ANNUAL 

REPORT

2019


University of Guam 

Center for Excellence in 

Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research & Service

July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019



December 30, 2018: The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council held its quarterly meeting at the Westin Resort. The quarterly meetings provide members with activity updates, 
and opportunityies to gather emerging needs for consideration.

Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council 2019

Jermaine Alerta
Executive Director
Guam Developmental Disabilities Council

Josephine Blas
Parent

Maria Bontogon
Self-Advocate

Karlyn Borja
Parent

Yolanda Gabriel
Assistant Superintendent

Special Education, Guam Department of Education

Joseph Gumataotao
Director

University of Guam, EEO and Title IX/ADA Coordinator

Barbara Johnson
Self-Advocate

Harold Parker, J.D.
Director
Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center

Linda Rodriguez
Human Services Program Administrator 
Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) 
Department of Public Health & Social Services

Marcelene Santos, J.D.
Director
Office of the Public Guardian - Supreme Court of Guam

Phyliss Leon Guerrero
Director
Department of Integrated Services for 
Individuals with Disabilities

Joyce F. Tejeresas
Parent Advocate 

Erlinda ÒLynnÓ Tydingco
Self-Advocate



Table of Contents

 2 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council

 4 About Guam CEDDERS

 5 CORE Functions

 6 Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Preparation; Continuing Education; Community Services: 
Training

 10 Community Services: Technical Assistance, Model Services, Demonstration Services

 16 Research/Evaluation; Information Dissemination

 21 Collaborating Partners

 22 Guam Collaborating Partners; Other Collaborating Partners

 23 The Guam CEDDERS Team

 23 Funding


March 1, 2019: The Langston University Rehabilitation Research and Technical Assistance Center (LU-RTTC) representatives met with Pacific Basin UCEDD Directors while 
they were on Guam. Standing left to right: Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS; Jennifer-Eileen 
Castro, interim Director, CNMI UCEDD; Dr. Renee Starr-Howard and Dr. Courtney Ward-Sutton, LU-RTTC Post-Doctoral Fellows; and June De Leon, Associate Director, 
Guam CEDDERS. Sitting left to right: Dr. Andre L. Washington, Research Assistant Professor & Technical Assistance Coordinator, LU-RTTC; Dr. Edward O. Manyibe, Research 
Associate & Capacity Building Director, LU-RTTC; and Dr. Corey L. Moore, Principal Investigator and Research Director, LU-RTTC.



About Guam CEDDERS

Mission Statement

Guam CEDDERS creates partnerships and pathways to increase the quality of life of individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families.

Manhihita HumŒtÕsa I Tellai - Building Bridges Together

The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council met quarterly to ensure that the Core goals and objectives were addressed 
and provided input on strategies included in the organizationÕs Work Plan. The Council also provided input on 
emerging issues, trends, and concerns faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Guam CEDDERS staff were also members of numerous 
Councils, Boards, and Committees including:

¥ Advisory Council for U24 - Pacific Island Cohort 
on Cardiometabolic Health (PICCAH)
¥ Administration on Individuals with Developmental 
Disabilities (AIDD) Project Advisory Committee
¥ Akudi Loan Review Committee
¥ Developmental Disabilities Awareness Planning 
Committee
¥ Guam ADA Commemoration Planning Committee
¥ Guam Advisory Panel for Students with 
Disabilities (GAPSD)
¥ Guam Developmental Disabilities Council
¥ Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention 
Advisory Council
¥ Guam Early Learning Council
¥ Guam Head Start Health Advisory Committee
¥ Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law 
Center, Protection & Advocacy for Developmental 
Disabilities Advisory Council
¥ Guam Interagency Coordinating Council
¥ Guam State Rehabilitation Advisory Board
¥ Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)
¥ IES Research Alliance
¥ National Disabilities Employment Awareness 
Month Planning Committee
¥ Pacific Islands Microcredit Institute Board
¥ Project Bisita I Familia Advisory Committee, 
Department of Public Health & Social Services 
(DPHSS)



February 27, 2019: Guam CEDDERS staff posed with Langston University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) staff and representatives from the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Langston University team comprising of Dr. Corey Moore, Principal Investigator 
and Research Director; Dr. Edward Manyibe, Capacity-Building Director and Research Associate Professor; and Dr. Andre Washington, Co-Principal Investigator/Technical 
Assistant Coordinator, were on Guam to share opportunities to conduct research in the fields of disability and rehabilitation. Funded through a grant from the Department 
of Health and Human Services, the LU-RRTC is actively recruiting participation in research opportunities in the U.S. Territories. 



Core Functions

This 2019 Annual Report features Guam CEDDERS activities conducted during the period of July 
1, 2018 Ð June 30, 2019, the first year of the five-year cycle of the Guam CEDDERS Core grant. 
Aligned with the CenterÕs Five-Year Work Plan, the activities are reported by the Guam CEDDERS 
Core Function clusters, which include:

¥ Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Preparation; Continuing Education; Community Services: Training

¥ Community Services: Technical Assistance, Model Services, Demonstration Services

¥ Research/Evaluation; Information Dissemination

Activities and projects under the Guam CEDDERS Core Functions are also aligned with the 
University of GuamÕs Core Commitments of:

¥ Enhancing Academic Quality, Enrollment Growth, Retention, Institutional Visibility

¥ Promoting the Land-Grant Mission of Community Engagement

¥ Strengthening Institutional Efficiency and Effectiveness


March 1, 2019: Directors of the Tri-Agencies pose for a photo during the annual GSAT Conference. Pictured L-R: Jermaine Alerta, Executive Director, Guam Developmental 
Disabilities Council; Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Director, Guam CEDDERS; and Hank Parker, J.D., Executive Director, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center.



Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Preparation; 
Continuing Education; Community Services: Training


October 11, 2018: Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator (right), conducted a presentation and demonstration tour on assistive technology (AT) for students from Dr. 
Catherine CardenasÕ ED 215 Introduction to Exceptional Children class. Information on GSAT services and categories of AT were discussed. 



Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech 
Language Pathology (EPICS)

This year marked the fourth year of a partnership 
with San JosŽ State University in which their graduate 
program in Speech Language Pathology has 
been offered to students in the Pacific through the 
ÒEducating Pacific Island Clinicians in SpeechÓ Project, 
better known as ÒEPICSÓ which is funded through a 
personnel preparation grant from the U.S. Department 
of Education, Office of Special Education Programs 
(OSEP). Nineteen scholars (16 from Guam and three 
from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands) continue to be enrolled in the EPICS Project, 
a MasterÕs Degree Program in Speech Language 
Pathology. Classes and practicum will continue over 
the next year, with the anticipated program completion 
slated for Fall 2020.

CORE: Practicum Students

As one approach to increase awareness of the field 
of services and supports for individuals with disabilities 
and their families, Guam CEDDERS served as a 
practicum site in Fall 2018 for one University of Guam 
senior majoring in Psychology and Spring 2019 for one 
senior majoring in social work. Guam CEDDERS staff 
participated in the Social Work Practicum Fair in April 
2019 to publicize the availability of Guam CEDDERS as 
a potential placement for social work majors to meet 
their one academic year requirement for practicum 
experience.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands Public School System (CNMI PSS)

Guam CEDDERS continued to provide on-site and 
off-site training and technical assistance support to 
the CNMI PSS Individuals with Disabilities Education 
Act (IDEA) Special Education and Early Intervention 
Programs on the development, implementation, 
and evaluation of CNMIÕs Part B and Part C Annual 
Performance Reports, inclusive of the State Systemic 
Improvement Plans, as well as prioritizing training for 
program improvement. 

Republic of Palau (ROP) Special Education 
Program, IDEA Part B

Guam CEDDERS continued to provide on-site and 
off-site training and technical assistance support to 
the ROP IDEA Special Education Program on the 
development, implementation, and evaluation of ROPÕs 
Part B Annual Performance Report, inclusive of the 
State Systemic Improvement Plan. In addition, on-site 
technical support was provided in support of improving 
services and supports for preschoolers with disabilities 
in inclusive settings, children with visual impairments 
requiring Braille and Orientation & Mobility instruction, 
and the identification and evaluation of children with 
disabilities.


May 8, 2019: The Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Pathology (EPICS) Project, allows Guam and CNMI Scholars to be enrolled in San JosŽ State UniversityÕs 
(SJSU) graduate program in Speech Language Pathology through online and on-site classes. Gloria Weddington, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, SJSU Professor Emerita and EPICS Project 
Coordinator, was on Guam from May 7-13 to meet with various stakeholders regarding program and student status in addition to Year 5 plans and activities. Dr. Weddington 
also met with 15 of the Guam Scholars, nine of which are scheduled to complete an eight-week externship in San JosŽ, California starting on June 10. Also attending the 
meeting were Keokia Mendiola, MA, CCC-SLP, and SJSU Clinical Supervisor; and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS EPICS Consultant/Guam on-site Liaison.



March 11&12, 2019: June De Leon (standing), Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, facilitated two 3-hour sessions with GDOE administrators and teachers in preparation for 
the Spring 2019 Multi-State Alternate Assessment.

Guam Department of Education (GDOE)

Guam CEDDERS continued to provide technical 
assistance and training to GDOE in support of its efforts 
to improve educational programs and services. During 
this period, efforts focused on the following priorities for 
program improvement:

State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP)

With local consultants, Guam CEDDERS continued 
facilitation of professional development (PD) sessions 
and school-level support with the four GDOE SSIP 
participating elementary schools: Chief Brodie, Juan M. 
Guerrero, M.U. Lujan, and Capt. H.B. Price Elementary 
Schools.

The focus of the technical support to the four 
elementary schools was on the development and 
implementation of the continuous improvement 
framework for increasing reading achievement in the 
early grades, which included support on teaching 
reading foundational skills, utilizing reading screening 
and assessment tools and data, and developing 
and implementing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) 
improvement cycle. 

Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports 
(PBIS)

With local consultants, Guam CEDDERS provided 
technical support to GDOE in their efforts to implement, 
expand, and sustain PBIS in all GDOE schools. PBIS 
is a framework or approach for assisting school 
personnel in adopting and organizing evidence-based 
behavioral interventions into an integrated continuum 
that enhances academic and social behavior outcomes 
for all students (PBIS Frequently Asked Questions, 
2010, www.pbis.org). The PBIS framework benefits 
students with disabilities as members of the educational 
community, which is a system framework for improving 
academic and social behavioral outcomes for all 
students, including students with disabilities.

Technical support included building capacity within 
GDOE to implement PBIS assessment tools, such as 
the Team Implementation Checklist (TIC), School Safety 
Survey (SSS), Self-Assessment Survey (SAS), and the 
School-Wide Information System (SWIS), to inform 
decisions to improve school climate. Training was also 
provided to school teams on the use of the ÒTough 
KidÓ bundle for students in need of targeted and/or 
intensive interventions. In addition, technical support 
was provided for the development of district coaches to 
support schools with their PBIS implementation.

