Assistance Institute, 2018 NACDD Annual Conference and related meetings, and during the “Emergency Preparedness: What Can Councils Do?” panel featuring FEMA, Alabama DD Council, and Guam DD Council.

Guam CEDDERS Director Participates in Panel Presentation

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities
On Friday, May 25, 2018, Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director (left), participated in a panel discussion entitled, “Preparing the Territories- What have we learned and What Happens Now?” at the Getting it Right 2018 National Inclusive Disaster Strategies Conference held at the Marriott Metro Center, Washington DC. The panel presentation focused on a summary of the White Paper prepared by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) with input from four of the five Territory UCEDD Directors regarding Disaster Preparedness and the role of UCEDDS. (Seated L-R): Dr. San Nicolas; Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD; Dr. Carol Salas, University of Puerto Rico UCEDD Director; Dr. Kimberly Mills, University of the Virgin Islands UCEDD Director; Daphnee Guilleume, AUCD Public Health Program Manager; and Adriane Griffen, AUCD Senior Director, Public Policy and Leadership.

Guam CEDDERS Director Attends UCEDD Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Developmental Disabilities
On May 23, 2018, Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director (second from left), met with Amie Lulinski, Coleman Institute; Dr. Kimberly Mills, University of the Virgin Islands UCEDD Director; and Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD, met to discuss the upcoming “State of the States in Developmental Disabilities” report. The group pictured is writing a letter of request for the Territories to be included as the just released RFP did not include Territories.

GSAT Attends the Ability Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Shawni Acfalle, GSAT Center Assistant, demonstrates an Assistive Technology device that can provide assistance for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to participants during the Ability Fair on May 18, 2018 at the Sinajana Community Center. The Fair, hosted by Guma Mami, featured the strengths of individuals with disabilities by displaying their crafts and provided an opportunity to search for employment.

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.

Here are more pictures from

Guam CEDDERS 25th Anniversary Celebration

 

 

GDDC Swears In New Members

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities
On November 17, Joseph Mendiola, CEDDERS Interoperability Data Manager, was sworn in as a new member of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. The ceremony was held at the Lieutenant Governor's office and conducted by Acting Governor Ray Tenorio. Mr. Mendiola was appointed for a four-year term by the Governor to the Council and will be representing Guam CEDDERS.
On November 17, Joseph Mendiola, CEDDERS Interoperability Data Manager, was sworn in as a new member of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. The ceremony was held at the Lieutenant Governor’s office and conducted by Acting Governor Ray Tenorio. Mr. Mendiola was appointed for a four-year term by the Governor to the Council and will be representing Guam CEDDERS.

UOG Students Explore Assistive Technology

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Technical Assistance Community Services: Training Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy

Three students in assistive technology center.
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.
Student sitting at desk.
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.

GSAT Holds Training on using AT in the Workplace

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

As part of the activities to commemorate “National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology and Special Projects Coordinator, conducted a presentation on “Assistive Technology Utilization in the Workplace” on October 8. Attendees included individuals with disabilities, family members, and personnel from the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID). 

Speaker presenting to a large group around a conference table.
Various community members, including service providers, employers, and individuals with disabilities, listen to Carla Torres (standing), GSAT program coordinator talk about “Utilizing Assistive Technology in the Workplace.”
Three workshop participants trying out assistive technology devices.
Community members try the various communication devices on display at GSAT’s new AT Center.

NDEAM Proclamation Signing

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy
Large group poses for photo in Governor's conference room.
On September 29, 2015, Acting Governor Ray Tenorio signed a proclamation declaring October “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” The national theme this is year is “My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am.” The Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is leading the month-long celebration with a variety of training opportunities and celebratory activities for individuals with disabilities, employers, and service providers alike.