GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Self-Advocacy
Group poses for photo outside GSAT.
The GSAT Advisory Council held its general membership meeting on October 27, 2015. During this meeting, new officers were elected. The new officers and members of the council can be seen in the photo above. They are (Left to Right): Lou Mesa, Member at Large; Lee Perez, community member; Raymond Sayas, Guam Development Disabilities Council representative; Dawn Maka, Secretary; Roy Rosario, Member at Large; Lisa Ogo, Member at Large; Jennifer Vicente, Guam Legal Services Disability Law Center representative; (seated) Josephine Cortez, community member; Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology program coordinator, Barbara Johnson, Chairperson; Rudy Ignacio, Vice Chairperson.

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.

AT Demo Conducted

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination Pacific VIP Self-Advocacy Vision Impairment
Three individuals seated around conference table with AT device on table.
Carla Torres (left), GSAT Program Coordinator, and Roy Rosario (far right), GSAT Advisory Council member, provided Maria Pineda (center) a demonstration of the Eye-Pal ROL portable scanner and reader. Roy shared his positive experiences with the Eye-Pal ROL and the various ways he uses it to access printed materials and maintain independence in his life.

September 2015 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS AUCD Self-Advocacy
Photo of Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting on September 18, 2015.
The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council held its quarterly meeting on September 18 at the GSAT Center. In addition to the regular agenda topics, the Council previewed two recently Guam CEDDERS produced videos: “Visitability,” and “Ta Fan Acompredi: 10 Tips for Communicating with People with Disabilities” which was produced in collaboration with Guam Legal Services Disabilities Law Center.
Attending the meeting were (clockwise, starting top left): Erlinda Tydingco, Chairperson; Josie Guerrero; Maria Bontogon; Mara San Nicolas; Rosanne Ada; Hank Parker; Therese Crisostomo; June De Leon; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas; Ben Servino; and Terrie Fejarang.

Guam CEDDERS Posters Go On Display at the 25th Anniversary of the ADA Festival

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy
Four individuals standing holding posters.
Resources materials developed by Guam CEDDERS and funded by CEDDERS’ AIDD Core Grant were put on display at the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Festival held at the Smithsonian Museum of American History on July 24-26. Copies of the posters, featuring advocates on Guam, are also being given to AIDD for display at the AIDD offices in Washington, DC. Celebrating the ADA. Receiving the posters are: (left to right) Shakia Baskerville, MPH, Presidential Management Fellow, Office of External Affairs, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Shia Byers, Summer Intern, American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD), Andrew Morris, MPH, Policy Analyst, Office of the Commissioner, Administration on Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, US Department of Health & Human Services
  • Individual seated at table with hand on braille sheet speaking into a microphone as other individuals look on.

    Lisa Ogo, GSAT Advisory Council Member reads the Council’s Resolution on Community Living, Choice, and Assistive Technology at the Transition into Community Living Conference held at the Westin Guam Resort and Spa on July 31.

  • Individual in wheelchair speaking with individual standing behind table with various assistive technology devices.

    Andrew Gumataotao (standing), GSAT student office assistant, provided assistive technology device demonstrations to conference participants.

  • Individual standing at podium next to two large screens while crowd of participants look on.

    Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS faculty, presented the No Wrong Door Initiative which is aimed at ensuring that all persons of all ages are able to access information for needed supports.

  • A crowded ballroom sits watching presentation.

    Conference participants listen attentively to Daren Burrier, Assistant Fire Chief, as he shares information in line with recent legislation about a new voluntary emergency online registry.

  • Individual standing on stage with six other individuals seated behind a table center stage.

    Andrew Tydingco (standing), Vice-President for Self Advocates in Action, shares information about their non-profit organization, and the role it plays in community living for individuals with disabilities as other members of the community resources panel look on.

GSAT Hosts Transition into the Community Conference

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Developmental Disabilities Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy

On July 31, 2015, at the Westin Resort, 130 people participated in this event titled Transition into Community Living: An Assistive Technology Training for Individuals with Disabilities, Family Members, and Service Providers. The day kicked off with GSAT’s program coordinator Carla Torres presenting on GSAT’s long standing commitment to the Guam community to assist individuals with disabilities live productive, independent, and happy lives. GSAT’s Advisory Council read their Resolution on Community Living, Choice, and Assistive Technology which helped to set the perspective of the day.

  • Governor standing at microphone addressing crowd.

    Governor Eddie Calvo (at the microphone) delivered opening remarks during the "Deaf Jam Fiesta" event held at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach on July 11. Joining the Governor were (L-R) Ben Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID); Melissa Cayton, Deaf Jam main organizer; Andrew Tydingco, master of ceremonies and Vice President, SiñA; Rosanne Ada, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Guam CEDDERS participated in the event with a display of informational brochures and materials featuring the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) and Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) programs.