Individuals with Disabilities Education 
Improvement Act (IDEA) Part B & Part C Programs

With local consultants, Guam CEDDERS facilitated 
prioritized technical assistance for the DepartmentÕs 
IDEA Part B and Part C Programs in support of their 
efforts to improve functional outcomes and educational 
results for children and youth with disabilities. The 
areas of focus for support included:



¥ Development, implementation, and evaluation 
of the Part B and Part C Annual Performance 
Reports (APRs), inclusive of the State Systemic 
Improvement Plans. 
¥ Implementation of the Part B and Part C annual 
parent surveys and parent training series.
¥ Implementation of prioritized training in the low-
incidence disability areas, such as significant 
cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, autism 
spectrum disorders, and social-emotional 
challenges.


Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) 
Special Education Program, IDEA Part B

Guam CEDDERS continued to provide on-site and 
off-site training and technical assistance support to 
the FSM IDEA Special Education Program on the 
development, implementation, and evaluation of 
FSMÕs Part B Annual Performance Report, inclusive 
of the State Systemic Improvement Plan. In addition, 
on-site training was provided in support of improving 
services and supports for children with Autism 
Spectrum Disorder (ASD), early childhood outcomes 
for preschoolers with disabilities, and the participation 
of students with significant cognitive disabilities in an 
alternate assessment based on alternate achievement 
standards.

ChildrenÕs Hospital - Los Angeles Leadership 
Education in Neurodevelopmental 
Disabilities Health Professional Support 
Distance Learning Program for Children 
with ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) Infection in American 
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, and Guam 

The second cohort of the University of Southern 
California, ChildrenÕs Hospital - Los Angeles Leadership 
Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CA-
LEND) Health Professional Support Distance Learning 
Program for Children with ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) Infection in 
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, and Guam continued to complete 
online modules and participate in monthly video 
conference calls with trainees from other jurisdictions 
and CA-LEND faculty. Guam presented a case on 
Autism Spectrum Disorders during the March monthly 
call and another case on Low Incidence Disorders 
(Hearing Impairment) during the June monthly call. Two 
trainees from Department of Public Health & Social 
Services and two from Guam CEDDERS, completed 
the program in May.


Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Preparation; 
Continuing Education; Community Services: Training

¥ ChildrenÕs Hospital - Los Angeles LEND Health Professional 
Support Distance Learning Program for Children with 
ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) Infection in American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
¥ CNMI PSS IDEA Part B & C
¥ CORE: Practicum Students
¥ FSM Project Realize, Empower, and Apply Locally (REAL) VII
¥ Guam CEDDERS Core Grant
¥ GDOE Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
¥ GDOE IDEA Part B & C
¥ GDOE State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP)
¥ Palau IDEA Part B
¥ Project EPICS: Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech-
Language Pathology


January 10, 2019: The CHLA CA-LEND ZIKV Trainees posed for a photo following a 
video conference call with Faculty and fellow cohort members in CNMI and American 
Samoa.Pictured (L - R): Jenesse Quan and Isabella Fagota, Social Workers, Kari–u, 
Department of Public Health and Social Services; Tanya Simer, Hearing Screening 
Paraprofessional, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) 
Project; Josephine Cruz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; and EDLynn Beyond, 
Guam CEDDERS Student Office Assistant and student in the University of Guam 
Master of Public Administration Program. Not pictured: Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS 
Training Associate and CA-LEND ZIKV Training Coordinator.



Community Services: Technical Assistance, 
Model Services, Demonstration Services


May 23, 2019: Guam CEDDERS Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) staff conducted ÒHearing Screening Protocol and EquipmentÓ training at Guam Memorial 
Hospital Authority (GMHA) for the hearing screeners. Initial hearing screening is conducted on babies born on Guam prior to discharge which is aligned with the National 
EHDI goals also known as the Ò1-3-6 PlanÓ (initial hearing screening by 1 month; Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation by 3 months; early intervention services by 6 months). 
GMHA hearing screeners watch attentively as Marie Wusstig (right), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, demonstrates the how to conduct a daily equipment check for the 
Algo3i AABR equipment.



Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)

This year marked an important milestone for the 
GSAT Project which celebrated its 25th anniversary 
for providing services and supports for individuals 
with disabilities and their family members on Guam. In 
collaboration with the Guam Developmental Disabilities 
Tri-Agency partners: Guam Developmental Disabilities 
Council and Guam Legal Services Corporation - 
Disability Law Center, GSAT led the facilitation of the 
25th Annual Assistive Technology (AT) Conference and 
Fair held in March. The primary focus of these two 
events is to increase public awareness about AT and 
promote the positive impact AT can have for persons 
with disabilities. About 168 individuals with disabilities, 
family members, and service providers attended 
this yearÕs conference. The GSAT Project was also 
presented with a legislative resolution in recognition of 
its 25th Anniversary by Senator Amanda Shelton.

Akudi: Assistive Technology (AT) Loan 
Program

The Akudi Loan Program is a collaborative project 
faciliated by the Guam CEDDERS Guam System for 
Assistive Technology (GSAT), as part of a cooperative 
agreement with the Pacific Island Microcredit Institute 
(PIMI) and Bank of Guam, as the lending institution. 
Akudi offers low interest loans to qualified Guam 
residents with disabilities to purchase assistive 
technology devices. It also provides loans to individuals 
with disabilities on Guam who need funding for 
equipment, supplies, inventory, and other related 
services to start their own business or expand an 
existing business. This specialized type of funding 
provides individuals with disabilities alternative options 
and empowerment to promoting independence and 
improve quality of lives.

