Guam CEDDERS Newsletter December 31. 2021 Volume 24, Issue 1 UNIVERSITY OF GUAM Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service NCEO Pacific Convening on Interim Assessments and Students with Disabilities On October 26, NCEO faciliated a virtual meeting for the Pacific Convening/IA. Pictured from top to bottom, left to right, June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Kascinda Fleming, NCEO; Virginia Ressa, Ed.D., NCEO; Andrew Hinkle, NCEO; Johnpaul Lapid, WestEd (NCEO Partner); Sheryl Lazarus, Ed.D., Director, NCEO; Jessica Arnold, NCEO. On November 9 and 10, a virtual Pacific Convening on Interim Assessments for students with disabilities was collaboratively facilitated by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) and UOG CEDDERS. The Pacific Convening included the following six Pacific entities: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and American Samoa. Pacific entities shared information regarding the current use of interim assessments. The convening provided entities time to share their unique challenges and allow for common themes to emerge. The biggest challenge clearly identified across Pacific entities through word cloud display during the session, was the need for an alternate interim assessment for students with disabilities. Distinguished professor of Special Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Dr. Diane Browder shared with entities that an alternate interim assessment does not exist and that it is still in the developing stage. That this is not just a challenge in our Pacific region, but also across the U.S. mainland. Dr. Browder challenged Pacific entities to think about the following: Is there something in the summative assessment that could be adapted? Do we adapt the interim assessment? Do we need more extensive accomodations? The convening encouraged much reflection on current practices, and in developing or adapting an alternate interim assessment to better measure what students with disabilities know, and can do. The session shared several NCEO briefs/reports for entities to review and the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. Next steps include individual technical assistance by entity to develop action plans to address their specific entity's needs and reconvening at a later date to share progress made. On July 26, SSIP CORE Team held a virtual meeting. Pictured top to bottom, left to right, Josephine Cruz, Ed.D, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; June Quitugua, Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Nieves Flores, Ed.D Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MULES; John Wesolowski, Principal, CHBPES; Darlene Castro, Principal, CBMES; June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Elias Taisipic, Assistant Principal, MULES; Denise Taimanglo, Assistant Principal, CHBPES. GDOE Offers Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Multidisciplinary Team Support with GARS-3 On September 2, a session facilitated by Dr. Irina Quebles, reviewed the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-3) and included a walk through of the rating scale. Items were shared on screen and the appropriate items for use with both verbal and non-verbal students were reviewed. During the discussion on using the GARS with parents, it was recommended that it would be essential to go through GARS questions carefully and read through them with parents and have the understanding that the content would be subject to parent's interpretation and/or perceptions. Additionally, discussions centered on students with multiple disabilities and the need for the team to incorporate strategies of reflection and conversation among the scorers in order to obtain interrater reliability. Practice with shared examples and videos are scored with participants and team ratings are further discussed to reach a better understanding and consensus. On September 2, Dr. Irina Quebles facilitated a GARS-3 Session. Pictured top to bottom, left to right, Dr. Irina Quebles, Consultant, Ryan Cueto, Grant Assistant II, Guam CEDDERS; Thomas Hazama, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Arnell Medler, Transition Program Coordinator, GDOE; Joanne Kim, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Rowena Dim/a, Speech, GDOE; Janice Almoguera, CRT-TA, GDOE; Marie Wessling, CRT-TA, GDOE; Marita Gogue, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Nicole Duenas, Speech, GDOE; Rowena Guzman, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Mariann Punzo/an, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Neil Rochelle, Project Coordinator, GDOE; Alma Terbio, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Lalanea Taitano, CRT-TA, GDOE; Doris Espinosa, Psych/Ed Evaluator; Audra Mesa, Psych/Ed Evaluator, GDOE; Brian Enriquez, CRT-TA, GDOE; Arvin Aguon, CRT-TA, GDOE; Melanie Torre, Speech, GDOE; Jessica Atoigue, CRT-TA, GDOE; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Marie Tenorio, CRT-TA, GDOE. GDOE Supports SSIP CORE Team Meeting On September 10, SSIP CORE