Guam CEDDERS Facilitates Input Session for the Down Syndrome Association of Guam

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Community Services: Technical Assistance
The Down Syndrome Association of Guam participated in a Guam CEDDERS Input Session on Saturday, October 28 at the Guam System for Assistive Technology Conference Room. Standing left to right are: Josie Guerrero and Vincent Guerrero with their son Vadin Guerrero and grandson, Dreyden Salas; Mary Kidd, Input Session Facilitator, Tanya Simer, Social Work intern, Francisco Mendiola, grandson of Joe & Nacrina Mendiola standing behind; Johanna Mendiola, daughter of Joe & Nacrina; Starlette Santos, Serene Pecha, Social Work student, and Joey Pecha in the back.

GSAT Conducts Presentation on Assistive Technology in the Workplace

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Uncategorized
On October 27, Leah Abelon (left), GSAT Center Coordinator, demonstrates the Specs4Us frames to Naomi Sanchez (center), Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center Advocate, and Emilani Blas (right), Social Work Intern at Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center, during a presentation on Assistive Technology in the Workplace.

CNMI Part C Providers Receive Early Childhood Coaching Certification

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Community Services: Training
Guam CEDDERS facilitated technical assistance for CNMI Part C Providers to receive evidence-based Early Childhood Coaching certification through collaboration with CNMI Part C and Hawaii Part C programs. Guam CEDDERS and CNMI Part C providers participated in three webinars, onsite training in Hawaii, and six months of peer-to-peer coaching and mentoring with Dr. M’lssa Sheldon and Dathan Rush. The participants received certification in September 2017. The certification ensures that early childhood coaching is practiced with fidelity. Pictured (L-R): Peter Mendiola, CNMI Part C Special Instruction Teacher; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS CNMI Part C Consultant; Robin Palacios, CNMI Part C Director; and Jonisa Sanchez, CNMI Part C Special Instruction Teacher.

Autism Community Together Input Session

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance
Autism Community Together (ACT) gathered at GSAT on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 to provide input on prioritized Areas of Emphasis as part of Guam CEDDERS’ needs assessment efforts. Seated, front row (L-R) are: Carol Darlow, parent, Josephine Blas, ACT President, with son Joseph Blas seated on her lap; and Lourdes Mesa, parent. Second row (L-R), Clifford Bascon Wooten, self-advocate, Lourdes Bascon Mendiola, parent, Evelyn San Agustin-Claros, parent, Asuncion Riate,parent, Kristal Leigh K. Flores, parent, and Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS. Back row (L-R) Joseph Taijeron Social Work intern, and Michael Acosta Social Work student.

Guam CEDDERS Meets with the New Guam EHDI Advisory Committee Chairperson

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
On September 14, newly elected Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project Advisory Chairperson, Joseph Tuquero (Right), met with Guam EHDI staff, Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS (Center) and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate (Left) for an orientation on the project, the facilitation of parent and family engagement, and roles and responsibilities of the EHDI Advisory Chairperson.

Project Bisita I Familia Team Present at MIECHV All-Grantee Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Project Bisita I Familia
The Guam Project Bisita I Familia team shared program accomplishments during the “Display Cafe” session at the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting All-Grantee Meeting in Washington D.C. on September 6. At the request of the federal project officers, the ChildLink-Bisita database system was showcased for other state projects to see due to its comprehensiveness yet simplicity of use. Pictured from left to right are: Sherill Tinio, Home Visitor; JJ Mendiola, Data Manager; Margarita Gay, Project Director; Jenika Ballesta, CQI Coordinator; Audrey Topasna, Project Coordinator; Relida Sumayo, Home Visiting Supervisor; Maria Dixon, Administrative Assistant; and Diana Santos, Community Assesment Worker.

USDOE officials visit Guam CEDDERS

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Department of Education

Dr. Lisa Ramirez from the U.S. Department of Education met with Guam CEDDERS and Guam Department of Education staff on September 11.  The purpose of the meeting was for the visitors to meet face to face with GDOE partners to discuss collaborative activities and the academic and social impact of these joint efforts.

Participants in the USDOE/Guam CEDDERS meeting concluded the activity with a group photo.
(L-R) Maria Blas,(GDOE State Program Officer), Darlene Cruz (GDOE Personnel Specialist), June De Leon (Guam CEDDERS Associate Director) and Dr. Heidi San Nicolas listen to the stories shared by others during the partnership meeting with USDOE representatives.
Dr. Lisa Ramirez (back row, far right) continues with the purpose of the visit while the Guam CEDDERS and GDOE staff listen attentively.
(Far left, counter-clockwise) Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; Darlene Cruz, Maria Blas, Dawn Blas, and Shannon Bulikosa, GDOE; Dr. Ramirez; Doris Bukikosa, GDOE; Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; Steven Pangelinan, and Frank Limtiaco, GDOE.

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.

Project Bisita I Familia Parent Café

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Project Bisita I Familia
Project Bisita I Familia held a Parent Cafe, on August 18 at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa. The Parent Café theme was on “Being a Strong Parent” and focused on the 2 protective factors: 1) Parents Need to Help Their Children to Communicate/ Children’s Social and Emotional Development and 2) Being a Great Parent Is Part Natural and Part Learned/ Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development.