I LinaÕla-ta OUR LIFE
Administration on Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Tri-Agency
November 13, 2013


Page 1-2

LetÕs Put Bullies Out of Business By Maria Bontogon
 Bullying has no universal accepted definition, but most agree with these core elements: deliberately or willfully aggressive, exercise of power over another with hostile and malicious intent between individuals. 

Bullying can be verbal, physical, written or digital. It involves teasing, name calling, insulting, threatening, humiliating, and abusing physically, verbally, and emotionally. In a less direct form, it is referred to as Òpsychological bullyingÓ such as spreading rumors, gossiping and shunning or exclusion. Because it affects the health and well-being of a person, it is also considered a public health issue. Those who get bullied face difficulties, and the heartbreak is all the more poignant when it involves children with special needs who are particularly susceptible to this unacceptable behavior. This may adversely affect the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from school programs or activities. The targets usually have difficulty stopping the unwanted behavior directed at them and struggle to defend themselves. Parents, friends or school personnel may see noticeable changes in the individualÕs behavior, such as isolating self from others or peers, expressing feelings of mood problems and physical symptoms related to stress, anxiety, and depression. 

People can take steps towards bullying prevention like advocating for themselves. Learn social skills and exercise them. Keep a group of supportive friends and social networks. When in public, be in a group of trusted friends. Bullies usually prey on people who are alone and avoid groups of happy people. Talk to those in authority to learn ways to cope with and stop unwanted conduct. Get trusted people involved to stop misconduct. Document the incident if any exists and report it immediately to parents, school authorities, or public safety officials. They would know what to do from there. 

Keep in mindÐ never physically fight back with a bully. Doing so might make things worse. Instead, be assertive. Let the bully know that he/she is making you uncomfortable. Assertiveness is like perfume: everyone knows when youÕre wearing it! 

Educational institutions have legal responsibilities to ensure children are safe, secure, and free from harassment or any discrimination. Schools, colleges, or universities quash bullying by enforcing school-wide anti-bullying policies. They help empower students by teaching them social skills, character education, conflict resolution, and anger management strategies. The increase of adult presence and supervision is also implemented in school facilities where bullying typically occurs when no one is around. Schools teach positive behavior through coaching, modeling, and praise, creating a greater sense of connection among peers offered through mentoring, mediation, and counseling. 

Every child has the right to equal educational opportunities including students with disabilities based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which are enforced by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). OCR has stated that bullying may also be considered harassment when based on studentÕs race, color, national origin, sex or disability. A disability harassment is unacceptable. When it occurs, it is a violation of federal law and will result in a disciplinary action for those who are found responsible.

Text in colored box:
Some Ideas on Eliminating Disability Harassment: 
* Learn to advocate for yourself. Take a stand and speak up. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, talk calmly with the bully to stop. If the comment or joke is tolerable, try to laugh it off. You might catch the bully off guard. If speaking up doesnÕt work, walk away and stay away. Bring it out in the open with trusted adults. They need to know when bullying occurs so they can help end it. Write the incident in detail as early as possible for accurate reporting later. Get involved, voice out your feelings and share ideas. 
* Develop social skills that promote respect, understanding, positive action, empathy and kindness. Stop, think, and try to divert your attention to something else before you comment, offend, or hurt anyone. Always treat everyone with respect. Keep in mind that every individual is unique and different. Nobody is better or worse, just plain different. Remember the golden rule: ÒDo unto others what you would want them to do unto you.Ó 
* Incorporate disability awareness, concerns, and sensitivity in the school curriculum, programs, or activities and the community at large. 
* Provide appropriate training and support for school personnel, students, and parents to recognize, handle and prevent potential disability harassment. 
* Encourage everyone (teachers, students, school faculty, parents and the community) to discuss disability harassment, and to report it immediately upon awareness if any exists. 
* To prevent reoccurrence, advise and provide effective reinforcement for students and individuals who have been involved in the harassment including those who have been harmed and who have been responsible. 
* Implement monitoring programs on resolved issues of disability harassment. 
* Regularly assess or modify the existing disability harassment statements to ensure effectiveness. 

