I LinŒ'lŒ-ta OUR LIFE
July 17, 2014 ¥ Vol. 8, Issue 3
Administration on Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Tri-Agency

Page 1 
PEP Sponsors 1st Annual Conference on Disabilities
By Anna Catahay

Photo of Jo Mascorro holding Guam shaped plaque standing with Parents Empowering Parents of Children with 
Disabilities, Inc. (PEP).  

Photo caption: The PEP Team presented Jo Mascorro with a local hand carved gift of appreciation (carving by Tony Paulino). (Left to Right): Anna Catahay, Ana Kilroy, Pauline Camacho, Jo Mascorro, Leone Rohr, Carol Darlow and Arlene Goodson.

Parents Empowering Parents of Children with 
Disabilities, Inc. (PEP) held their first Annual Island 
Wide Conference on Disabilities featuring Keynote 
Speaker Jo Mascorro, M. Ed, Consultant for Education, 
on May 24th. The Conference entitled: ÒDonÕt Look Now, 
Your Behavior is Showing! Strategies to Assist in Teaching 
Ownership and Management of BehaviorÓ not only 
engaged the audience with its very relevant and all too 
realistic scenarios of behavior, but it captivated them 
through Ms. MascorroÕs no-nonsense, straightforward, 
and humorous approach. 
 
The Conference focus was to help parents, related 
service providers, school teachers and administrators, 
counselors, job coaches, and potential employers to 
understand the behaviors of children with disabilities and 
how to address or manage those behaviors properly, with 
a positive outlook. Ms. Mascorro stressed the importance 
of realizing that those with disabilities are people too, and 
should be treated as such, quoting Helen Keller, she said, 
ÒA person who is severely impaired never knows hidden 
sources of strength until he is treated like a normal 
human being and encouraged to shape his own life.Ó

Ms. MascorroÕs strategies addressed the behavior 
of individuals with disabilities from all aspects that 
impact the behavior; the Individual, the Environment, 
the Instruction, and all others in contact with the 
individual with the disability, allowing for a well-rounded 
assessment of the behavior in order to manage and 
create appropriate interventions for the behavior. She 
also gave concrete examples, techniques and phrases 
to use. In addition, she taught the basics of how the 
brain works to give a better understanding of why some 
behaviors present themselves. 

Ms. Mascorro made a meaningful impact on her 
audience from teachers to parents and those with 
disabilities. 

continued on next page...

Page 2

Vanessa Arce, parent, said, ÒThis seminar I really learned 
a lot. It was so educational. It was my very first one ever. 
IÕm so happy that I was informed about it and was able 
to attend. ItÕs really changed the way I look at things and 
it will also assist me greatly with my children. So many 
things IÕve learned that I will be able to apply and IÕm 
looking forward to the next one that they have. I canÕt 
wait. Thank you so much PEP for bringing her here.Ó

Joseph Sanz, Speech and Language Clinician with DOE 
Special Education commented, ÒThis was an educational 
experience not only for the parent, but also for the 
teachers to help us with special kids with special needsÉ
to add spice into their life and give us adaptive ways to 
work with unique childrenÉÓ

From a tearful sister, Nakita Cabrera, and parent, Vivian 
Cabrera, who travelled from Saipan to attend, ÒThis has 
probably been a very touching experience for the both 
of us because my brotherÉhas autism, so just being 
around other people who are just as passionate and just 
as knowledgeable about autism andÉ(who are) very 
supporting of one another. It was really nice to see that 
another island is just as supportive.Ó 

From Erlinda Tydingco, Self-Advocacy Facilitator and 
Individual with a disability, ÒIÕd like to thank PEP and all 
the sponsors for bringing out Jo Mascorro. We really, 
really, really enjoyed (the conference) and she gave me 
a lot of good insight as a person with a disability and as 
a self-advocacy facilitator. I really appreciate her coming 
out and enlightening us. Thank you.Ó

The conference was a success. Over 100 participants 
walked away with practical advice and a toolbox of 
strategies to put into immediate action in their homes 
and professional settings. As you interact with those in 
the disability arena, you may hear some new terminology: 

ÒBehavior is CommunicationÓ
ÒGet rid of the words Ôright nowÕ in your vocabularyÓ 
ÒThe brain wants to hear, see, and doÓ
ÒWe have to be the role models 100% of the timeÓ 
The importance of the word ÒbyÓÉand if youÕre wondering what all the buzz is about, 
those are the positive effects of attending PEPÕs First 
Annual Island Wide Conference on Disabilities with Jo 
Mascorro. 