Team met. Pictured top to bottom, left to right, Norine Guzman, CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; June Quitugua, Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Nieves Flores, Ed.D, Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; John Wesolowski, Principal, CHBPES; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MULES; Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Elias Taisipic, Assistant Principal, MULES; Christine Hernandez, CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Denise Taimanglo, Assistant Principal, CHBPES; Pearl Hamada, Teacher, CBMES. On September 10, a monthly SSIP CORE Team session was held with SSIP school administrators, school representatives, and CRT-TAs. The session provided support to the four SSIP schools: Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary, M.U. Lujan Elementary, Capt. H. B. Price Elementary, and J.M. Guerrero Elementary School. As GDOE schools shutdown after Labor Day and switched to an online learning format, discussion on how schools were doing and whether this learning mode was accessible to all students. A remote learning matrix was shared, which illustrated the behavioral expectations for students who are online. Discussions also centered on technical assistance during the time of online learning through the scheduling of virtual sessions: Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to look closely at school data and share Explicit Instruction content, as well as providing coaching for resource room teachers prior to IEP meetings. Moreover, the scheduling of the universal screener, aimswebPlus and the virtual training session for teacher leaders in preparation for the Fall screening was documented. Teacher leader (TL) training will allow these TLs from each grade level to train their grade level collegues on conducting of aimswebPlus measures with their students. The team further discussed pushing back the initial (Fall) screening date until the return to in-person learning as well as a suggestion to schedule onsite testing appointments. The SSIP CORE team was given updates regarding the Learning A-Z's Raz-Plus, supplemental leveled reading program's completion of the rostering of all updated student listings, that refresher trainings will be provided for teachers, as well as the launch of the Raz-Plus Incentive Program this school year. This incentive program will award students (and their teachers) prizes for student usage on the platform. Students logging into the Kids A-Z portal can read, listen, and answer questions on books they have read. This program gives students the opportunity to level up, which increases their reading level automatically the more students read and complete the story activities. Closing the Gaps for Infants in Need of an Outpatient Hearing Rescreen Guam Public Law 27 - 150 mandates all infants born on Guam receive an initial hearing screening prior to discharge at public, private, and military birthing sites. Guam birthing sites continue to ensure infants are screened prior to discharge. Under normal conditions, the Guam Department of Education Guam Early Intervention System (GDOE GEIS) worked collaboratively with theGDOEaudiology unit to schedule and rescreen of babies born at GMHA who refer at the initial hearing screening. However, a restructuring of the GDOE audiology unit and relocation of its office has halted the outpatient hearing screening services that GDOE GEIS normally facilitates. To eliminate a delay in infants receiving timely outpatient follow-up hearing screenings, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) opened its doors on October 7, 2021 to families of infants who were referred at the initial hearing screening at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA), ensuring newborn outpatient hearing screening continued. Guam EHDI has held weekly rescreen clinics since October and facilitates the outpatient and high-risk rescreen clinics at Dean's Circle House 30. The project completed a total of 13 hearing rescreen clinics since October 7 and has completed a total of 65 hearing rescreens. The project will resume screening on January 14, 2022. Guam EHDI continues to provide GDOE GEIS with referrals of infants who need a diagnostic audiological evaluation (DAE) after an infant receives a "refer" result at the outpatient hearing rescreen. Guam EHDI staff counsels all parents with private insurance to obtain a DAE referral to the local audiologist from their Primary Care Physician (PCP) or pediatrician. An early diagnosis of hearing loss by three months of age is essential in ensuring infants are enrolled in early intervention services - GEIS by six months of age. Enrollment of infants with hearing loss in El services improves the infant's language develop skills significantly to close to or on track with those of their hearing peers. If your child was born in 2021, failed the initial hearing screening at GMHA, and did not receive a follow-up hearing rescreen, contact Guam EHDI to make an appointment for a hearing screen at 