Guam CEDDERS 2010 Annual Report Ideas to Action UNIVERSITY OF GUAM Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS) Page 2 Full page photo with caption: Former Guam CEDDERS Trainees in Leadership Positions (Left) Arthur Albert, M.Ed. Chief, Special Services Division Executive Director, Special Education Program, FSM National Department of Education (Right) Ansina Kony, M.Ed. Coordinator, Special Education Program, Chuuk State Department of Education, FSM Page 3 About the Cover Moses Puas is a Self-Advocate and is the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Co-Chairperson. 2010 Annual Report 03 About Guam CEDDERS 05 Consumer Leadership & Systems Change; Transportation, Employment, Quality Assurance, & Quality of Life 11Health, Wellness, & Prevention Early Intervention, Child Care, & Health 19 Inclusive Communities Education & Assistive Technology 30 Developed Products 30 Funding 31 The Guam CEDDERS Team Mission Statement In partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families, agencies, organizations, and service providers, Guam CEDDERS creates pathways that enhance, improve, and support the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. About Guam CEDDERS The University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS) serves as a training and technical assistance provider in the Pacific Basin region. It is the largest research, training, service, and technical assistance center at the University. From its inception in 1993, Guam CEDDERS has evolved into a dynamic organization that builds bridges with partners to create stronger linkages, programs, services, and support to positively impact the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Guam CEDDERS continues to make progress towards its mission to “create pathways that enhance, improve, and support the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.” Working in partnership with individuals with disabilities, their families, agencies, organizations, and service providers, Guam CEDDERS completed Year Two of Core Grant activities, providing a wide array of services and supports through 34 projects designed to address critical needs in Guam and the Pacific Basin. This Annual Report covers FY2010 from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. For more information about Guam CEDDERS projects, visit online at www.guamcedders.org. Page 4 Full page ad of 2010 Guam Directory of Services & Resources for Individuals with Disabilities cover Page 5 Consumer Leadership &Systems Change Projects and activities under this Initiative Area focus on the facilitation of ongoing systems change and program development efforts within the community that reflect and respond to emerging and persistent needs affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. The areas of emphasis included in this Initiative Area are: Transportation, Employment, Quality Assurance, and Quality of Life. Core Grant As its title suggests, the Core Grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities supports the central administration and operation, “the Core,” of Guam CEDDERS, and maintains the infrastructure for managing grants, contracts, the work with the Advisory Council, and various projects that fall under the Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area. It provides support to leverage funding for a range of needs addressed by Guam CEDDERS that require direct incubation support. One such example addressed this year was the development of emergency preparedness plans and public awareness products through a collaborative partnership with the Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense. The Core also supports the publication of I Linå’lå-ta (Our Lives), a newsletter for self-advocates and I Tellai (The Bridge), a newsletter featuring quarterly updates on Guam CEDDERS projects and initiatives. The Core provided direct support for the Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator to sit on the Guam Regional Transit Authority Board, to regularly attend board meetings, and to ensure that “disability- and access-related” issues are addressed from a systems perspective as well as the perspectives of individuals. The Board is the governing body for the Guam Regional Transit Authority, which operates the island’s paratransit system. Photos with caption: The Guam Regional Transportation Authority Board was established to guide the development of a comprehensive public transportation system to meet the needs of all residents of Guam, including individuals with disabilities. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature, Board members included: (Left to Right) Vicente Gumataotao, Piti Mayor, Louise Rivera, Tamuning Vice Mayor, Governor Felix P. Camacho, Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator, & Manuel Cruz, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Roland Taimanglo (Left) and Ginger Porter (Right) discuss the day’s events during the Self-Advocate Agency Forum in May 2010. Participants from Tinian and Saipan pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the training for CNMI bus drivers and conductors on June 29. Page 6 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council met quarterly to provide input and guidance as community needs were addressed and activities were implemented. Comprised of a majority of individuals with disabilities and family members, with representation from disability-related service providers, the Council provided critical direction in key initiatives, including transportation, emergency preparedness, and self-advocacy. Photo with caption: Attending the June 2010 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council meeting were (Seated Left to Right) Bill Fuppul, Self-Advocate; Cecilia “Lee” Cruz, Self-Advocate, Vice Chairperson; Marlon Molinos, Self-Advocate, Chairperson; Moses Puas, Self-Advocate. (Standing Left to Right) Alea Dugan, Self-Advocate; Elaine Faculo Gogue, Support Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator; Marie Merfalen Babauta, Special Education Program Specialist representing May Camacho, Associate Superintendent for Special Education; Manuel Cruz, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council; Harold Parker, Esq., Director, Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center; and Marcellene Santos, Esq., Guam Public Guardian. Guam PIRC and G.I.F.T.S. Evaluation A key unit under this Initiative Area is the evaluation component which was tasked to facilitate the evaluation of two non-profit organizations. Work was completed