Jo Mascorro is from San Antonio, Texas and joined us in 
Guam after speaking at the PACRIM conference in Hawaii. 
She also travelled on and spoke in Palau after visiting 
Guam. She brings with her over 34 years of experience in 
education and in working with students with disabilities. 
This conference was a collaborative effort of PEP, Inc., the 
Hyatt Regency Guam and the Statewide Independent 
Living Council. For more information, please contact 
Leone Rohr at 929-4157 or Anna Catahay at 989-4115; 
email us at pepguam@gmail.com; find us on Facebook 
at PEP Talk Disabilities; www.peptalkdisabilities.com; P.O. 
Box 9001 Agat, Guam 96928.

PEP Conference on Disabilities...continued

Photo of Jo Mascorro standing and speaking to a filled ballroom.

Photo caption: Jo Mascorro, an education consultant, delivered her keynote presentation, ÒDonÕt Look Now, Your Behavior is Showing! Strategies to Assist in Teaching Ownership and Management of BehaviorÓ during the First Annual Island-Wide Conference on Disabilities held on May 24. Over 100 parents, teachers, and related service providers attended the Conference.

Page 3

Youth Self-Advocates Explore Possibilities
Estorian Lynn Tydingco

Photo of youth self-advocates and workshop facilitators aboard a limousine bus.

Photo caption:Youth Self-Advocacy Workshop facilitators and participants from Simon Sanchez High 
School take a ride on a well-appointed bus/limousine during a field trip to explore 
higher education at the University of Guam and Guam Community College.

Photo of youth self-advocacy group with facilitators at Simon Sanchez high-school.

Photo caption:Youth Self-Advocacy Workshop facilitators Andrew Tydingco (squatting, front left) and 
Lynn Tydingco, (middle front row in black and white print blouse) chaperoned a group 
of high school self-advocates from Simon Sanchez High School during a visit to the 
Guam Community College Accommodative Services office.

Students from Simon Sanchez High School have 
successfully completed the Pilot Youth Self-
Advocacy Workshop facilitated by Si–A: Self-Advocates 
in Action Facilitators, Lynn Tydingco, Andrew Tydingco, 
Stephen Madarang, and with support from collaborative 
partners the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council 
and UOG Guam CEDDERS.

Students and their parents attended an orientation for 
the workshop. A brief overview was provided on self-
advocacy and self-determination, and how acquiring 
the knowledge, tools, and skills of both would benefit 
youth with disabilities and their families in promoting 
acceptance, integration, inclusion, and independence.

The month long workshop empowered the youths to 
know themselves, accept their disabilities, know their 
rights, make informed choices, plan for their future, 
be actively involved and direct their IEP. The students 
developed self-confidence, recognized that their voices 
are the strongest, and that their future has a positive 
outlook whether they decide to choose post secondary 
education or to be gainfully employed.

Interaction and role playing activities were lively and 
effective methods of communication ensured that the 
students understood the information.

Each student took on a project that allowed them to 
practice their self-advocacy skills. The projects touched 
on a variety of topics ranging from bullying, learning to 
speak out for themselves, identifying their strengths and 
weakness, to pursuing careers in their areas of interest.

On the last day of the workshop, a field trip was 
arranged to provide the opportunity for the students 
to visit both the Guam Community College and the 
University of Guam as options for higher education.

Un Dangkolo Na Si YuÕos MaÕase to Mr. John Limtiaco 
of Paradise Limousine for providing complimentary 
limousine service to transport the youths from Simon 
Sanchez High School to the Guam Community College.

In addition, Carla Torres, Guam Systems for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT), AT Specialist, introduced and 
demonstrated the various types of devices that are 
available to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.