GSAT by the Numbers: 2018-2019

# of Akudi Loans (Former GOAL-AT & GGT)

0

# of Short-Term Device Loans

55

# of AT Device Demonstrations

25

# of Information Assistance provided

215

Estimated # of individuals reached through 
Public Awareness Activities

820






August 25, 2018: The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) and the Guam 
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (GEHDI) programs represented Guam 
CEDDERS at the 5th Annual Breast Feeding Awareness Health Fair held at the 
Micronesia Mall.


January 24, 2019: The Riate Family visited the GSAT Model Home, which helped 
them learn more about assistive technology. The Riates borrowed the Weighted 
Shawl and Puppy Hugs assistive devices. The Weighted Shawl and Puppy Hugs are 
weighted sensory products that aid with sensory processing by providing deep 
pressure information to joints and muscles, which help individuals feel relaxed and 
calm. (Pictured L-R: Joseph, Asuncion, and Simon Riate)

 August 28, 2018: Charles Sallinger visited the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT) to explore AT options for individuals with visual impairments. 
Mr. Sallinger tested the Clearview + Speech CCTV, a 24Ó video magnifier with color 
contrast and text to speech capabilities.



April 4, 2019: Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, facilitated training using the Center for Social and Emotional Foundations in Early Learning Ð Positive Solutions 
for Families Module for service providers from the Department of Public Health and Social Services Kari–u and Ma–elu, Inc. Micronesian Resource Center One Stop Shop 
(MRCOSS). The modules, which were recently modified to ensure cultural appropriateness, include six sessions on how to deal with challenging behaviors with young 
children.


December 2018: Tanya Simer (right), Guam CEDDERS Research Associate, conducted a special hearing screening using the Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) machine. 



February 20, 2019: Joleen Baza, Kari–u Social Worker, Department of Public Health and Social Services, and Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant 
(not pictured), co-faciliatated training using ÒLearn the Signs. Act Early.Ó materials with staff members from Alee Shelter.


May 23, 2019: Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate/Project Bisita I Familia TA and Training Coordinator (pictured standing second from right), and Jenika Ballesta, 
Guam CEDDERS Research Associate/Project Bisita Data (not pictured), facilitated training on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) with Project Bisita Staff using the CQI 
Toolkit, a resource for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program developed by James Bell Associates under the Project Design Options for 
Home Visiting Evaluation (DOHVE).

January 19, 2019: Renee Koffend, AuD, CCC-A, facilitated a Parent Leadership Training on ÒIntroduction to Deaf and Hard of HearingÓ for parents and family members at 
Guam Hearing Doctors. The training focused on the causes of hearing loss, available hearing technology and other forms of communication, the purpose and importance 
of the hearing booth, and how to read an audiogram which shows the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. (Pictured from left to right) Front Row: Milo Roberts, 
Jamae Quenga, Mila Nicole Quenga. Dr. Renee Koffend, and Evelyn Topas–a. Back Row: Bobbie Aflleje, Project FitMe Staff; Ivan Babauta, ASL Community Interpreter; 
Nathan Manibusan, ASL Community Interpreter; Susan Dugan, Project FitMe Coordinator; Caleb and Trisha Suzuki.



Department of Public Health & Social 
Services (DPHSS) Project Bisita I Familia

Guam CEDDERS continued to provide technical assistance 
and training to DPHSS Project Bisita I Familia in support of 
their efforts to improve early childhood education and health 
programs and services. Project Bisita is GuamÕs Maternal, 
Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program 
funded by the Human Resources and Services Administration 
and administered on Guam by DPHSS.Project Bisita staff and 
families attended several training opportunities on specific 
topics that are required by their home visiting model, Healthy 
Families America. These trainings included domestic violence, 
child abuse and neglect, parent cafŽs, and developmental 
screening to name a few.

Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention 
(EHDI) Project Fitme

Project Fitme continues to support Guam EHDI by 
strengthening the system of supports available to families. 
The overall goal of Fitme is to support the development 
of a statewide program and system of care that ensures 
children who are deaf or hard of hearing are identified 
through newborn and infant hearing screening and 
receive evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate intervention 
that optimize language, literacy, and social-emotional 
development. 

The program goals are to: (1) increase health 
professionalsÕ engagement within the EHDI system; 
(2) improve access to early intervention services and 
language acquisition; and (3) improve family engagement, 
partnership, and leadership within the EHDI program and 
system. 

Guam CEDDERS entered into a partnership with 
Guam Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT), to facilitate 
parent engagement activities. A parent-driven nonprofit 
organization, GPPT facilitated the establishment of a 
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Parent Support Group. GPPT 
identified and began the training of three parents of 
children who are D/HH to service as mentors to parents 
of newly identified children with hearing loss. GPPT also 
facilitated training for parents with children identified with 
a hearing loss; meetings with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing 
Parent Support Group and social events for families 
actively involved with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Parent 
Support Group. With adequate supports in place, families 
and health and educational professionals will work 
collaboratively to ensure children and families receive the 
necessary services.


December 8, 2018: GPPT/Project Fitme family and friends gather for a group picture at the 1st Family Social Event held at Chuck E. CheeseÕs on December 8, 2018. Families 
had the opportunity to meet and socialize during the event. (Seated L-R) Susan Dugan, Project FitMe Coordinator; Julia Flores, Richard Flores, Joyce Tejeresas, Evelyn

Topas–a, and Jay-Lynn Mendiola. (Middle Row L-R) Mike Romero, Joseph Flores, Xavier De Jesus, Shane OÕMallan, Caleb Suzuki, Trisha Suzuki, Jacob Suzuki,

Wil Topas–a, John Mabayag, Javier Castro, Inina Topas–a, and Ashley Babauta; Project FitMe Staff. (Top Row L-R) William Tejerasas, Keoni Smau-Pesch, Gatbo

Topas–a, Liam Cruz, and Jase Almandres.