to design and implement an evaluation plan to monitor the progress toward attainment of grant goals and objectives and to report outcomes achieved for the Guam Parent Information Resource Center (Guam PIRC). During this fiscal year, Guam CEDDERS was also tasked to complete the evaluation component for Guam Identifies Families Terrific Strengths (G.I.F.T.S.), a non-profit organization that provides “strength-based support, advocacy, education, information, and referrals for parents and families, educators, professionals, and our island’s community on children/youth with severe emotional disturbances.” Photo with caption: Staff members of the Guam Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC). Page 7 Transit Driver Training Guam CEDDERS took the lead in providing training to public transit bus drivers on “Passenger Safety and Securement,” a nationally certified course for passenger assistance training. This training was also exported to our northern neighbors in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, where Special Education transportation personnel completed a two-day workshop. Self-Advocacy Workshops The Self-Advocacy Workshops offered this year featured a revised curriculum and employed a new approach: graduates of previous Self-Advocacy training took the lead during the workshops, even going on Talk Radio to publicize the free training. With mentoring from Guam CEDDERS staff, and additional sponsorship from the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, these workshops truly were empowering for the participants, each of whom were adults with various disabilities. Each participant designed a personal project which required the use of their newly acquired skills of assertiveness. These new self-advocates have put their new skills into practice, which have resulted in their venturing out into the community to expand their individual boundaries, to spearhead the formation of a new organization for persons who are blind, to advocate for improving respite care policies, and to organize and facilitate forums for legislators, government agency directors, and other policy makers. In addition, a proposal submitted to the Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) Conference organizers to share the strategies was accepted as part of the 2010 SABE Conference program to be held in Kansas City, Missouri in September. Sessions using the Self-Advocacy Workshop curriculum are scheduled on a regular basis and continue to be conducted by self-advocate leaders. DDPIE Participation Guam CEDDERS was selected to participate in the Developmental Disabilities Program Independent Evaluation (DDPIE) process. On-site interviews were conducted in late May and included the Guam CEDDERS director, associate directors, Advisory Council members, trainees, and collaborating agency representatives. Photos with caption: Proper loading and securement techniques were practiced during bus driver training facilitated by Guam CEDDERS. Guam CEDDERS Ginger Porter (Left) and Lynn Tydingco (Right) discuss the importance of “speaking up” for one’s self on a local radio talk show. Page 8 Spotlight: Guam Tri-Agency Increasing Public Awareness Collaboration among the Tri-Agency Partners, which include Guam CEDDERS, the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (Guam DDC) and Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC), increased this year through regular meetings with agency directors, participation in sister councils, and joint sponsorship of activities including the publication of I Linå’lå-ta – Our Lives, a quarterly newsletter for self-advocates, and the annual Assistive Technology Conference. The Developmental Disabilities Network also worked together to sponsor the first ever “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Film Festival” which sponsored the broadcast of three documentaries, “Including Samuel,” “Body and Soul,” and “Songs in the Key of G” on PBS Guam. Of particular note was the collaboration between the Guam DDC and Guam CEDDERS to sponsor three Self-Advocacy Workshops this year, which were led by completers of previous workshops. Direct outcomes from this workshop included improvements in accessibility in our community and increased self-advocacy in obtaining individual services. In addition, this year’s jointly sponsored the “Agency Forum” and “Policymaker Forum” which were lead by self-advocates who completed previous workshop sessions. Image of Flyer: March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Guam Tri-Agency on Developmental Disabilities is proud to present the FIRST EVER Developmental Disabilities Film Festival! DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS FILM FESTIVAL All films will air Wednesdays & Saturdays this March on PBS Guam KGTF Channel 12 • Including Samuel, 7pm, Wednesday; March 3, 5pm; Saturday; March 6 • Body & Soul, 7pm, Wednesday, March 10, 5pm, Saturday, March 13 • The Key of G, 7pm, Wednesday, March 17, 5pm, Saturday, March 20 For more information, call 735-2477 or 477-9811. Image of I Linå’ lå-ta, OUR LIFE Newsletter Page 9 Spotlight: Idea to Action Self-Advocates Speak Out: Bill Fuppul and Evelyn Duenas Bill Fuppul, a participant who has completed the Guam CEDDERS Self-Advocacy Workshop, put his assertiveness skills to use by resolving two issues relating to attitudinal and physical barriers at a medical clinic where he sought services for a routine PPD test. Access to this particular clinic ended just inside the front door. Examining areas were far too small to accommodate a wheelchair. The physician asked, “Why didn’t you go to Public Health?” a shocking inquiry from a health care provider. Although accommodations for reading the test were provided curbside in Bill’s car, he was told, “Next time, don’t come here.” Bill’s response was, “Isn’t that discrimination?” He is now in the process of addressing the issue in writing through the assistance of Guam Legal Services. In Bill’s words, “I want to teach the physician a lesson.” Excerpt from the December 2009 issue of I Tellai. One of the outcomes of Evelyn Duenas’ self-advocacy activities was filing a complaint relating to the inaccessibility of Guam’s public transit system with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Here are some of her thoughts on initiating the visit by OCR: I Tellai: Self-advocates are finding out that their voice is an effective voice. Was paying attention to details, being vocal, and having perseverance worthwhile? E. Duenas: Yes. Feedback from the OCR has actually helped the transit