671-735-2466. Community Receives Information About EHDI In November, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) in collaboration with Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) began weekly interviews at a local radio station to provide the general public with information on the history and development of the initial newborn hearing screening program, the importance of an early diagnosis of hearing loss, the benefits of enrolling in an early intervention program, the ease of infant hearing screening, and tips on preparing your infant for a successful diagnostic evaluation. One of the featured guests in December was the EHDI audiologist consultant Renee Koffend. Dr. Koffend shared with the listening audience that hearing loss can happen at any stage of a child's life. She stressed the importance of continuously monitoring a child's hearing even after passing the initial hearing screening to avoid potential speech and language delays. Guam EHDI will continue the weekly radio interviews until April 2022. Guam EHDI was present at selected local village COVID-19 vaccination sites disseminating the 2021 Guam EHDI Annual Report Calendar, newborn hearing screening information, and DHH Family Support and Deaf Adult Mentor information to adults present at the sites. Guam Hearing Doctors Audiologist, Dr. Renee Koffend (left}, received Guam EHDI Project Annual Report calendars to be given to patients and their families. Guam EHDI Intern, Leilani Delgado (right) assisted in the outreach. A COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic hosted by the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG), was held at the Yigo gym on November 1, 2021. Guam EHDI Project Annual Report calendars, brochures, and Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) brochures were provided for distribution to the Guam community. Pictured from left to right are: Spc. Kenneth Meno, GUARNG, Mervin Angulo, FEMA; and Leilani Delgado, Guam EHDI Intern. GPPT Provides American Sign Language Lessons for Families & Friends on Guam and the CNMI Guam's Positive Parents Together (GPPT) in collaboration with a local American Sign Language (ASL) instructor from the Guam Community College (GCC) to provide ASL lessons via Zoom to families on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island (CNMI). These lessons were offered from November 15, 2021 through December 17, 2021. The content design of the lessons was parent-driven and the instructors included Deaf Culture instruction during these lessons. GPPT and Guam EHDI submitted an article "A Road Map to Success" for publication on the Hands & Voices Leadership in Language & Learning Center website, which can be found on the Hands & Voices FL3 website under, "Spotlight on Success." GDOE's Project Hita Para Mo'na Brings Partners Together On October 19, the Guam Department of Education's project, Hita Para Mo'na (Moving Forward Together), is a model for a holistic system approach to teacher and family learning. This project brings together members of the community willing to learn from one another and make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. The project includes five work teams, that incorporate the Leading By Convening (LbC)frameworkwhich essentially focuses on authentic stakeholder engagement; creates a collaborative mapping of the system of professional development and capacity building for families; improves practice by focusing on engagement and agency for all participants; provides coaching and sustains practice change through embedded Implementation Support Practitioners (ISPs); builds that responsive system that learns from and with stakeholders. The Guam Department of Education applied and was awarded the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) for five years. The project, entitled, Hita Para Mo'na brings together in a collaborative effort, the following partners: Autism Community Together (ACT), National Association of State Director of Special Education (NASDSE), the University of Guam (UOG) School of Education (SOE), and University of Guam (UOG) Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDERS). On October 79, Hita Para Mo'na (SPDG) Work Team IV, pictured top to bottom, left to right, Joann Cashman, NASDSE; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Rich Barb, NASDSE; Norine Guzman, CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Terese Crisostomo, Special Program Coordinator, GDOE/SPED; Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Luann Purcell, NASDSE; Portia Topasna, Preschool Program Coordinator, GDOE/SPED; Christine Hernandez, CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS. GDOE Supports Visual Impairment (VI) Program Teachers On August 27, a session was facilitated by Visual Impairment (VI) Program Consultant Donna McNear. The session shared ef­ fective teaching strategies to address students with complex needs. She introduced "touch thinking" which guides students to look with touch. In addition, touch thinking enhances tac­ tile discrimination. Tactile discrimination