No one has the right to harass anyone or put them in harmÕs way. Nobody can learn and function appropriately in an environment of intimidation and ridicule. The reality is...bullying is a choice. We all can and must fight the apathy in this world!

By Maria Bontogon

Photo with caption:
Maria Bontogon, the author of this article, was a guest presenter during the recent Employment for Youth with Developmental Disabilities Conference held on September 28 at the University of Guam. Maria, a senior at Simon Sanchez High School, is an emerging leader in GuamÕs self-advocacy efforts.


A Poem by Gian Magana
My Life In Middle School

Hello this is Gian, I am a typical teenager 
who has autism. 
I have many challenges along my life. 

It all started in seventh grade. 
This was my most desperate time. 
During a biology class 
We were in a group doing criminal research. 

I put my name as ÒButters*Ó 
When someone presented in front of the class 
called me ÒguiltyÓ 
And I threw a fit. 

After this class 
some of my classmates still called me guilty 
and it really hurt me in a heart! 
Why do they want to call me guilty? 

During 8th grade some students didnÕt treat me the right way. 
In some classes these guys would ignore, 
Intimidate me, or even assault me. 
I didnÕt understand! 

I somehow made it onto the soccer team in middle school 
I thought I was safe in our team, 
But no, the guys who picked on me 
didnÕt give me the respect. 

Who says shut up when I was yelling? 
Who intends to kick me in the legs? 
Why is this happening to me? 
Now I kindly need RESPECT and the kindness you gave to me. 

I was bullied or picked on 
all like many other students in school 
I didnÕt want this to happen, 
yet why did it happen all the time? 

However in High school I wasnÕt really picked on. 
Yet I was still lonely. 
But then many students approached me. 
I thank you for that. 

When youÕre hurt, please donÕt fall down. 
But please have respect for others even when youÕre hurt. 
Calm down, relax, donÕt think of anything, 
and focus on your actions but nothing but your mind.

But now, hey I am still lonely 
Yet I could be depressed when a certain student doesnÕt approach me. 

I believe I was bullied even though they didnÕt bully me
because I am somewhat shy 
And please, you need to also give respect to my attitude. 

Footnote:
*Leopold ÒButtersÓ Stotch is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butters_Stotch

Page 3
Si–A Earns GovernorÕs Award for Innovative Sports/Fitness Event 
Si–A, GuamÕs Self-Advocates in Action, recently received an award in recognition of the organizationÕs dual efforts to promote physical fitness and increase public awareness of disabilities on our island. Erlinda Tydingco, Si–A President, and other members of the organization, graciously received the 2013 GovernorÕs Award for Innovative Sports/Fitness Event or Program for organizing and sponsoring the White Cane Safety Day Relay over the last two years during the September 21st awards banquet and ceremony. 

As part of the nomination process, Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, summarized Si–AÕs initiative in organizing this event, stating, Òthe promotion of health and wellness activities cuts across all age levels and more importantly, ability levels. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are oftentimes overlooked when it comes to physical activity. Rare is the case where an organization of individuals with disabilities takes the lead in coordinating a relay event to promote health and increase awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities.Ó 
  
The nomination statement continued by saying, ÒApproaching their third year for the White Cane Safety Day Relay, Self-Advocates in Action, better known as Si–A, offers a unique inclusive walking event to educate our community in the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities and asks them to Òwalk in their shoes,Ó doing so without vision and with a white cane as a navigational guide. This physical activity provides the awareness needed to ensure proper design, construction, and most challenging of all, positive attitudes. Si–A also sponsors a 5K power walk event that targets every body to participate in a fitness activity. This event promotes community inclusion, a concept embracing the value that encourages all people to engage in activities along with individuals with all levels of abilities. For these reasons, we nominate Si–A for the 2013 GovernorÕs Award for Innovative Sports/Fitness Event or Program.Ó 
  
Upon accepting the award on behalf of the Si–A organization, President Tydingco thanked all members, supporters, and the GovernorÕs Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. 