motivate themselves when it comes to problem solving. They are more alert and respond quicker to complaints. I Tellai: Did you think you would become unpopular for speaking up? E. Duenas: No, I don’t let that bother me. I am not creating problems, I am trying to rectify problems. By not having a vocal voice, nothing will ever be done if you don’t voice your concern... First it bothered me, but I know I am making a difference for others...otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am at right now in (helping) to create an entity and a bill that will bring back the Guam Regional Transit Authority. Excerpt from the March 2010 issue of I Tellai. Page 10 Full page photo of mother and baby with caption: In FY2010, 99% of all babies born at Guam’s two civilian birthing centers had their hearing screened before leaving the facility where they were born. Page 11 Health, Wellness, & Prevention Efforts in this Initiative Area include facilitation of technical assistance, training, and evaluation activities which specifically address early childhood, child care, and health care issues affecting persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan. The areas of emphasis included in this Initiative Area are: Early Intervention, Child Care, and Health. Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guam EHDI continued activities related to the tracking and surveillance system to ensure that all babies born in Guam receive their initial hearing screening before leaving the site of their birth and to receive follow-up services if a hearing impairment is detected. Key components of this system are the facilitation of hearing screening, follow-up, and tracking of children as needed. Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Guam EHDI continues work to reduce the number of infants who are lost to follow-up following a failed hearing screening and after a Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation or placement for early intervention services. Two major site visits took place in November. Consultants from the CDC, National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, were on Guam to assist the Guam EHDI project with the initiative to transition Guam from a manual to electronic birth certificate system and to provide information on the current national effort to support an electronic health record system. Technical assistance on current funding and activities for an electronic health record system was also provided. In conjunction with the CDC site visit, the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) sent consultants to conduct an assessment of Guam’s current birth certificate system in order to develop a proposed plan for transitioning Guam to an electronic birth registry system (EBRS). Several key meetings were held at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services to lay the foundation for this proposed system-wide change. Follow-up meetings and setting priorities for implementation will be next steps. Guam EHDI anticipates interfacing with the birth certificate registry data system to ensure all babies born on Guam receive a hearing screening. Photos with caption: (From Left to Right) Lorne Phillips, Ph.D., NAPHSIS, Kim Aeillo, Guam EHDI, Velma Sablan, Ph.D., Guam EHDI-CDC, Leesa Shem-Tov, NAPHSIS, and Joseph Mendiola, Guam EHDI, mapped out the electronic birth certificate process. Kim Aeillo (Left), Guam EHDI Follow-Up Coordinator, demonstrates the use of the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response equipment. Page 12 Project Kariñu (Loving Our Families) When Guam’s children’s mental health initiative, I Famagu’on-ta (Our Children), was established almost nine years ago, it was considered a ground breaking event. Prior to that time, the needs of children and youth, ages 5 to 21 years, with serious mental health problems were often unmet or inadequately or inappropriately addressed. Services were fragmented and very limited inter-agency coordination existed. Project I Famagu’on-ta changed that by promoting wraparound services and a “system of care” approach. With policy makers pledging support and resources to sustain I Famagu’on-ta, efforts are now focused on addressing the needs of Guam’s younger population. To address the needs of children younger than five years, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) was awarded a six-year cooperative agreement from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Project Kariñu (Loving Our Families) in October 2009. The purpose of Project Kariñu is to develop, implement, and sustain an early childhood system of care for children birth to five years of age and their families that (1) promotes young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral well-being; (2) prevents disruption in young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development, as well as prevents the development of emotional and behavioral problems; and, (3) provides direct intervention for young children and their families. Guam CEDDERS’ role in Project Kariñu, similar to its role for I Famagu’on-ta, is to oversee project evaluation. In addition, Guam CEDDERS will assume primary responsibility for the coordination of the cultural and linguistic competence component of the grant and will also facilitate the technical assistance and training plan. Palau Creative Curriculum Training Through a request from our neighboring island of Palau, a 30-hour workshop was provided to 12 Head Start coordinators, Head Start teachers, and Special Education personnel on Effective Strategies for Including Preschoolers with Disabilities in Community Settings through the Implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschool. The training took place on July 20-24 and focused on addressing the needs of 3-5 year olds. Photos with caption: Representatives from various government agencies participated in the “For Our Families Conference,” one of the first activities under Project Kariñu. Guam CEDDERS’ Elaine Eclavea (top left), discusses strategies with participants during training on the Creative Curriculum held in Palau. Page 13 Guam DOE Early Intervention - Part C Guam CEDDERS also worked with the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education by providing technical support in meeting Part C annual reporting requirements in the State Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports by conducting and analyzing an annual survey of family perceptions regarding Part C Program services and supports, and by providing professional development