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.

GSAT Participates in the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Conference and Resource Fair

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, conducts a presentation on GSAT Services and Assistive Technology during the NDEAM Conference held at the Hotel Nikko Guam on October 11.
Shawni Acfalle (right), GSAT Center Assistant, and Joseph Taijeron, Social Work Practicum Student, demonstrate an Assistive Technology (AT) device called “iBill,” to Joe Blas, Hotel Nikko Guam Assistant General Manager, during the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Conference on October 11.

Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Member Demonstrates OrCam MyEye for Community Members

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On September 29, Maria Bontogon, a senior at the University of Guam and a member of the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council, conducted a demonstration on the OrCam MyEye for community members. The OrCam is a type of wearable technology that is able to read printed text, do facial recognition, reads bar codes, and identifies currency and color. Social Work students also attended the presentation with their instructor, Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. This presentation was hosted by the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT).

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.

iCanConnect free technology program for Guam

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), talking to training attendees.
On September 13, Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), conducted a presentation on the iCanConnect Program at the GSAT Center. The program aims to put technology into the hands of people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected with the people who matter most. For those who qualify for the program, technology and training for distance communication is provided for free.
Cathy Kirscher demonstrates the functions of the Meteor Vibrating Watch to Maria Bontogon, Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council member and University of Guam student.

UOG Social Work Intern Joe Taijeron, shares his fascination with the AfterShockz Wireless Bone Conduction Earphones with Guam CEDDERS Research Associate Christina Jung.

(Pictured L-R) Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative, Helen Keller National Center; and Ben Servino, DISID Director.

Seating and Wheeled Mobility Service Training Workshop

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
A Seating and Wheeled Mobility Service Training Workshop was held at in Saipan on September 7-9. The Training was conducted by Dr. Laura Cohen (front, fifth from left), from Rehabilitation Consultants and sponsored by the Disability Network Partners (DNP) – Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Council on Developmental Disabilities, CDD- Assistive Technology Program, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Maternal Child Health, Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy, Inc. ,and the Northern Marianas College-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. GSAT Center Coordinator, Leah Abelon (front, second from left) attended the three-day training.

Dr. Cohen facilitated range of motion exercises and measurements for wheelchair fitting with staff from Marianas Health, Medquest, and the Guam System for Assistive Technology during the hands on application sessions held on September 9.

Guam CEDDERS Promoted Guam EHDI and GSAT Programs during the Breastfeeding Awareness Outreach Event

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On August 28, (Pictured L-R) Christina Jung, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; Marie Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; Tanya Simer, UOG Social Work Practicum Student; and Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, promote Guam EHDI, and GSAT programs during the 4th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Fair held at the Micronesia Mall.

Akudi Loan Client Receives Accessible Vehicle

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On August 23, Christina Jung, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate, (right)​​ ​and Leah Abelon, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center Coordinator, (not ​shown​)​, ​conducted an interview with Peter Ybarra​ (left), Akudi Loan client, ​and wife, Priscilla Ybarra (right), at ​the​ GSAT​ Center​ . The Ybarra family received their accessible vehicle from AMS Vans last week through the assistance of the Akudi Loan Program. During the interview, they ​excitedly​ shared how the AT device has promoted great independence and overall quality of life.
(L-R) Priscilla Ybarra, Peter Ybarra, Christina Jung, and Leah Abelon take a group photo in front of GSAT before concluding the interview on the Akudi Loan Program.
Peter Ybarra, Akudi Loan client, poses next to his 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan accessible vehicle, purchased through AMS Vans. This vehicle has ​a side-entry for easier access to enter the vehicle.