A special ÒLifetime Achievement AwardÓ was also given during the banquet to Patrick Wolff, J.D., for his over 30 years of service in promoting sports and physical fitness on our island. Attorney Wolff is the longtime Chairperson of the GovernorÕs Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Photo with caption:
Photo (L-R): Ginger Porter, Si–A Advisor, and Si–A members Steph Madarang, Chris Madarang, Norma Boswell, Erlinda ÒLynnÓ Tydingco, Si–A President, Jean Quitugua, and Gian Magana accept the GovernorÕs Award for Innovative Sports/Fitness Event or Program. On stage to present the award are (Back row) Bill Bennett, Member of the GovernorÕs Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Katarina Martinez, Miss Earth Guam 2013, and David Nelson, Member of the GovernorÕs Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

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Young Adults Attend Employment Conference
The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council sponsored the Conference for Employment for Youth with Developmental Disabilities on September 28 at the University of Guam campus. The doors to opportunity and information were opened by the Honorable Eddie Calvo, Governor of Guam and Cathleen Moore-Linn, Director of the UOG Professional & International Programs. 

Scores of UOG students from Americorps Volunteers and the International Friendship Club helped the youth participants get settled in the Lecture Hall for an inspirational and mesmerizing personal journey facilitated by Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator and told by Diamond Iriarte. As a young self-advocate, Diamond, 24, fully understood his strengths and knew how to talk about his hidden disabilities. He was supported by a network of family and friends who connected him to resources within Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Guam Department of Labor, Job Corps. Representatives of these two employment resources were on hand to answer questions from the audience about their services. 

As Diamond continued to unfold his story, he talked about his choice to get training within the Hawaii Job Corps and the experiences he had. Like a college student, he lived with roommates in a dorm for the 21 months of training, ate in the campus cafeteria, studied in classes, had access to counseling and assistance in career planning. He was also given a small allowance for spending on personal needs, and gained a new network of friends. He emerged at the conclusion of the training experience with certified skills and training in Landscaping, OSHA Safety, Safe Work Practices, First Aid, CPR, Customer Service, Renewable Resources and Energy, Career Preparation, Business Planning, and Money Smart topics of Banking, Checks, Loans, and Paying Yourself First. Academic skills in language and math were also provided by the program. 

Upon returning to Guam, Diamond got a job handling baggage and servicing planes at the airport, and his OSHA certifications from the Job Corps gave him better pay opportunities. This is his immediate job, but he is also preparing for his dream job: to own his own landscaping business, a plan put together during his Hawaii Job Corps training. Through VR and the Get Guam Tele-working (GGT) loan program facilitated by the GSAT Center, he now has funding to start up his business. 

DiamondÕs personal journey was much like taking a diamond in the rough and polishing it into a brilliant and valuable gem. His story provided a great entrŽe to Leone RohrÕs keynote presentation message of how to map your dreams and take action for successful transition from high school to adulthood. 

After taking lunch with college students at the student center, conference participants were oriented to the University campus on a student-conducted tour. Then the afternoon consisted of four workshops: On the Job, Self Awareness, Time Management, and Effective Communication, each presented by different instructors. Closing comments for the dayÕs events were provided by Simon Sanchez High School senior, Maria Bontogon, a youth self-advocate, who provided information and related personal success stories of the benefit gained by using assistive technology.

Photo with caption:
Top photo (L-R): Brian San Nicolas, Senior Health Advisor and the Honorable Eddie Baza Calvo are greeted by UOG Professional and International Program staff Carlos Taitano and Russell Ocampo. Bottom photo (L-R): Catherine Cruz and Dometila ÒDelÓ Aquilizan, both from the Job Corps Program under the Department of Labor, provide information on employment programs while Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator and Diamond Iriarte, Self-Advocate look on.

Page 5
Annual Election Period for Medicare Part D 
OCTOBER 15, 2013 Ð DECEMBER 7, 2013 By Joleen Almandres

The Annual Election Period for MedicareÕs prescription drug program, nationally known as Medicare Part D, is from October 15, 2013 through December 7, 2013. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries may enroll or cancel in this voluntary prescription drug program. 