AMCHP Learn the Signs Act (LTSAE) Early 
Project

Guam CEDDERS targeted efforts to promote 
increased public awareness on the importance of early 
identification of children with autism. In collaboration 
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), and the Association of Maternal Child Health 
Programs (AMCHP), activities under this initiative 
included promotion of developmental monitoring and 
screening and learning the signs commonly associated 
with autism spectrum disorders. Early childhood 
program staff, child care center directors, and the 
Department of Public Health and Social Services, 
Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program staff were 
trained on LTSAE. The WIC program includes LTSAE 
Developmental Milestone checklist as part of the 
certification and recertification process for each WIC 
client. 

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC)

Guam CEDDERS began a collaborative relationship 
over the last year with the National Deaf-Blind 
Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) 
administered by the HKNC. The NDBEDP is a national 
program designed to help the many thousands of 
people in the U.S. with significant combined hearing 
and vision loss to connect with their family, friends, 
and community through distance communication 
technology. For those who qualify for the program 
and meet income eligibility guidelines, equipment and 
training for distance communication are provided free 
of charge. This collaboration between Guam CEDDERS 
and HKNC assist with demonstration, training, and 
technical assistance of Assistive Technology for 
individuals who are eligible for program support.

Community Services: Technical Assistance, 
Model Services, Demonstration Services

¥ AMCHP Learn the Signs. Act Early Project
¥ GuamÕs Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home 
Visiting Program: Project Bisita I Familia (DPHSS)
¥ Guam Options for Alternative Loans Ð Assistive Technology 
(GOAL-AT) and Get Guam Teleworking (GGT) Ð now called 
Akudi
¥ Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)
¥ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 
Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (GEHDI)
¥ Helen Keller National Center 



March 12, 2019: Leah Neumann, a deaf-blind specialist from the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) provided information to Guam CEDDERS during her visit in Guam. 
She also participated as a resource vendor during the 25th Annual GSAT Fair on March 9, 2019. The iCanConnect program provides individuals with significant vision and 
hearing loss with free equipment and training. Pictured from left: Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, Tanya Simer, Hearing Screening Paraprofessional; 
Jenika Ballesta, Research Associate; Marie Wusstig, Training Associate; Leah Neumann, HKNC Deaf-Blind Specialist; Leah Abelon, Research Associate; and Kunta Kinte 
Edmond, UOG Social Work Intern.



Research/Evaluation; 
Information Dissemination


December 5, 2018: Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) staff received ten Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation (DAE) Toolkits for infants referred for a DAE from

Guam EHDI staff. Toolkits include materials to assist families to prepare for the infantÕs diagnostic audiological evaluation. Pictured Left to Right: Barbara Leon Guerrero,

GEIS Data Clerk; Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; Therese Sanchez, GEIS Service Coordinator. Not shown: Jenika Ballesta, Guam CEDDERS Research 
Associate.



ChildLink (EHDI, Bisita, Kari–u, LAUNCH)

With its inception focused on collecting data for the 
Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam 
EHDI) project, Guam ChildLink serves as a model 
database system that has evolved and expanded into 
having affiliate databases serving the needs of Project 
Bisita I Familia, GuamÕs Maternal, Infant, and Early 
Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, and 
Kari–u, a program that provides services and supports 
using the public health approach of prevention, 
promotion, and intervention for young children birth 
through five years of age. Project Bisita and Kari–u are 
both under the Department of Public Health and Social 
Services, which contracts Guam CEDDERS to enhance 
these two databases for data collection, analysis, and 
dissemination.

Project LAUNCH/Kari–u

Kari–u is GuamÕs Early Childhood System of Care and 
the only program on island that specifically addresses 
the social emotional development and mental health 
needs of young children ages birth through five years. 
In 2014, both as a sustainability strategy (i.e., Kari–uÕs 
initial federal funding was due to end in 2016) and in 
recognition of the importance of prevention for young 
child wellness, Kari–u applied for and was awarded 
a second grant from SAMHSA (Project LAUNCH Ð 
Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in ChildrenÕs Health). 
This allowed Kari–u to expand its services to include 
prevention services for all children birth through five 
years of age and, with the addition of some local 
funding, continue to provide clinical interventions for 
children with more intensive behavioral health needs.

 This initiative also partners with other early childhood 
programs to increase awareness and knowledge of 
young child wellness and bring about systems change. 
The evaluation component of Kari–u is contracted to 
Guam CEDDERS. During this period, Guam CEDDERS 
developed a report that provides evaluation findings for 
Kari–uÕs prevention component. Four hundred copies 
were printed and disseminated to several agencies 
and community partners as well as the GovernorÕs 
office and legislative offices. Findings related to 
developmental screening and family support activities 
are highlighted in the report. Guam CEDDERS also 
developed and administered a Family Service Survey 
to caregivers of children who received services to 
assess their level of satisfaction across four areas: 
(1) satisfaction with services; (2) staff interactions; (3) 
increases in knowledge and skills; and (4) perception of 
outcomes. The Evaluation Team contracted the Ma–elu 
(formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam) Micronesian 
Resource Center One Stop Shop (MRCOSS), to field 
test the culturally adapted Center on the Social and 
Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) 
Pre-K Parent Modules entitled, ÒPositive Solutions for 
Families,Ó in the Chuukese community. The modules, 
which are facilitated in the Chuukese language, provide 
strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors. 
Parents are engaged and interacting with each other 
during the sessions. The field test is scheduled to be 
completed by September 2019.


