Developmental Disabilities Month Highlights
Once again through the collaborative efforts of the Tri-agencies, which is comprised of Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC), Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center (GLS-DLC), and Guam CEDDERS, and the GDDC members planned many advocacy and awareness activities in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Month in March. With Mrs. Monica Limtiaco, GDDC Council Chairperson, taking the lead, the national theme, “World’s Imagine” was utilized and localized to “World’s Imagine – I Can.” The idea behind the localized theme was to showcase the individual abilities of individuals with disabilities in performing different activities and tasks.
Some of the activities included the advocacy posters that highlighted the successes of individuals with disabilities. The production of videos that showed the “I Can” skills of various individuals, such as cooking, playing, bowling, and using the computer. Many thanks to the participants of the videos and the service providers who ensured that the skills of individuals with disabilities were highlighted. Thank you to the poets who submitted poems on topics of their fancy. Thank you to Guam CEDDERS Media Staff for the creation of the products – customized design of the “World’s Imagine” theme, posters, and videos. Thank you to the Department of Public Health & Social Services and GLS-DLC for the procurement of the T-shirts that depicted the Latte Stone design, which signified our strength and resilience not only as CHamoru, but individuals with disabilities who continue to be resilient despite the many challenges to accessibility and services. Last but not the least, as a culminating activity, the GDDC Advocacy wave, in front of the GDDC office was well supported by the Tri-Agency, GDDC Council members, and Marine Drive “honkers.”
The GDDC Awareness Celebration is a prime example that with imagination and teamwork, the resilient and persistent drive of GDDC Council members to show the island community that individuals with disabilities can do many things was not detoured by the pandemic. It even motivated and inspired the council members to plan for a more extensive and meaningful celebration for next year’s GDDC Celebration!
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