The guided tour topics were based on the studentsÕ 
education and career interests. Their exposure to college 
life was inspiring and motivating for them. The overall 
feedback was positive.

Reaching out and training persons with disabilities 
as young adults and establishing youth self-advocacy 
chapters here on Guam was a one of three self-advocacy 
state plan goals identified by Team Guam at the 2012 
AIDD: Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities Self-Advocacy Summit in Hawaii. Si–A has 
plans to spread the self-advocacy fire to all the other 
high schools.

Page 4

Guam Territorial Agenda on Disabilities Updated

Photo of group standing in front of wall covered with large pieces of paper with ideas and input from the group. 

Photo caption: Individuals check out a portion of the posted gallery of ideas and input.

Thirty-nine self-advocates and family members 
of persons with disabilities engaged in the process 
of providing input and recommendations to update 
the ÒTerritorial Agenda on DisabilitiesÓ on May 27 at 
the Outrigger Guam Resort in Tumon. Guam CEDDERS 
utilized a World CafŽ approach to the input sessions, a 
structure that encouraged participants to interact and 
generate a rich bank of recommendations for identified 
disability issues that exist in our local community. 

Prior to consideration of each life area listed in the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
Rights Act of 2000, Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS 
Leadership & Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator, 
provided a brief summary of themes developed in the 
Island Summit on Disabilities in 2003 in comparison 
to the systems of change within the past decade. 
Underscoring that Òwe are not done yet,Ó participants 
generated a wealth of information on what works, 
what needs to change, and recommendations for 
change. Participants shared key issues that emerged 
from their discussions. The collective input, once 
displayed across the nine life areas of Housing, 
Community Supports, Employment, Transportation, 
Recreation, Quality Assurance, Health, Child Care, 
and Early Intervention/Education, was impressive. 

Participants responded well to the approach of 
the World CafŽ, where input was provided at hosted 
tables. After two topical areas of Òconversation,Ó 
participants moved to a new table with new people, 
providing a good mix of self-advocates with parents 
and interspersing persons across disability types. 

Prior to the close of the day, after meeting a new 
network of people and sharing a broad range of 
experience, participants took part in a gallery walk 
to review everyoneÕs input. They were then asked 
to prioritize the life areas by voting for their top 4 
areas of need. Emphasis areas that rose to the top 
were: Employment, Housing, and Transportation, 
followed by Quality Assurance, Community 
Supports, and Education/Early Intervention. 
See ÒPriority Rank OrderÓ listing on page 5.

Leadership is important to the process of refining 
the message and taking the issues to policy makers. 
Participants signified their commitment to providing 
this leadership by volunteering their time and efforts to 
communicating information from the various Life Areas 
to policy makers. The next step will progress across the 
summer, with refinement of the input and preparation 
for telling the story of need and recommended action 
or policy to GuamÕs leaders. More detailed information 
relating to the updates of the Territorial Agenda will 
be provided in the September issue of I Tellai. 

Page 5

Overcoming 12 Years of Barriers
By Maria Bontogon

Nothing could be more perfect for a studentÕs 
journey than to wear a cap and gown at the end 
of the school year. As my name was being called and I 
began to walk ready to receive my high school diploma 
during our high school commencement exercises, I felt 
like my life was a movie where someone had pushed a 
fast forward button and it was an unforgettable moment. 
This made me recollect all the ups and downs of my high 
school lifeÑthe expectations, hopes and dreams, storms 
and stresses, sorrow and joy. 

Seemed like it was only yesterday... felt like as if IÕm the 
only student in the school ground while others are flying 
with their wings above me. Walking the crowded maze of 
unfamiliar school hallways, trying to keep up with peers 
and being there unprepared due to lack of resources 
was like diving headfirst into shark-infested waters. The 
pressure built to the point where I wasnÕt sure anymore if 
I could stay afloat. However, the levels of the pipelinesÑ 
from services to accessibilities and accommodations I 
needed and requested, and everything in between such 
as support and mentorship I have received were all tools 
that lead to new doors of opportunity. 