helps build skills that support Braille letter identification, which in turn translates into Braille reading. Touch thinking also integrates brain research on how we com­ municate with children who are blind, in order to better build their comprehension and understanding. Strategies shared for use with students who have visual impairments are: having pro­ cedures and routines outlined, limiting language with not too many words so that student's fingers will know what to do (and not experience sensory overload), incorporating "touch think- ing" using familiar things/objects multiple times a day, working toward automaticity (allowing the student's brain to respond to what they are touching), reinforcing through incentives, and set­ ting the mastery criteria at 100% over 10 trials. An instructional tool entitled, "Turning on Touch Thinking 19 Steps;' was shared with VI teachers during the session. It out­ lined overall strategies on thinking about what the hands and fingers are touching. Many sorting activities using common objects were demonstrated by way of shared video clips during the session. The activities highlighted the support in turning the brain onto discrimination with touch. When students with vi­ sual impairments reach step 15, they will then be exposed to the introduction of Braille symbols. Thusly, better supporting stu­ dents with visual impairments in gaining access and obtaining a level of independence. Radio Guest at KSTO and KISH iCanConnect Program In October, as part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Leah Neumann visited Guam as a guest presenter for the activities celebrated during the month. Ms. Neumann is a Deaf Blind Specialist for the iCanConnect Program, also known as the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP). The program supports low income individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss. It provides access for individuals to obtain free equipment for distance communication and training to stay connected to family and friends.The AssistiveTechnologyequipment individuals may qualify for includes smartphones, tablets, screenreaders, Braille equipment and software. This endeavor is mandated by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and provided by the Federal Communications Commision. During her annual visits, Ms. Neumann meets with the Assistive Technology Trainers Leah Abelon, GSAT; Darlene Taimanglo, GDOE Vision Program; and Diana Artero; GDOE Vision Program. She also conducts assessments for individuals who have significant hearing and vision loss. To provide awareness of the iCanConnect Program, Ms. Neumann was invited to speak on local radio stations, 95.5 KSTO, and 102.9 KISH. She discussed the eligibility requirements including income and attestation of the individual's disability. She also explained that for vision loss, the individual must be diagnosed as being legally blind or have a progressive diagnosis such as Macular Generation, Glaucoma, and/or Retinitis Pigmentosa. With hearing loss, the program reviews the audiogram to determine if the diagnosis is mild or profound or if the hearing loss creates difficulty in communicating over the phone or when using distance communication. For more information on how to apply for iCanConnect individuals can email Leah Neumann at leah.neumann@hknc.org or Leah Abelon at leah. abelon@guamcedders.org. On October 21 and 22, pictured below are Leah Abe/on (left}, GSAT Coordinator, & Leah Neumann (right}, a Deaf/ Blind Specialist from the iCanConnect Program provided information about the program requirements at a local talk show. Pictured above (L-R) are Leah Abe/on, GSAT Coordi­ nator; Rosaline Marie Kotts, Radio Host; and Leah Newman, /CanConnect Deaf/Blind Specialist. Radio Guest at KSTO and KISH Client Experience Lee Perez, a longtime proponent of Assistive Technology (AT) describes her experiences during a radio talk show at 95.5 KSTO and 102.9 KISH. Being diagnosed with a visual disability for 30 years, Ms. Perez has learned to adapt to changes in her built en­ vironment to be more inclusive. She reminded listeners of the program that in communicating with individuals with disabili­ ties that we must be conscious of putting people first before the disability. Barriers are often introduced when information is provided visu­ ally, leaving individuals with vision impairment excluded from participating in activities within the community. Ms. Perez conveys the sentiment, "Don't see a person in a wheel­ chair. See a person:' She further adds that AT could be as simple as a photograph with a description, for someone who has mem­ ory loss. Some could be as sophisticated like talking ovens or smart devices like oven range that connect to an Alexa, and send a command to, "Preheat oven to 325 degrees:' Lee Perez contributes her knowledge of AT to the GSAT program. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been actively engaged in the community to advocate for AT products that will enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. For more information on services the Guam System for Assistive Technology provides or AT recommendations, please contact (671) 735-2490 or email at gsat@guamcedders.org On November 79,202 7, pictured below at the KM Broadcasting station of95.5 KSTO and 702.9 KISH are Lee Perez (left), Advocate, and Rosa/in Marie (right), Radio Host. GDOE Supports Raz-Plus Participation and aimswebPlus Performance Spring '21 Data Share On September 14, two virtual sessions were conducted with MU Lujan Elementary School (MULES) teachers. The first session for teachers in grades 3-5 was held at 10am and the second session for teachers in grades K-2 was held at 1:30pm. The sessions focused on Raz-Plus participation data and aimswebPlus performance data collected at the end of School Year 2020-2021. Due to limited aimswebPlus screening for Spring '21, data reflected only three SSIP schools with one school (M.U. Lujan Elementary School) comprising 68% of the data collected. The Raz-Plus supplemental leveled reading tool was piloted by teacher leaders in July 2020 and was subsequently adopted by the SSIP schools in August to support remote instruction during SY2020-2021. The reading tool has leveled readers that can be printed, projected during online and in-person instruction, and accessed by students online. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the early part of SY2020-2021, this aligned with GDOE's three modes of learning - online, hard­ copy, and in-person. The aimswebPlus is GDOE's universal screener. It is typically administered three times a year (Fall­ September, Winter-January, Spring-May). During SY2020-2021, schools were given the option of whether or not to administer the screener. Three of the four SSIP schools opted to administer the Spring screener. However, participation rates were significantly lower than previous school years. Data analysis steps included, identifying students enrolled in Raz-Plus from each of the 3 SSIP schools and determine the combined total of students enrolled in Raz-Plus. Students enrolled were categorized based on Raz-Plus usage (i.e. 0 minutes, 1-99 minutes, 100-999 minutes, 1000 and more minutes). Determination of the number of students enrolled in Raz-Plus performing at or above benchmark in aimswebPlus (45th percentile for Reading Measures & 35th percentile for Early Literacy Measures) based on the four student usage categories. Determination of the combined percent of students for each Raz-Plus usage category performing at or above benchmark in aimwebPlus was obtained by dividing the combined total of students at or above benchmark by the combined total of students screened who were enrolled in Raz-Plus in that category. Additionally, a determination of the median percentile for performance across the 3 SSIP schools for Winter 2020 (the last data point before COVID-19 pandemic) and the Spring 2021 was made. During the analysis of the data and subsequent findings, it showed that the percentage of students on or above benchmark increases with student usage on Raz-Plus. Significant increases are demonstrated with usage of 1000 minutes or more. Reading Comprehension performance rates were higher across student usage categories over Oral Reading Fluency performance rates. Overall, median percentile scores across 1st-5th grade showed a significant decline in performance possibly due to the impact of the lack of in-person instruction as a result of the pandemic. Recommendations included increasing the efficacy of Raz-Plus, by having student usage increase to a minimum of 1,000 minutes. A Raz-Plus incentive program for SSIP schools has been prepared to encourage students to participate in the online leveled reading resource for SY2021-2022 On September 14, Session 1: Raz-Plus & aimswebPlus Data Share Spring '21 with grade levels 3-5, took place. Pictured top to bottom, left to right, Annette Raguindin, teacher, MULES; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Bertha Cruz, teacher, MULES; Hanna Elise Benavente, teacher, MULES; Cat Lorio, teacher, MULES; Sam Aguon, teacher, MULES; Janet Meno, teacher, MULES; Delores Quinata, Librarian, MULES; Dawn Perez, teacher, MULES; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MULES; Melissa Terlaje, teacher, MULES; Patricia Castro, resource room teacher, MULES; Dr. Margaret Surigao, teacher, MULES; Karla Fontbuena, teacher, MULES; Debra Shimizu, Instructional Coach/ C&I, GDOE; Mariana Lujan, teacher, MULES; Kristy Gamboa, teacher, MULES; Zena Sablan, teacher, MULES; Anita Toves, ESL teacher/coordinator, MULES; Zenia Duenas, ESL teacher, MULES. On September 14, Session 2: Raz-Plus & aimswebPlus Data Share Spring '21with grade levels K-2 took place. Pictured top to bottom, left to right, Dolores Cruz, teacher, MULES; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Fusae Nobuo, teacher, MULES; Teresa Taitague, teacher, MULES; Ursula Umadhay, teacher, MULES; Courtney Rosario, teacher, MULES; Arlene Cruz, teacher, MULES; Bertha Torres, resource room teacher, MULES; Isabella Terlaje, teacher, MULES; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MULES; LeAnn