services. Photos with caption: Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate (standing far left), conducted training on October 16, 23, and 30 for Guam Early Intervention System staff on using the “Creative Curriculum for Infant and Toddlers.” Staff members from the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services, the Guam Early Intervention System, and Guam CEDDERS spearheaded the “All Eyes On Five Family Information Fair” held at the Guam Premium Outlets. Page 14 Project Mandikiki (Little Ones) - Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services Collaborative efforts with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continued in the area of child care. Guam CEDDERS facilitated several training and technical assistance activities for child caregivers to promote quality childcare on Guam. These included training of family- and center-based providers on the implementation of effective developmentally appropriate inclusive practices and training, the implementation of the Early Childhood Environmental Rating System (ECERS), and in the area of social and emotional development for infants and toddlers, training for parents in addressing the overall development of their children. Facilitating public awareness events and production of materials were also key components of this project. Significant time and resources were devoted to facilitating stakeholder group meetings for the purpose of developing recommendations to update licensure requirements for center and family-based childcare providers. These updates address child to caregiver ratios, playground safety, facility requirements, health, sanitation, nutrition, instructional activities, and a professional development plan for child caregivers. Facilitating the “Model Child Care Program” also continued this year through a partnership with DPHSS. Three centers were added to the program, bringing the total number of Model Child Care Centers to 15. To earn this coveted designation, participating centers met a series of criteria ranging from meeting facility and program accessibility standards, implementation of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines, to staff completion of specific training modules. A new initiative that occurred during this period was the offering of coursework to child caregivers using a “hybrid” approach for delivery of instruction. A combination of face-to-face instruction and online message board discussions were used. This was a major undertaking as only 3 of 46 students in the course had email addresses. This eager group of students first had to learn how to interact in this medium. Providing more coursework online is anticipated in the near future. Photos with caption: The annual “Power of Play” Interactive Parent Conference provided fun and educational activities. Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Training Associate (Center) facilitates a Child Care Licensure Work Session. Page 15 Project Tinituhon (The Beginning) Project Tinituhon (The Beginning) is Guam’s State Early Childhood Comprehensive System Project. This project addresses early childhood systems development to support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of young children on Guam. One major activity was the convening of the 2009 Early Childhood Summit held in November to discuss the island’s current state in the following focus areas: 1) Access to Health Insurance and Medical/Dental Homes; 2) Mental Health and Social Emotional Development; 3) Early Care and Education/Child Care; and 4) Parent Education and Family Supports. The project produced “Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System State Plan” based on the input from this activity. Facilitation of the Governor’s Early Learning Council was also a Project Tinituhon activity. Other products developed included a report on “The State of Early Childhood Services on Guam,” a mini-directory of services for young children, the publication of the “Guam All Eyes on Five” newsletter, an informational website, and a series of print advertisements promoting quality childcare and the medical home concept. Photos with caption: Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate (Center) provided technical assistance sessions to child care centers participating in the Model Child Care Program. Members of the Guam Early Learning Council including First Lady Joann Camacho (Second from Right), met Dr. Jack Shonkoff , an acclaimed researcher in early childhood development (Second from Left) during the National Governor’s Association Early Childhood Summit held in Maryland. Guam CEDDERS was tapped to take the lead in organizing a Guam Team to attend the Act Early Regional Summit held in Sacramento California. Guam’s Act Team Members met with Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) conference facilitators. Page 16 I Famagu'on-ta (Our Children) The system of care initiative on Guam began as a grassroots movement in the 1980’s in response to the recognition that the needs of children with serious mental health problems were being inadequately addressed, with many children being sent off-island for residential treatment. Through the ongoing efforts of a community collaboration involving families and child serving agencies, this movement achieved an important milestone in 2002 when the Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse was awarded a six- year cooperative agreement by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to establish I Famagu’on-ta, Guam’s system of care. From 2002 – 2009, this systems change initiative worked to develop the infrastructure and services needed to better meet the needs of Guam’s children and youth ages 5 – 21 years with serious mental health problems and their families. The role of the Guam CEDDERS Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) Evaluation Team was to design and implement an evaluation component for I Famagu’on-ta that addressed three levels of outcomes: (1) child and family; (2) service/program; and (3) system. Additionally through a continuous quality improvement process, the Evaluation Team examined, analyzed, and provided feedback on service delivery and consumer satisfaction to guide and strengthen implementation strategies. Data collected and analyzed by the Guam CEDDERS CMHI Evaluation Team has been critical to I Famagu’on-ta’s evolution as a system of care and demonstrates the positive impact of this initiative. Children and youth who enrolled in I Famagu’on-ta demonstrated improvements in their emotional and