Document Accessibility Webinar

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination

 

On August 13, 2020,  Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator conducted a Virtual Webinar, “Creating Accessible Documents,” where 80 individuals from various agencies and the general public registered.  As information is now being delivered electronically, it is essential that individuals with disabilities have access to digital information. The webinar offered tips and guides to assist service providers in creating documents that are readable to individuals with disabilities. It covered topics such as the importance of including a document title, filename, headings, lists, accessible tables and links, alternative text, and distinguishing appropriate color contrast and running the accessibility checker.

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

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

Senior Citizens Participate in Technology Demonstrations

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On September 20, senior citizens at the Yona/Talofofo Senior Center posed for a photo after participating in an interactive GSAT presentation on the different assistive technology devices.
On September 26, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) presented the various assistive technology devices available at the GSAT office to Senior Citizens at the Mangilao Senior Center. Pictured is a senior citizen who volunteered to demonstrate the use of a knee rover, an alternative to crutches mobility device that can be used by individuals recovering from foot or lower leg injury/surgery.
On November 30, the Guam Systems for Assistive Technology (GSAT) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Sinajana Senior Citizen, Mrs. Annie Sablan, for her generous donation of a Hoyer Lift (valued at $400.00) to GSAT. Through the Assistive Technology Reutilization Program, donors are able to donate equipment to GSAT which in turn can be loaned to other individuals in need of the equipment. Pictured (L-R): Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; Leah Abelon, Guam CEDDERS GSAT Coordinator; Annie Sablan, Donor; Ken San Agustin, Sinajana Senior Center Program Coordinator.

College Students Learn About GSAT Services

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination
On September 23, Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, conducted a presentation on GSAT services and the Akudi Loan Program to students attending the University
of Guam Social Work Program. Students also toured the Assistive Technology Demo Center and the Model Home.

Guam State Rehabilitation (SRC) Outreach Committee Meet

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On August 27, The Guam State Rehabilitation (SRC) Outreach Committee held their work session to discuss about the Customer Satisfaction Surveys that will be going out to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Clients. In attendance were: (Standing L-R) Lourdes Ann Mesa, SRC Chairperson; Leah Abelon, Outreach Committee Chairperson; Tim Murphy, Member; Seated (L-R) Brittney Cruz, Member; and Rodney Calimlim.

Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Client Demonstration

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On August 27, Shawni Acfalle (standing), Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center Assistant demonstrates the first Braille and tactile smartwatch called the Dot Watch to Rodney Calimlim (seated), an individual who is blind. The smartwatch synchronizes to your smartphone and displays caller, text messages, appointments, or notifications from various apps on your smartphone. The Dot Watch is now available for demonstration and individuals can contact the GSAT Office at 735-2490 for an appointment.

GSAT and Guam EHDI attend Breastfeeding Awareness Month Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination
On August 24, 2019, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) participated in the 6th Annual Breast Feeding Awareness Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court. GSAT shared information on various assistive technology available to assist children with communication and limited fine and gross motor skills. (Pictured L-R) Shawni Acfalle, GSAT AT Center Assistant; and Leah Abelon, GSAT Program Coordinator.
On August 24, 2019, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) and Guam Positive Parents Together (GPPT), participated in the 6th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court. Guam EHDI and GPPT shared information about the importance of initial hearing screening for newborns and the parent support group available to assist families of children identified with a hearing loss. (Pictured L-R) Bernadine Reyes, Guam CEDDERS Office Assistant; fair participant, and Bobbie Afjelle, GPPT Support Staff.

GSAT and Guam EHDI attend the Guam Federation of Teachers Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination
August 10, 2019: Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, and Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate, demonstrate the features of the various Assistive Technology devices to Mara Wusstig, Teacher at the Guam Department of Education, during the Annual Guam Federation of Teachers’ Health Fair at the Guam Premier Outlets.
August 10, 2019: Jenika Ballesta, Guam CEDDERS, Research Associate and Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS, Research Associate, provided information about the importance of newborn hearing screening, developmental milestones and other resources for persons with disabilities to a parent during the Guam Federation of Teachers’ the 6th Annual Health Fair at the Guam Premium Outlet. Not pictured Bobbie Afjelle, Guam Positive Parents Together Inc. (GPPT) Project Fitme Support Staff provided information on the parent support group available for families of children identified with a hearing loss.

Guam State Rehabilitation Council General Membership Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
June 20, 2019: The Guam State Rehabilitation Council held their quarterly General Membership meeting at the GSAT, House 19 to discuss and vote on amendments to policies, and updates from the standing committees. Former SRC Treasurer, Eddy Reyes also conducted a presentation on GovGuam Procurement Policy Regarding Employment for Individuals with Disabilities.