So my thanks and sincere appreciation to my family, 
teachers, peers, service providers and the Guam tri-
agency: GLSC, CEDDERS-GSAT and the GDDC, including 
all the people who have supported me. Due to them, 
my high school life has been bearable and reached a 
triumphant educational pathway. But this is just the 
beginning, a much more complex adult transition is yet 
to come. I plan to pursue post secondary education and I 
need to work hard to be armed and ready.

Photo of Maria Bontogon in her graduation cap and gown holding her diploma.

Photo caption: Maria Bontogon is all smiles after her high school graduation ceremony.

Guam Territorial Agenda on Disabilities Updated...continued

Priority Rank Order By Areas Of Emphasis

1. Employment

2. Housing (Tie) 

2. Transportation (Tie)

3. Quality Assurance

4. Community Supports

5. Early Intervention/Education

6. Health

7. Recreation

8. Child Care

Photo of Moses Puas placing a colored sticker on a ranking poster board.

Moses Puas (left), self-advocate, places his colored dot vote on a posted voting sheet. 

Page 6

GianÕs Senior High School Recap & Future Endeavors 
By Gian Magana

Hello everyone! My name is Gian Magana, 
I am 18 years old, and I just graduated from 
John F. Kennedy High School. I have Autism, 
which is a developmental disability that affects social 
communication. I am also proud to advocate for people 
with disabilities. Because of my 
advocacy and my inspiration, there 
are some people that I know who look 
up to me. 

People are supposed to be treated 
equally and with respect. Does 
this sound fair and square in your 
life and to the world? Absolutely, 
because you canÕt get all the things 
you want. But I can always hope 
for the future based on what I 
need, not just on what I desire.

Senior year is the fourth and final 
year of high school. Everyone has their 
own challenges from ÔsenioritisÕ all the 
way to behavior issues. I had panic 
attacks and anxiety disorders. Do I even 
deserve anything good? I passed my written test and 
got an interview with Burger King. I tried my best, but 
have had my share of challenges. Of course, people will 
always try their best to help you to stop thinking about 
negative things and get support and encouragement, 
and not think that you are an outcast. You can talk to 
someone, like your friends or even a nearby adult. 

I also ran into another problem. I admit that as much as 
I hated being bullied, I bullied a less fortunate student! I 
always somehow thought that bullying someone was a 
good idea, all because I was bullied in Benavente Middle 
School by jocks and preps. This brought into focus for 
me the fact that, in the end, revenge will not lead to 
success; there is no excuse for bullying, and what I got 
is that I was suspended twice. I should have learned 
my lesson from a long time ago. The student that once 
bullied me had gradually stopped. I need to also be a 
good role model for students, especially because I was 
chosen to be ÔMost InspirationalÕ by the senior class.

Building friends requires confidence, but there are 
different kinds of friends everywhere. Some of them 
may seem to be shy, but there are some who are 
sympathetic. I met new friends from John F. Kennedy 
High School, Okkodo High School, and Simon Sanchez 
High School; and also some middle school students from 
F.B. Leon Guerrero, Jose Rios, Untalan, and Benavente 
Middle School from the youth conference. Ever since 
then, I became more confident in 
introducing myself to new people, 
meeting new friends, or trying to 
invite some of my friends to my 
graduation party as well. I wanted to 
be interviewed, and I was interviewed 
for a Pacific Daily News VIBE article.

My Graduation Ceremony was held 
on June 14, 2014. I almost didnÕt walk, 
but one of the assistant principals 
gave me a chance to shape up on my 
behavior. My future endeavors are 
to go to Guam Community College, 
to take Visual Communications and 
Computer Science as a major. I will 
then transfer to the University of 
Guam after I complete my Associates 
Degree from Guam Community College. IÕm also planning 
to buy a Nikon DSLR camera, the ÔSpeedlightÕ, and a 
tripod. Sometime in the near future I want to travel 
around the world like New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, 
Tokyo, London, and Singapore to take pictures on popular 
landmarks; and also do a time lapse video taken from 
my camera. Furthermore, I am also looking forward to 
getting a job to support my lifestyle. I started by applying 
to GAP, Gamestop, and HŠagen-Dazs; but I am also willing 
to apply at many more of our popular retail stores.