behavioral health, school performance, and had fewer contacts with the juvenile justice system. Outcome data has been key to sustainability efforts and strongly influenced the establishment of Project Kariñu, Guam’s Early Childhood System of Care (See Page 12). Bar chart 0 Percent to 80 Percent: Arrests, Crime Convictions, and Incarcerations Decrease In the past 6 months have you been.. Arrested (n=38): Intake 68.4%; 2 Years 21.1% Convicted of a Crime (n=39): Intake 66.4%; 2 Years 7.7% Sentenced to a Secure Facility (n=38): Intake 60.5%; 2 Years 18.4% Percentage of youth arrested, convicted of a crime and sentenced to a secure facility at intake and 2 years. Delinquency Survey-Revised (DS-R). Youth self-report. Image with caption: The Guam CEDDERS CMHI Evaluation Team published its Final Evaluation Report in November 2009. Page 17 Spotlight: I Famagu’on-ta Digital Stories Turning Challenges into Success Storytelling is an important tradition in many cultures and can be a powerful way to document one’s experiences about a specific program. On June 8 – 12, Guam CEDDERS I Famagu’on-ta Evaluation Team sponsored a Digital Story workshop as a closure activity for the Youth Evaluation Team. Four young people, ages 16 – 19, who were receiving or had received I Famagu’on-ta services, participated in the workshop conducted by off-island consultant, Jana Sczersputowski. As part of the Digital Story workshop, each young person was asked to identify a turning point in his or her life and to create a personal story of turning a challenge into a success. The youths were involved in all aspects of creating their digital story, from recording it in their own words, to selecting music and images to help portray the events in their stories, to learning to use the computer software to incorporate all the elements. The Digital Stories were showcased at the Children’s Mental Health Evaluation Summit held on September 16 and will be used in future events to demonstrate the positive impact of I Famagu’on-ta on the lives of the youth it serves. Photos with captions: A member of the Youth Evaluation Team records the narration for her Digital Story with the help of Jana Sczersputowski, consultant. As part of the Digital Story workshop, young people who were receiving or had received I Famagu'on-ta services, were asked to identify a turning point in their lives and to create their own personal story on how they turned a challenge into a success. A DVD containing all the Digital Stories of the Youth Evaluation Team was produced as a result of the workshop. Page 18 Full page photo with caption: (Left to Right) Parker McMullen, Ph.D. and Patricia Roy, Ph.D. from the National Staff Development Council lead an energizer activity during a Project Håtsa workshop. Page 19 Inclusive Communities The focus of the Inclusive Communities Initiative Area is in facilitating activities that provide a variety of opportunities that promote the increase of meaningful community involvement of individuals with disabilities and their families. The areas of emphasis included in this Initiative Area are: Education and Assistive Technology. Project Håtsa (To Build) Project Håtsa has come to an end, but the impact of the project, without a doubt, will continue for many years to come. Established in October 2005, Project Håtsa is the Guam Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, in partnership with Guam CEDDERS. “Håtsa,” the Chamorro word for “to build” and “to raise,” has done just that – raise expectations and results in Guam’s public school system. Teacher and Administrator standards were systematically examined and researched, expanded upon, clarified, updated, and enhanced. A mentoring program for new teachers was established to address the challenge of improving teacher skills and retention rates. The strategy for professional development for school personnel was changed from a traditional “one-shot” type approach to an on-going “job embedded” approach and follow-up strategy facilitated by in-school teams. Lastly, a tremendous amount of resources were channeled to acquire and incorporate new technology into classrooms to increase student learning. A comprehensive report of project activities and outcomes was released in June 2010 and is available online at www.guamcedders.org. Photos with captions: Nieves Flores, Ed.D. (Left), Project Håtsa Director, passes the project baton to Nerissa Underwood, Ph.D., GDOE Superintendent (Right), while Arlene Unpingco, GDOE Associate Superintendent (Center) looks on. Students at Astumbo Elementary school enter their answers to multiplication problems using the Renaissance Responder. The device, purchased through mini-grants funded by Project Håtsa, provides immediate feedback to their teacher, Fatima Tibudan (Background). Page 20 Guam Department of Education Project Menhålom (Wisdom) Guam CEDDERS’ role in the Guam Department of Education’s Project Menhålom (Wisdom), a character education initiative, is to provide consultation and technical assistance supports for the development and implementation of project activities to increase the academic achievement and positive behaviors of all middle school students. Activities this year included a “train the trainer” workshop for middle school personnel on Positive Action, the character education curriculum selected by the project, a class on “Enabling Effective Classroom Systems and Classroom Management Using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports,” training for “School Climate Cadre Members,” and on-going technical support. The outcomes targeted include awareness and appreciation for the value of character education, improved student discipline/behaviors, increased student academic achievement, and eventual program institutionalization. Guam Department of Education - Part BThe Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Division of Special Education enlisted the support of Guam CEDDERS to assist in several IDEA Part B activities including assistance in meeting the annual reporting requirements related to the Guam State Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports; facilitation of parent focus group sessions as part of the process of implementing and analyzing a parent survey; and facilitation of professional development activities in the prioritized areas to improve services for students with vision and hearing impairments and students in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program. Through the Guam DOE’s ARRA grant, Guam CEDDERS also provided technical assistance and training in