July 17, 2018: Kari–u staff and parents pose for a photo after the Peer Family Support Group meeting at the Pacific Star Resort and Spa.



CORE: Grant Input Sessions

Guam CEDDERS held stakeholder input sessions 
to elicit feedback from service providers and self-
advocates topics pertaining to the GSAT Conference 
and Fair, and Public Awareness activities. The sessions 
included representatives from community organizations 
such as Autism Community Together, the Down 
Syndrome Association of Guam, and a group of self-
advocates, family members, and other advocates for 
individuals with visual impairments. Service providers 
from various government and non-profit organizations 
as well as members of Guam CEDDERS advisory 
groups also participated in meetings that focused on 
the current system of services and supports in terms of 
what is working, what is not, and recommendations for 
improvement.

Developed Products

Development of products and information 
dissemination are core functions that received much 
attention during this reporting period. Promoting 
increased awareness of early childhood development 
and services and supports for people with disabilities 
were goals of the products developed.

(refer to page 20 for developed products)


April 9, 2019: Guam CEDDERS facilitated a stakeholder input session with several government agencies and advocacy groups to provide input on the progress of services 
and supports as outlined in the Tri-Agencies Five-Year-Work Plan at the Pacific Star Resort and Spa. Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Consultant, utilized the World Cafe process 
to enable participants to focus on specific topics and share feedback on assistive technology, public awareness, and self-advocacy.

Research/Evaluation

Information Dissemination

¥ CDC: Guam EHDI Ð IS Guam Child Link

¥ Core: Grant Input Sessions

¥ Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet 
Needs in ChildrenÕs Health)

¥ Advocacy TV Commercials for Parent 
Organizations

Guam CEDDERS developed 19 new 
products this fiscal year. A total of 
26,500products were disseminated 
during this Fiscal Year. 

Guam CEDDERS products are available for 
download at www.guamcedders.org.



April 11, 2019: Guam CEDDERS facilitated a stakeholder input session with self-advocates and family advocates/personal care assistants to provide input on the progress of 
services and supports as outlined in the Tri-Agencies Five-Year-Work Plan at the Pacific Star Resort and Spa. Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Consultant (sitting center), utilized 
the World Cafe process to enable participants to focus on specific topics and share feedback on assistive technology, public awareness, and self-advocacy.


(Left photo) September 19, 2018: Guam Early Hearing 
Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Staff met with 
Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) Medical 
Records Staff to discuss weekly data entry of infants 
referring on the initial hearing screening into Guam 
ChildLink EHDI database. Pictured Left to Right: Sera 
Rios, Medical Records Administrator, GMHA; Nova 
Naguit, Medical Records Staff, GMHA; and Joseph 
Mendiola, QI & Evaluation Coordinator/Evaluator & 
Performance Monitor/Surveillance Supervisor, Guam 
EHDI. Not shown: Marie Wusstig, Project Coordinator, 
Guam EHDI.


(Right photo) February 4, 2019: (L-R) Lisa Linda Natividad, Ph.D., and 
Tricia Lizama, Ph.D., UOG Social Work faculty, visited Guam CEDDERS 
to discuss the inclusion of a breakout session entitled, ÒThe Behavioral 
Health Glossary in CHamoru: A Practical Tool Towards Health Literacy 
and Patient-Centered CareÓ during the National Association of Social 
Workers Ð Guam Chapter Annual Conference, March 18-19, 2019 at 
the Westin Resort Guam. 



Developed Products


November 30, 2018: Guam CEDDERS staff and Advisory Council members viewed video clips on self-advocacy during the Advisory Council Meeting. Several video clips were

staged to supplement content and to illustrate strategies that promote self-advocacy for persons with disabilities. The scenarios were produced in collaboration with Maria

Bontogon (shown on screen in video), Guam CEDDERS Psychology Practicum student and Advisory Council member.