For 2014, United HealthCare is offering a Medicare Part D plan, called the AARP MedicareRX Preferred Plan, to the islandÕs Medicare beneficiaries with a monthly premium of $20.50 effective January 1, 2014 provided the beneficiary enrolls before or by December 7, 2013. A higher monthly premium may be assessed for beneficiaries who delayed their Part D enrollment when they were first eligible, and were without creditable prescription drug coverage from another health insurance. 

The Guam Medicare Assistance Program (Guam MAP) within the Division of Senior Citizens (DSC) under the Department of Public Health and Social Services provides free informational presentations on the 2014 Part D Plan every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. through December 5, 2013 at DSCÕs office located at 130 University Drive, Suite 8, in Mangilao. 

Medicare beneficiaries and their families interested in obtaining more information are encouraged to contact Guam MAP at 735-7421 or 735-7415.

Page 6
Photo with caption:
GSAT Council Elects New Officers for FY 2013-2014 
The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Advisory Council meets for its first general membership meeting of the new fiscal year, 2013-2014. The Assistive Technology Act which funds GSAT requires that it maintain a consumer-majority Advisory Council that provides consumer-driven advice for planning of, implementation of, and evaluation of activities carried out through the grant, including setting measurable goals. Exceeding the requirements of the grant, this great group of individuals goes beyond their advisory capacity and takes leadership roles in making things happen for our island community. Photo above: 2013 GSAT Advisory Council, seated from (L-R): Lou Mesa, Evelyn Duenas (Vice Chairperson), Roy Rosario (member-at-large), Lisa Ogo (Chairperson), Josie Cortez (Secretary). Standing from (L-R): Kirsten Bamba (interpreter), Barbara Johnson (member-at-large), Ben Servino (DISID/DVR Rep.), Michelle Cruz (GLSC Rep.), Tavita Faasuamalie (member-at-large), Dawn Maka (GCIL), Vedalema Valencia (member-at-large), Carina Raguindin (DOL/ AHRD Rep.), Carla Torres (GSAT Coordinator). Other members not in photo: Rosanne Ada (GDDC Rep.), Terese Crisostomo (DOE Rep.), Rudy Ignacio (member), John Kimmons (member).

Half page advertisement:
Guam Regional Transit Authority 
GRTA
Do you ride fixed route and/or paratransit? 
The Guam Regional Transit Authority ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
Seeks 8 interested transit riders to become members of the committee 
* Attend monthly meetings, beginning December 2013 
* Receive FREE transit passes for members 

Contact Nicole at 475-4686 for information and application procedures

Photo of male adult with a visual impairment exiting a bus and using his walking stick.


Page 7
Adult Protective Services Law Updated By Carol Cabiles 
Last April, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Bureau of Adult Protective Services, Division of Senior Citizens, together with the Office of Senator Aline Yamashita, brought together various agencies and service providers to work on updating the Adult Protective Services (APS) Act, Public Law 19-54 as amended by Public Law 21-33. The 15-member work group collaborated on improving the APS mandate to update and strengthen the law to protect vulnerable senior citizens and adults with a disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

Last December, the act to amend the APS mandates became Public Law 31-278. Updates relate to the process of reporting incidents of an elderly person or adult with a disability abuse; appointment of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to provide case consultation, interagency treatment strategies and collaborative planning to address complex cases and services gaps involving an elderly individual or adult with a disability who is a victim of abuse and/or neglect. 