curriculum and instruction that impact instructional needs of low-performing schools and students with the greatest learning challenges and in the area of transition. On a related note, the Western Region Educational Interpreter Center (WREIC), with consultants based at Western Oregon University and El Camino Community College, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, provided training and technical assistance to rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, job coaches, parents, and teachers, as well as sign language interpreters. Photos with captions: Students from several middle schools were part of the 78 participants who attended Project Menhålom’s Spring Training. Seated (Left to RIght) Pauline Annarino, CM Hall, Dr. Cheryl Davis, Consultants from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center, met with sign language interpreters from Guam and Palau on April 17. Page 21 CNMI Public School System - Part B The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Public School System enlisted the assistance of Guam CEDDERS to evaluate their Prioritized Improvement Activities under the IDEA Part B & C programs and to assist in the development of their State Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports. Support was provided through a series of teleconferences, on-site visits involving facilitation of stakeholder meetings, data collection, data analysis, and report writing. Palau Ministry of Education - Part B Guam CEDDERS was contracted by the Republic of Palau, Ministry of Education, Special Education Division to provide technical assistance to its staff on Child Outcomes data for Palau’s IDEA Part B State Performance Report and Annual Performance Report; to revise the Palau Part B procedural safeguards and procedural manual; to provide training in behavioral assessments and intervention plans; and to provide training to address the implementation of inclusive practices and accommodation and modification strategies. FSM Monitoring The Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) National Government, contracted Guam CEDDERS to provide on-site technical assistance to improve results of children and youth with disabilities in the FSM. This included the development and implementation of Local Monitoring Systems; the development of the FSM’s Local Performance Plans, State Performance Plans, and Annual Performance Reports; and training to build capacity at the state and national levels on Special Education program development and implementation. Photos with captions: During an on-site technical assistance visit to the Republic of Palau, Palau President Toribiong (Center), Guam CEDDERS Staff, and Palau Special Education Personnel visit with special education students. Guam CEDDERS staff and vision education consultant along with Palau Special Education Personnel paid a courtesy visit to Palau President Toribiong. OSEP Monitoring Visit ladies show off their Pohnpeian skirts: (Left to Right) Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS; Carlina Henry, Special Education Coordinator - Pohnpei; Judith Gregorian, OSEP; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; & Genee Norbert, OSEP. Page 22 Guam System for Assistive Technology The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) continued its mission “to enhance the independence, productivity, and quality of life for all residents of Guam, through increased access and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services.” The theme of this year’s GSAT Assistive Technology Conference was “AT: Moving Us Forward.” The conference offered its 247 participants a full agenda of various topics centered on assistive technology and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Other programs facilitated by GSAT during this period included the Demonstration and Resource Center; AT Device Lending Library; AT Recycling & Exchange Program; and alternative funding programs: Get Guam Working (GGT) and Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT). For more information on GSAT and its services, visit www.gsatcedders.org. Photos with captions: GSAT developed and produced a special video entitled “Assistive Technology and Educational Success,” which depicted several students using AT. Commemorating Developmental Disability Awareness Month, the Tri-Agency Partners hosted a Bowling Bash at Central Lanes. It was an inclusive recreational activity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to have fun, socialize, and connect with each other. Page 23 Photos with captions: Clinton Mesa (Right Photo), a Self-Advocate with autism, assisted in the development and design of the 2010 GSAT Confernence and Fair theme and logo (Left Photo). The design was featured in conference materials such as a newspaper advertisement, posters, and flyers. The Tri-Agency facilitated the AT Conference. (Left to Right) Marie Libria, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Carol Cabiles, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center, and Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS. Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Specialist, discusses an activity with a participant at the GSAT Assistive Technology Conference. Participants try out Assistive Technology devices at the Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Fair at the Micronesia Mall. Page 24 PACIFIC Project The Pacific Assessment Consortium Implementing Fully Innovative Change (PACIFIC) Project, funded by a General Supervision Enhancement Grant (GSEG), is another regional project that has enabled Guam CEDDERS to assist the regional Pacific entities in building local and regional capacity. This specific project aims to build skills in the development and full implementation of high-quality alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards that yield accurate reporting and analysis of participation and performance data of students with significant cognitive disabilities in each entity’s inclusive assessment system. The 2009 Regional Assessment Institute was held in Guam on July 9-14. The theme for this Institute was “Strengthening the Connection between Classroom Instruction and AA-AAS for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities,” and focused on developing capacity for reporting and analyzing participation and performance data of students with significant cognitive disabilities on alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAS). Over 115 school personnel from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau (ROP) attended the Institute. Prior to this activity, Guam CEDDERS partnered with Inclusive Large Scale Standards and Assessment (ILSSA) Project personnel to conduct follow up training with cadre members on providing mentoring and guidance as they carry out their role as the local technical support. Other activities included a Project Leadership meeting attended by 21 entity leaders and liaisons, a follow up activity to the July institute attended by 46 participants to build upon each entity’s cadre of local support both held in February 2010. On-site visits to each of the entities also took place throughout the year to provide follow up support to reinforce Institute and project objectives. Photo with caption: The Leadership Assessment Team and Cadre 2 members from the six Pacific entities take a break for a photo with PACIFIC Project staff and consultants. Page 25 Photos with captions: Representatives from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau present their findings during a group exercise at the July 2009 Regional Assessment Institute. PACIFIC Project Consultants, Guam CEDDERS Staff, and Special Education Coordinators from each entity continue to work together to meet project goals. June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS (Center), leads an “energizer session” during the July 2009 Regional Assessment Institute. The Republic of the Marshall Islands Jurisdiction Implementation Team works on a group project at the July 2009 Regional Assessment Institute. Page 26 Guam’s Family Support 360° for Military Families Guam’s Family Support 360º for Military Families Project (Guam FS360º), made significant progress in providing supports to military families with children with developmental disabilities including: • Establishment of the Guam FS360º One-Stop Center on the University of Guam campus; • Numerous outreach activities for all branches of the military were conducted; • A series of parent support group sessions held on topics such as self-esteem, Bi-Polar Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and helping children cope with disaster; • Weekly support group meetings for military parents offered at Andersen Air Force Base on weekends; • Over 20 families served in Guam FS360º’s first year; • Participation in the Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) Conference. STOMP is a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that was established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs. For more information on Guam’s Family Support 360º for Military Families, visit www.guamfamilysupport.org. Photos with captions: Guam Family Support 360° Project for Military Families staff and project partners gather at the STOMP Conference. Guam Family Support 360° Project for Military Families conducts outreach activities with all branches of the military. Navy Commander Maureen Chase, Family Support 360° Advisory Board member, shows her support during the STOMP Conference. Page 27 Pacific CIMAPThe project performance period for the Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP) came to an end in December 2009 but the impact of the project will be felt for years to come. Through this project, with funding support from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Pacific jurisdictions of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau (ROP) received much-needed technical assistance, training, and equipment support to establish their capabilities to assist their students with visual impairments and print disabilities to access educational materials. The last year of the project supported the Summer 2009 Braille Training held in Pohnpei, FSM, in conjunction with the FSM Micronesia Teacher Education Conference. The training focused on Braille/tactile formats and included 38 “Jurisdiction Implementation Team” (JIT) members who work with children who are blind. Between August and December, Guam CEDDERS conducted on-site visits to all nine island communities to support the implementation of the policy, procedures, and practices for providing timely educational materials in appropriate accessible formats. Donna McNear, Pacific CIMAP’s Lead Consultant, made site visits to American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI, Chuuk, RMI, and ROP. In December, 40 JIT members and personnel working with children with low vision attended the “Regional Low Vision Training” held at the University of Guam campus. This training focused on the use of low vision technology purchased for each island community. A special 10-page report was produced to tell the Pacific CIMAP story. “Making a Difference: Avyllia’s Hope – A Grandma’s Dream Becomes a Reality” was published in March 2010 as a special supplement to I Tellai (see pages 28-29). The report not only provided a summary of project activities but also tells a story on how Pacific CIMAP is impacting a child and her family who live in Pohnpei. As a way to disseminate project information and impact, Pacific CIMAP staff conducted a presentation entitled “Making a Difference for All!” at the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (NIMAS) related projects meeting and the Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Consortium meeting in Washington, D.C. Photos with captions: June De Leon, CIMAP Project Director (Right), works with Chuuk State Team members during the Pacific CIMAP Low Vision Regional Training. Ason, a student with vision impairment in Palau, uses the SmartView Versa Plus to enlarge text and images in his textbook. Two participants during the Summer 2009 Braille Training held in Pohnpei, FSM, practice their skills using the Braille Notetaker. Page 28-29 Spotlight: Pacific CIMAP Making a Difference: Avyllia’s Hope - A Grandma’s Dream Becomes Reality Excerpts from a Special Supplement to I Tellai Newsletter, originally published March 2010. Two years ago, Justina asked, “Is there hope for my granddaughter, Avyllia?” Justina’s hope for Avyllia was to see people work together to bring appropriate services to the islands. Her hope was for an educational system that connects at all levels to make things happen for children in the islands. Today, Her dream has become a reality. Avyllia is 4 years old and lives with Justina Olter (grandma), Wilson Olter (grandpa), Jo Ann Olter (mom), and Koropin David, Jr. (dad) in Pohnpei, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. She is a beautiful, bright, and very outgoing young girl who says what’s on her mind. When Avyllia was 10 months old, she lost her ability to see and underwent surgery