2019-2020SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITHDISABILITIESDIRECTORYGUAM
2018-2019Guam Early Hearing 
Detection & Intervention(Guam EHDI)
Progress Report At-A-Glance
Please donÕt panic. Not passing the hearing screening does not mean that your baby 
is deaf or hard-of-hearing. But we wonÕt know for sure without further testing. So 
your baby needs a Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation (DAE).
The DAE is performed by an audiologist, who is a special doctor trained to diagnose 
and manage hearing loss in infants, children, and adults. 
Don't miss the DAE appointment. Only the DAE can determine the presence or 
absence of hearing loss. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss will help your 
babyÕs speech, communication, and learning.
My baby did not pass the hearing screening, what do I do next?
What if my baby did not pass the hearing screening?
How to prepare for the appointment...
For the DAE we want your baby to come to the appointment tired and hungry.
Feeding a hungry and tired baby right before the test would help your baby sleep 
through the test.
DonÕt feed your baby 2 hours before the appointment time.
Keep your baby awake 2 hours before the appointment. Try not to let your baby 
sleep on the car ride to the appointment.
Bring a bottle or pacier for your baby in the event 
he/she awakes before or during the DAE.
Bring anything you need to keep your baby happy and 
asleep once you get to the appointment.
Breastfeeding mothers are welcome to nurse their baby. 
We will have a private room for you.
ItÕs best if you do not bring other children to the 
appointment. You will be too busy to watch other kids 
and the room must be quiet during testing.
Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) will contact you. GEIS will assist you in 
scheduling an appointment for your baby with the audiologist.
If you have medical insurance, you will need a referral from your Primary Care 
Physician (PCP) or Pediatrician to see the audiologist. GEIS will help you gure this 
out, too.
What to expect before your appointment...
How long is the appointment?
The appointment can take 1 Ð 2 hours. 
by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in 
supported by the Grant or Cooperative Agreement 
contents are solely the responsibility of the authors 
Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services. 
Employer.
Parents Together, and Guam Department of Education Ð 
EHDI) staff. Both EHDI Teams were able to share their 
Ballesta, Guam CEDDERS, Research Associate, Marie 
Program; Tisha Suzuki, Parent Mentor; Susan Dugan, GPPT 
GPPT Board President; Johnnie Sexton, CARE Project, 
Hearing Screening Paraprofessional.
Guam Early Hearing 
Detection & Intervention Project 
(Guam EHDI) 
Annual Report
nenihearing@guamcedders.org 
University of Guam 
noon; 1pm - 5pmProject Period: July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 
June 2019Community Report 
SUSTAINABILITY 
has made a substantial investment (i.e., $12,350,00) 
one of which ended in 2016 and the current grant 
GuamÕs young children and their families now 
that promotes young child wellness, helps prevent 
interventions for children experiencing challenging 
same time, ongoing systemic issues related to the 
procurement systems have had a negative impact on the 
federal dollars. These included extensive delays in hiring 
individuals to be interviewed for positions, obstacles 
organizations, and the timely procurement of equipment 
supported Kari–uÕs early childhood clinical services 
delays in renewing personnel actions for two highly 
and challenges related to converting limited-term 
forward, it is critical to ensure highly trained staff are 
aspect of sustainability planning and, most urgent 
continues to operate after its current federal five-year 
estimates that the return on investment in early 
intervention promotes school success and completion, 
resulting in a healthier and more productive society. 
and trauma are at risk for poor outcomes across 
high numbers of GuamÕs young children are especially 
many social problems and economic challenges, we 
He says, ÒThe real question is how to use available 
policy prescription: Invest in the very young.Ó Investing 
of our island community.
This report was prepared by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. Funded 
under grant number 1H79SM061559-04 REVISED from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HSS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily 
reflect those of SAMHSA or HSS. The University of Guam is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. 
ÒBeing in Kari–u is such a blessing for our family. All the support they give, they are awesome. IÕve 
gained another family and felt in a right group of people.Ó 
ÒThe most helpful thing they did was explained different ways on how to help our childÉhow to 
understand and handle our childÕs behavior.Ó
ÒBeing part of the services has given me confidence as a parent and family/householdÓ
GuamÕs Early Childhood System of CareWhat is Early Childhood Mental Health?
What Families Have Shared About Kari–uContact Kari–u at 478-5400www.karinu.org¥ The social emotional and behavioral well-being of infants, toddlers, young 
children and their families¥ The developing capacity to experience, regulate, and express emotions¥ The ability to form close, secure relationships¥ The capacity to explore the environment and learn 
-From Zero to Three Organization

Collaborating partners

Collaborating Universities & Colleges

AJ Drexel Autism Institute - Drexel 
University

Georgetown University, Center for Child 
and Human Development, National 
Technical Assistance Center for ChildrenÕs 
Mental Health

Guam Community College

Langston Univerity Rehabilitation Research 
and Training Center

Ohio State University

San JosŽ State University, Department 
of Communicative Disorders & Hearing 
Sciences

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Guam

University of Hawaii, College of Education
Telecommunication and Social Informatics 
(TASI) Research Program

University of Massachusetts-Boston 
Northeast Regional Center for Vision 
Education

University of Southern California, ChildrenÕs 
Hospital Los Angeles, California Leadership 
Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

University of Texas, National Deaf Center on 
Post-Secondary Outcomes

Utah State UniversityÐNational Center on 
Hearing Assessment & Management


February 16, 2019: Five Self-Advocates gathered with Guam CEDDERS staff following completion of a 2-day Self-Advocacy Train the Trainer Workshop, February 9 and 16, 
2019 at GSAT. Front row (L-R): Self-Advocates Maria Bontogon, Barbara Johnson, and Candice Perry. Back row (L-R): Kunta Edmond, UOG Social Work Intern; Mary Kidd, 
CEDDERS Consultant; Esther Gina Arca and Silvestre San Nicolas, Self-Advocates; and Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS staff.


March 1, 2019: Members and Agency Representatives of the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Advisory Council pose for a photo during the 25th Annual 
GSAT Conference on March 1, 2019. Sitting L-R: Barbara Johnson, Vice Chairperson; and Lourdes Ann Mesa, Secretary. Standing L-R: Jermaine Alerta, Guam Developmental 
Disability Council (GDDC) Director; Benito Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; 
and Marie Libria, GDDC Project Coordinator VI.