  • Crowd of participants seated under outdoor pavilion.

    Participants at the "Deaf Jam Fiesta" focused their attention during the Governor's welcoming remarks.

  • Female individual standing at microphone addressing crowd.

    Melissa Cayton (at the microphone) and main organizer, welcomed the participants of the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta event on July 11. Over 100 guests attended the event which included individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing and their families, individuals with disabilities and their families, community members and service providers. Standing around Melissa were (L-R) Kirsten Bamba, Sign Language Interpreter, Ben Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID); Rosanne Ada, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, and Governor Eddie Calvo. Not shown: Andrew Tydingco, master of ceremonies and Vice President, SiñA.

  • Several individuals standing in single file line wearing grass skirts, red tube tops and a flower in their right ear.

    Members of the deaf community learned several cultural dances and joined in during the performances by "Taotao Lagu" dance troupe.

  • Two female individuals in conversation. One female individual smiles towards camera.

    (Facing Camera L-R) Nacrina and Johanna Mendiola engage in conversation with Kirsten Bamba (Left with back to camera) while hanging out at the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta.

  • Three individuals facing camera

    (L-R) Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, Leone Rohr, Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Member, and Joyce Flores, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Program Advisory Council member, pose by the Guam EHDI display table during the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta event held at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach on July 11.

  • Several individuals dancing in traditional costume. A young child dancing along with group.

    Kaleb Suzuki (in dark blue shirt) joins in during the audience participation segment of the cultural presentation. His parents, (at right with phone cameras) proudly record his dance moves.

  • Several individuals dancing in traditional costume. Adult male dancing along with group.

    Ben Servino, DISID Director (in black shirt), shows his moves during the cultural presentation. The Deaf Jam Fiesta coincidentally took place on his birthday.

Deaf Jam Fiesta Celebration

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Information Dissemination Self-Advocacy

  • Photo of workshop attendees participating in an activity.

    Bob Cruz, John Quinata, and John LG Salas role play "getting to know you" for building a network of informal supports on post-secondary campuses.

  • Photo of workshop attendees participating in an activity.

    Trish Billen, disability studies and social work intern, role plays with fellow facilitator Maria Bontogon and participant Zenaida DelMundo to demonstrate the more formal interactions with post secondary faculty when disclosing disability and needing to request accommodations.

  • Photo of workshop attendees participating in an activity.

    John LG Salas, Bob Cruz, and John Quinata role play "getting to know you" as a means of furthering skills in positive communication.

Self-Advocacy Workshop Promotes Skills for College

by Guam CEDDERS Self-Advocacy

ADA 25th Anniversary & IDEA 40th Anniversary Celebration – Short Film Schedule

by Guam CEDDERS Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Self-Advocacy

Short Film Schedule:

Faces of Autism
A short film series that features local families sharing their stories on living with autism.

Docomo Channel 2 (Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00pm) May 19, May 28
Kuam TV11 (Saturdays & Sundays at 7pm) May 24, June 6, June 13 
PBS Channel 12 (Sunday at 8:00pm) May 24, May 25 (re-broadcast 6:30pm) 

Eric
Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., a senator in the 31st Guam Legislature, is a lifelong educator. She has been a University of Guam Professor, and is a former Deputy Superintendent of the Guam Department of Education. But first and foremost, she is a mother. She candidly shares her experiences and views on raising a child with autism in this video interview. “Eric” A Parent Advocate Profile” paints a raw, compelling, at times humorous, and emotionally moving story while providing some advice to families, teachers, and to the community at large.

Kuam TV11 (Saturdays & Sundays at 7pm) May 17, May 30, June 7
Docomo Channel 2 (Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00pm) May 21, June 2
PBS Channel 12 (Sunday at 7:00pm) May 31, June 1 (re-broadcast 6:30pm)

Bernadette
This is a story of Bernadette Colet, a 35 year-old athlete, artist, worker, altar server, joker, friend, and all around charmer who happens to have Down Syndrome. Told through the voice of her mother and father, “Bernadette” aims to increase public awareness about people with Down Syndrome and advocates that people with disabilities need opportunities and given a chance, just like everyone else.

Assistive Technology and Educational Success
This educational video features the use of assistive technology in the educational setting.

Guam Systems for Assistive Technology 20 Years in Assistive Technology
A video that highlights the history of the Guam System for Assistive Technology from its inception to the present.

Kuam TV11 (Saturdays & Sundays at 7pm) May 23, May 31
Docomo Channel 2:  Wednesday, May 27, 9:00pm; Friday, May 29, 9:00pm; Tuesday, June 2, 9:00pm; Thursday, June 4, 9:00pm
PBS Channel 12 (Sunday at 8:00pm) June 7, June 8 (re-broadcast 6:30pm)