to alleviate the pressure around her brain. In addition to losing her vision, Avyllia had difficulty with physical balance and walking. At that time, family and friends encouraged Justina to take Avyllia off-island so that she could get better services, such as equipment and specialists. But Justina knew that she didn’t want to take Avyllia away from their large family in Pohnpei. And if Avyllia was to leave, Justina knew that she wouldn’t be able to go with her to live away from home. Justina wanted Avyllia to stay in Pohnpei with family and hoped for services, maybe not all the services like in the U.S. mainland, but at least some of the services to be available in Pohnpei. Justina said, “Why can’t we bring what we need to Pohnpei instead of living off-island to get what we need? We want to have at least some of what they have, not only for Avyllia, but for the other kids who need it so that they can grow up and be independent. I know we can have what they have there.” Avyllia might have lost her ability to see with her eyes, but she definitely can see through her adventurous personality nurtured by the love and encouragement of family and friends. Avyllia enjoys singing, being with family, and going to the family store where her mom works. When she grows up, Avyllia says that she wants to work at her family’s store. Roddy Robert, Itinerant Vision Specialist for Pohnpei State Special Education Program, describes Avyllia as a fast learner and a wonderful little girl who knows what she wants. “Teacher Roddy,” as Avyllia calls him, makes weekly home visits with Avyllia and Justina. The visits include working on storytelling, reading, and learning Braille to read and write through the use of flash cards, story books, and the Mountbatten Brailler. The Mountbatten Brailler is a complete Braille learning system for children from the early stages of Braille instruction to advance use of the system through high school and beyond. Literacy through Braille opens new pathways of communication and expression, addressing needs that cannot be fulfilled by verbal and audio methods.” (http://www.mountbattenbrailler.com/support/resources.htm#mountbattenuserman) Teacher Roddy expressed that services have changed a lot when they started to work with parents and children who are blind, using the equipment and tools, such as the Mountbatten Brailler, provided through the Guam CEDDERS Pacific CIMAP. Pacific CIMAP facilitated regional training sessions on the use of the equipment and tools, but more importantly, provided the equipment and tools to take back home to the islands for immediate use. This allowed each entity to immediately apply what they learned in the training sessions. In addition to the Mountbatten Brailler, equipment and tools were provided for the production of printed materials in Braille and large print, as well as to access audio and digital formats of the printed materials. With support from Pacific CIMAP, Avyllia’s hope is a reality that can be seen in ALL Pacific island communities. Being able to bring the resources, technology, and training to the region and to each island community. Photos with captions: Avyllia Olter, 4, has benefitted from the resources and training provided by Pacific CIMAP. Avyllia and her parents read a Braille story book together. Justina (Left) said she would like to learn how to teach Avyllia so that her family could continue teaching Avyllia when Teacher Roddy (Right) is not there. Page 30 Developed Products Images of developed products. To view all of our Developed Products please visit our website at: www.guamcedders.org. Funding FY2009/2010 July 1, 2009 – June 30,2010 $11,824,414 Federal 58%, $6,878,913 State & Local 37%, $4,412,068 Other5%, $533,433 Page 31 The Guam CEDDERS Team Teaching, Research, Outreach, & Administrative Staff Heidi San Nicolas, PhD Director & Professor Kim Aeillo, MA, CCC-A, Guam EHDI Follow-Up Coordinator Maria Luisa D. Benavente, ACSW, Training Associate Elizabeth Borja, MBA, Research Associate Bonnie Brandt, MA, Training Associate Diana Calvo, MS, Training Associate Julie Celeste, MBA, Administrative Manager Herman Crisostomo, MFA, Media Development Coordinator June De Leon, MEd, Associate Director Elaine Eclavea, MEd, Health, Wellness, & Prevention Initiative Area Coordinator Mary Fegurgur, MSW, PsyD, Associate Professor/ Guam Family Supports 360º Principal Investigator Terrie Fejarang, MEd, Associate Director for Interdisciplinary Training, Operations, & Data/Dissemination Nieves Flores, EdD, Associate Professor/Project Håtsa Director Asuncion Guerrero, MEd, Training Associate Mary Kidd, MEd, Training Associate Jonas Macapinlac, MBA, Media Development / Information Technology Coordinator Joseph Mendiola, BA, Data Coordinator Ginger Porter, MEd, Consumer Leadership & Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator June Quitugua, MEd, Inclusive Communities Initiative Area Coordinator Victoria Ritter, BA, Guam EHDI Screening Technician Velma Sablan, PhD, Professor/Project Director Guam EHD Carla Torres, MEd, Assistive Technology Specialist Keith Villaluna, BBA, Data Coordinator Aline Yamashita, PhD, Project Håtsa Program Coordinator Support Staff Gabrielle Angoco,Student Office Assistant Jessica L. Camacho, Interviewer Patrick CarlosStudent Office Assistant Evelyn Claros, AA Senior Family Navigator Dolores Cruz Grant Budget Specialist III Jennifer CruzStudent Office Assistant Carrie Duncan Family Navigator Elizabeth FickeCenter Assistant Marcus Finona Student Office Assistant Elizabeth Hines Grant Assistant Besse Ilustre, Student Office Assistant Margaret Johnson, AS, Data & Developed Products Assistant Jordan Jugo, Student Office Assistant Ruth Leon Guerrero, Office Technician Lolita Leon Guerrero, Interviewer Jef Limtiaco, Grant Assistant III Sean Lizama, BA, Media Production Artist Vince Manibusan, Family Navigator Jay-Lynn Mendiola, Student Office Assistant Cecile Olandez, Center Specialist Hope Pangelinan, MSW, Family Navigator Eric Pegarido, Follow-up Parent Mentor Krystal Perez, Office Technician Dolores Palomo, AT Center Assistant Thilani Pereda, Office Technician Elaine Roberto, Interviewer Jacia Shimizu, Follow-up Parent Mentor Stephanie Tenorio, Student Office Assistant June Timpe, Grant Budget Specialist I Back Cover Guam CEDDERS 2010 Annual Report Ideas to Action University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS) Office of Academic & Student Affairs UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: 671-735-2479 TTY/TDD: 671-734-6531 Fax: 671-734-5709 www.guamcedders.org