Guam Collaborating Partners

Agency for Human Resources 
Development

Alee Shelter

AmeriCorps

Audiological Associates

Autism Communities Together

Catholic Social Services

Center for Independent Living 
Council

Community Habilitation Program

CongressmanÕs Office

Department of Corrections

Department of Defense 
Educational Activity

Department of Youth Affairs

Down Syndrome Association of 
Guam

Educational Developmental 
Intervention Services, U.S. Naval 
Hospital, Guam

Guam Association of Realtors

Guam Behavioral Health and 
Wellness Center

Guam Child Care Development 
Association

Guam Coalition Against Sexual 
Assault & Family Violence

Guam Community College

Guam Department of Education

Guam Department of Homeland 
Security - Office of Civil Defense

Guam Department of Integrated 
Services for Individuals with 
Disabilities

Guam Department of Labor

Guam Department of Public 
Health & Social Services

Guam Department of Public Works

Guam Department of Vocational 
Rehabilitation

Guam Department of Youth Affairs

Guam Developmental Disabilities 
Council

Guam Early Learning Council

Guam EHDI Family Support Group

Guam Hearing Doctors

Guam Homeless Coalition

Guam Housing & Urban Renewal 
Authority

Guam Interagency Coordinating 
Council

Guam LionÕs Club

Guam Legal Services Corporation - 
Disability Law Center

Guam Legislature

Guam Medical Society

Guam Memorial Hospital 
Authority

Guam Nursing Services

Guam Office of Minority Health

Guam Police Department 

Guam Positive Parents Together

Guam Psychology Association

Guam Regional Medical City

Guam Salvation Army

Guam State Rehabilitation 
Council

Guam Veterans Affairs Office

GuamÕs Alternative Lifestyle 
Association

Guma Mami

Harvest House

Health Services of the Pacific

iCan Resources Inc.

IP&E

Isla Home Fusion

Joint Region Marianas

Judiciary of Guam

MayorsÕ Council of Guam

Medquest Medical Supply

Micronesian Resource Center 
One Stop Shop

Office of the Attorney General 
of Guam

Office of the First Lady of Guam

Office of the Governor of Guam

Office of the Lieutenant 
Governor of Guam

Office of the Public Guardian

Parents Empowering Parents

Public Defender Service 
Corporation

Supreme Court of Guam

Sagua Ma–agu Birthing Center

Si–A: Self-Advocates in Action

Small Business Development 
Center

St. DominicÕs Senior Care Home

State Vocational Rehabilitation 
Council

Statewide Independent Living 
Council

University of Guam

Victim Advocates Reaching Out

Westcare Pacific Islands

Other Collaborators

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Samoa Department of Education

Association of Assistive Technology Act 
Programs

Association of Maternal and Child Health 
Programs

Association of University Centers on 
Disabilities

ChildrenÕs Hospital - Los Angeles

Boys Town Center for Deafness, Boys Town 
National Research Hospital

Center for Applied Special Technology

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data 
Assistance

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands Public School System

Council for Chief State School Officers

Federated States of Micronesia Department 
of Education

Health Resources and Services Administration

Helen Keller National Center 

Interstate New Teacher Assessment & 
Support Consortium 

Local Education Agencies, Kanas

National Center and State Collaborative

National Center for Improving Literacy

National Center on Intensive 
Intervention

National Center for Special Education 
Accountability & Monitoring

National Center for Systemic 
Improvement

National Child Care Information & 
Technical Assistance Center

National Deaf Center on Postsecondary 
Outcomes

National Early Childhood Technical 
Assistance Center

National Infant & Toddler Child Care 
Initiative @ Zero to Three

National Information System for Assistive 
Technology (NISAT)

National Instructional Materials 
Accessibility Standards, TA Center

National Technical Assistance Center on 
Transition (NTACT)

Office of Special Education

Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for 
Unmet Needs in ChildrenÕs Health)

Republic of the Marshall Islands 
Department of Education

Republic of Palau Ministry of Education

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive 
Technology Society of North America

Rota MayorÕs Office

Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration

Technical Assistance Partnership for Child 
and Family Mental Health



The Guam CEDDERS Team

Teaching, Research, Outreach

Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D.
Director & Professor

Leah Grace Abelon, BA
Research Associate

Jenika Ballesta, BA
Research Associate

Vera Ann G. Blaz, MA
Training Associate

Bonnie Brandt, MA
Training Associate

Josephine Cruz, Ed.D.
Training Associate

Nancy Cueto, BA
Fiscal Manager

June De Leon, M.Ed.
Associate Director, Program Development, 
Technical Assistance, & Outreach

Terrie Fejarang, M.Ed.
Associate Director, Interdisciplinary Training, 
Operations, & Data/Dissemination

Joshua Usalla, BA
Disability Media Specialist

Joseph Mendiola, BA
Interoperability Data Manager

Tanya Simer, BSW
Research Associate

Keith Villaluna, BBA
Data Specialist

Marie Wusstig, M.Ed.
Training Associate

Administrative Support Staff

Shawni Acfalle
AT Center Assistant

EDLynn Beyond
Student Office Assistant 

Dolores Cruz
Grant Budget Supervisor

Coleen V. Dela Cruz
Grant Assistant I

Brittany Masang
Student Office Assistant

Ryan Cueto
Office Technician

Margaret Johnson, AS
Data & Developed 
Products Assistant

Ruth Leon Guerrero
Office Technician

Jef Limtiaco
Grant Specialist

Thilani Pereda
Office Technician

Bernadine Reyes
Student Office Assistant

Bernadette Shisler
Family Interviewer

Funding 

July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019

Guam Consultants


Other

Elaine Eclavea

Nieves Flores 

Mary Kidd 

Renee Koffend

June Quitugua

10%

$458,835

Federal

39%

Local

29%

$1.7 Million

National Consultants

$1.2 Million

State

Boys Town National 
Research Hospital

ChildrenÕs Hospital 
Los Angeles

David Bateman

Jenifer Cline

Robert Corso

Rebekah Helget 

Donna McNear

Mary Schillinger

Laura Thompson

Giacomo Vivanti

Irina Zamora

22%

$1.4 Million

$4,491,186



University of Guam 

Center for Excellence in 

Developmental Disabilities Education, 

Research & Service

2019 Annual Report

July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019

This report was produced with 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities, Grant No. 90DDUC0064-01-00 and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
Service (Guam CEDDERS). This report is also available online and in alternate formats at www.guamcedders.org. 

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.