I may be considered to some as an Òoutcast,Ó however 
many of the students at John F. Kennedy High School 
know me, and some at least greet me by usually saying, 
ÒHi Gian.Ó Some students may be unkind, but are still 
willing to help me to become a good role model. In the 
end I wanted to be popular or well-known in Guam. 
It was good that I got my diploma and I am ready to 
move on to the next step of life - College and adult 
life. My senior year gave me the time and opportunity 
to grow up, develop responsibility, and begin to 
behave as the adult and graduate that I now am.

Photo of Gian Magana in a formal studio portrait in his cap and gown.

Photo caption: Gian Magana is proudly poses in his cap and gown for 
his high school senior photo.

Page 7

Advertisement: Disability & Society Course Series

FALL COURSES TO BE OFFERED:
¥ Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Issues
¥ Disability and Self-Advocacy
¥ Disability Policy, Advocacy, and the Law

For more information on the these courses please email Ginger Porter at 
ginger.porter@guamcedders.org

These courses were developed by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS) and 
receive 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Grant No. 90DD0014-01-00. The University of Guam is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

GDDC Attends PEP Conference

Photo of GDDC at Hyatt hotel.

Photo caption: Several Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC) members attended the 
Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) 1st Annual Island-wide Disability Conference, May 
24, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The conference covered birth to adult and students 
with disabilities, mild to moderate, severe to profound populations, including dual-
sensory impairments. Emphasis on learning behavior intervention practices for children 
with challenging behaviors on brain development and more. (L-R): Joyce Flores, 
Carol Darlow, Lourdes Mendiola-2nd Vice-Chairperson, Josephine Guerrero-1st Vice-
Chairperson, Erlinda Tydingco-Chairperson, Rosanne Ada-Executive Director, Judith 
Ayuyu, and Andrew Tydingco.

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: Maria Bontogon, Anna Catahay, Marie Libria, 
Gian Magana, Ginger Porter, Leone Rohr, Lynn Tydingco. 

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. 

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

Page 8


PEP CALENDAR OF EVENTS SY 2014-2015 

Dates and Location To Be Determined 

PEP logo
Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc. 
Providing Training, Advocacy and Support 

August 2014 
ÒBack to School & IÕm ReadyÓ Parent Training 
Parents will learn techniques, information and tools to help create a smooth start for the school year. 

October 2014 
ÒLetÕs Write a Great IEPÓ Parent training and hands on workshop 
In this unique event, parents can schedule an appointment for assistance in preparing for their childÕs IEP meeting 
with a simultaneous training on the components of the IEP, including teaching on compliance, related services, 
assessments and evaluations, and accommodations and modifications. This is a skill building opportunity. 

November 2014 
ÒTeam PEP Family Thanksgiving SocialÓ Support Activity 
A family support event for us to relax, share, enjoy family and fun and make new friends. Together we are 
stronger. 

January 2015 
ÒWhat will I do after High School?Ó Parent and Student Training 
Training on the development and implementation of the post-secondary transition plan. What part do other 
agencies play in the transition of students from high school to training, employment, or post-secondary education? 
LetÕs learn about some options. 

February 2015 
ÒHealing our HeartsÓ Support activity for moms 
Join us in a Valentine inspired event for mothers to share, give and receive support, enjoy fellowship and self care 
tips. 

April 2015
Sunset 5K Disability Awareness and Advocacy 
PEPÕs 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Sunset 5K Family Walk/Run/Wheelchair with the PEP Special Needs Course. 
Light the Way for Individuals with Disabilities is the theme for the PEP signature Sunset 5K for all in the community 
to join us in awareness and advocacy for all individuals with disabilities and their families. DonÕt miss this one! 

May 2015 
PEPÕs 2nd Annual Island Wide Conference on Disabilities 
Stay tuned for all the details on this event for training, advocacy, and awareness for our Island Community. 

For more information please call
Leone Rohr 671-929-4157 
Carol Darlow  671-727-2535 
Anna Catahay 671-989-4115 
email: pepguam@gmail.com 
website: www.peptalkdisabilities.com 
Facebook: PEP Talk Disabilities