Pangelinan, teacher, MULES; Emmercita Benavente, Counselor, MULES; Debra Shimizu, Instruction Coach/ C&I, GDOE; Anita Toves, ESL teacher, MULES. GSAT Presents at GWEP's Virtual Conference Series On November 5, 2021, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center Coordinator Leah Abelon and GSAT Center Assistant Reuel Drilon participated in a virtual session with the Guam/ Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), a program administered by the University of Guam School of Health. The program aims to transform the current health systems that serve the region's elderly population and individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) to improve quality of life. Ms. Abelon presented information on the history of the GSAT program, beginning with a brief discussion on the Assistive Technology Act of 1988 that allows for technology assistance for individuals with disabilities. GSAT is one of approximately 56 programs across the nation that offer AT support services and devices. Ms. Abelon shared information on specific services and programs. Reuel Drilon followed with a presentation on UOG CEDDERS' involvement with COVID-19 vaccination access efforts. In 2021, UOG CEDDERS entered into an agreement with the Department of Public Health & Social Services to develop ways to increase accessibility to the vaccines for individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community. As a result, a call center was established that would allow the scheduling of vaccination appointments, transportation services to and from vaccination sites, and in-home vaccinations for individuals who are homebound. The call center was added to the Joint Information Center 311 Vaccination Hotline (option 2). CEDDERS Facilitates Guam PDG B-5 Activities Over the course of several months, Guam CEDDERS facilitated several input sessions for stakeholders comprised of parents/ caregivers, service providers, child care providers, and community partners. Information and feedback were collected, aggregated, and incorporated in Guam PDG B-S's Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan documents. Some themes highlighted from the Needs Assessment include: The need for policies and governance pertaining to procedures for children with disabilities to access early childhood settings, updating Guam's Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care centers, a One-Stop Center or online portal for families to access information about early childhood services and supports; A lack of awareness of the availability of services and supports for families, and parents/caregivers not knowing how to access those needed services; Affordability of child care services; The need for information to be available in languages other than English, and for those families who do not read their native language, the available of interpreter services; Limited access to high quality child care services for Wards of the State/foster children and children with disabilities; The need to update Guam's Plan for Professional Development (for child care providers); and Lack of a data system to provide unduplicated counts of children served within the early childhood system. As a result of the Needs Assessment, Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with the Guam Early Learning Council's Leadership Team, parents, and early childhood programs developed a three­ year Strategic Plan. This document will serve as Guam's Early Childhood State Plan and provide guidance for all programs within Guam's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) system to address areas of need and gaps within the system. The plan focuses on five Key Strands including: 1) Policies and Governance, 2) Maximize Parent Choice, 3) Quality/Accessibility/ Support, 4) Professional Development, and 5) Data Systems. Lee Perez (above) shared how Assistive Technology (AT) has impacted her quality of life.She also provided tips on how to communicate with individuals with disabilities. UPCOMING EVENTS Uniting Our Community in a Changing World Through Assistive Technology Assistive Technology Expo 11am-3pm *"Make It & Take It" Activities For School Aged Children Location: Agana Shopping Center Assistive Technology Expo 11am-3pm *"Make It & Take It" Activities For Senior Citizens Location: Agana Shopping Center APRIL 29 Main Conference 8am-4pm Location: Somnak Ballroom, Westin Resort Guam Register at https://tinyurl.com/gsat28 For more information, contact: Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Tel: (671) 735-2490 | TTY: (671) 735-2491 | Email: gsat@guamcedders.org These events are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Grant No. 2101GUATSG-02. The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer. *Make it and Take it - methods, materials, and resources for creating assistive technology solutions to perform tasks. KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND “MCGYVER OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY” Dr. Therese Willkomm, Ph.D., ATP APRIL 24 APRIL 23