This past August, the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) selected this working group as the receiver of the NAPSA Collaboration Award in recognition of significant contributions to improve services and supports in the field of abuse of elders and persons with disabilities protective services. James Gillan, DPHSS Director paid tribute to the group by saying ÒI extend my congratulations and gratitude to all members of the work group for their commitment and dedication in undertaking this task to protect and serve our seniors and adults with a disability and who are now being recognized on a national level.Ó

Photo with caption:
Front Row (L-R): Public Guardian Marcelene C. Santos, Esquire; Senator Aline A. Yamashita, 32nd Guam Legislature; Evelyn Cruz, Social Worker, Bureau of Adult Protective Services, Division of Senior Citizens, Department of Public Health and Social Services (DSC/DPHSS); Benito Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities; Marilyn Miral, Social Worker, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center; Bernadita Grajek, Executive Director, GumaÕ Mami Inc.; Second Row (L-R): Timothy Santos, Social Worker, Guam Memorial Hospital; Carol D. Cabiles, Program Coordinator, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center; Evelyn S.A. Claros, Family Liason, Office of Senator Yamashita; Jesse Catahay, Deputy Director, Catholic Social Service; Captain Daren Burrier, Guam Fire Department; Jirrah Cabrales, Program Coordinator, GumaÕ Mami Inc.; Third Row: Jared Ada, Case Manager, Guam Medical Transport; Francisco V.G. Limtiaco, Social Worker, Bureau of Adult Protective Services, DSC/DPHSS; Philip J. Tydingco, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General; PeterJohn D. Camacho, Project Director, Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence (GCASAFV), Arthur U. San Agustin, Senior Citizens Administrator, Division of Senior Citizens, DPHSS. Collaborators not present for the photo: Diana Calvo, Executive Director, Catholic Social Service; Jocelynn Cruz, Supervisor, Bureau of Adult Protective Services, DSC/DPHSS; Yvonne Flores, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority; Brian Torres, St. JosephÕs Medical Transport; Vice Mayor Louise Rivera, MayorsÕ Council of Guam; Cynthia Cabot, Executive Director, GCASAFV. 

Acknowledgement:
I LinŒ'lŒ-ta is a newsletter published and funded through an Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) Tri- Agency partnership comprised of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (Guam DDC), Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC), and the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (UOG CEDDERS). 

Comments may be sent to: Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Affairs University of Guam, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: 735-2480/1 Fax: 734-5709 TTY: 734-6531 Email: terrie.fejarang@guamcedders.org 

Guam DDC Executive Director: Rosanne Ada 
GLSC-DLC Director: Harold Parker, Esq. 
UOG CEDDERS Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D. 
Editors: Ginger Porter, Terrie Fejarang 
Layout & Design: Sean Lizama 

This issue of I LinŒ'lŒ-ta was made possible by contributions from the following individuals: Joleen Almandres, Maria Bontogon, Carol Cabiles, Terrie Fejarang, Gian Magana, Ginger Porter, Carla Torres. 

Alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tapes, or electronic file) of I LinŒ'lŒ-ta will be made available upon request. Please contact Margaret Johnson at 735-2477 (v) or 734-6531 (TTY), or email: margie.johnson@guamcedders.org for more information.

Page 8
Half page advertisement:
Yes You Can!
Si–A: Self-Advocates in Action, is a nonprofit organization consisting of individuals with all types of disabilities and their allies who believe in the purpose of Si–A: to promote self-advocacy for people with disabilities by assisting, educating, forming alliances, and participating together to further strengthen efforts to accomplish individual and group goals to improve our quality of life. 

Annual dues: $10.00 
General membership meetings: Bi-monthly, every 3rd Saturday 
Contact: President Lynn Tydingco: 685-7807 or email her at: sinaguam@gmail.com

Photo with caption:
Molliann Campos, JFK Junior, speaking at Self-Advocacy Conference ÒThe other kids were just jealous they didnÕt have a cool helmet like I did!Ó

Join Si–A (Self-Advocates in Action) today


Quarter page ad:
Save the Dates!
March 1, 2014: Guam System for Assistive Technology Annual Assistive Technology Fair 
March 28, 2014: Guam System for Assistive Technology Annual Assistive Technology Conference 
Venues to be announced.

Photo of Leah Abelon, CEDDERS GSAT staff, demonstrating an assistive technology device.


Quarter page ad:
PADD
Advisory Council Wants You!
Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC) is seeking your help in nominating individuals to serve as members to the PADD (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities) Advisory Council. As a council member you will have the opportunity to guide the PADD Program in advocating for the needs of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please contact Leslie or Michelle at GLSC-DLC 477-9811.