Guam CEDDERS Newsletter

March 31, 2021

Volume 23, Issue 2 

27th Annual GSAT Conference Hits the Airwaves


June De Leon, Interim 
Director, Guam 
CEDDERS practices her 
lines for the filming of 
the GSAT Conference.

In this issue:

The pandemic may have postponed many annual events across the country, 
but it did not stop the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) from 
holding its 27th Annual GSAT Conference. Using the power of media and 
technology, the conference was televised from March 26th thru March 28th on 
four television stations – KUAM TV 8, KUAM TV 11, DOCOMO TV ONE, and GTA 
GNN CH 17 – to reach as many people as possible and is currently available on 
the KUAM News YouTube channel.

Appropriately themed, “Creating MORE Opportunities in a Changing World,” 
the conference highlighted GSAT’s continued commitment to increasing 
accessibility to assistive technology and focused this year’s content on the 
impact of AT devices in the workplace, bridging technology with communities 
to ensure inclusivity, and AT assessments in education. A session on creating 
AT devices using readily available material was also featured.

The Value of Teamwork

Pulling off a conference of this magnitude took incredible collaboration and 
teamwork. Countless hours of individual rehearsal by speakers followed by 
professional videography and editing by the University of Guam Integrated 
Marketing Communications Office, under the direction of Jonas Macapinlac, 
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, resulted in a broadcast-ready 
platform for our media partners. The GSAT center was transformed into a 
makeshift video and audio studio by the dedicated staff. The conference 
opened with welcoming remarks by UOG President Dr. Thomas Krise and 
Interim Director June De Leon. Congratulatory remarks were given by 
Tri-Agency partners, Daniel Somerfleck, Executive Director, Guam Legal 
Services - Disability Law Center; Jermaine Alerta, Executive Director, Guam 
Developmental Disabilities Council; as well as Lourdes Ann Mesa, GSAT 
Advisory Council Chairperson.

GSAT 27th Virtual Conference...................1-3

Join the GSAT Advisory Council...................4

GSAT New Inventory......................................5

Delivering Opportunities on Wheels..........6

Three More EPICS Scholars Graduate.........7

GEIS Phase-In In-Person Training...............8

Guam Part C ICC Meeting Held....................9

GDOE Provides VI Paraeducators..............10

GDOE Provides Continuous Support........11

GDOE Supports P-ESDM..............................12

GDOE Offers Support to Resource Room 
Teachers.........................................................13

Guam EHDI Continues to Serve...........14-15

Project Minetgot Moves Forward........16-17

GPPT Presents “ASL Under 60”..................18

EHDI Advocacy Video...................................18

FSM Gathers Stakeholder Input.................19

GPPT and GSAT Ad.......................................20


UNIVERSITY OF GUAM

 Center for Excellence in

Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, and Service

Continued on pages 2-3



27th Annual GSAT Conference (Cont.)


Therese Willkomm, Ph.D

Director

New Hampshire Statewide

Assistive Technology

1

DAY

Therese Willkomm is the director of ATinNH, the New Hampshire 
statewide assistive technology program with the Institute 
on Disability and is an associate clinical professor in the 
Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New 
Hampshire. She holds a Ph.D. in rehabilitation technology from 
the University of Pittsburgh and has over 25 years experience in 
providing/managing assistive technology services.

Dr. Willkomm is known nationally and internationally as 
“The McGyver of AT” for her expertise in creating assistive 
technology on the fly, and as an expert on “Awesome Apps and 
Adaptations” to support individuals with disabilities. She has 
presented in 46 states, seven foreign countries, and three U.S. 
Territories and authored 22 publications including her most 
recent book, Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes Book 
2 – Ordinary Items, Extraordinary Solutions (available in the 
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of 
North America [RESNA] store).

Creating Assistive 
Technology in 
Minutes Using 
Coroplast


Daniel Somerfleck

Executive Director

Guam Legal Services - Disability 
Law Center

2

DAY

Daniel Somerfleck assumed leadership as the Executive 
Director of Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law 
Center (GLSC-DLC) in October 2019. He was previously the 
Executive Director from 1997 to 2006. He graduated from the 
University of Minnesota in 1982 with a Bachelor of Social Work 
and from Antioch School of Law in 1986 with a Juris Doctor 
Degree. 

Mr. Somerfleck is a very experienced attorney who oversees 
the administration of the Protection & Advocacy Programs. 
As an attorney, he has spent the better part of his career 
advocating and protecting the civil and human rights of all 
people with disabilities. Additionally, Mr. Somerfleck provides 
direct representation of clients with disabilities, victims of 
violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. 

Disability Law in 
the Workplace



27th Annual GSAT Conference (Cont.)


Gretchen Cole-Lade, Ph.D

Assistant Professor

Oklahoma State University

2

DAY

Gretchen Cole-Lade is a retired special education teacher and 
spent the majority of her career teaching students with severe 
disabilities. She is currently an assistant professor preparing 
early childhood education pre-service teachers to meet the 
needs of their future young children in inclusive classroom 
settings. Cole-Lade’s research interests include increasing the 
capacity of educators to meet the needs of all students and 
their families, collaborative team processes, and augmentative 
and alternative communication (AAC) devices and systems 
to support communication of young children with Complex 
Communication Needs in early childhood, inclusive settings. 
Cole-Lade earned a Bachelor of Science in special education 
from Old Dominion University, a Master of Education in early 
childhood education from Boston University, and a Doctor of 
Philosophy in professional education studies with an emphasis 
in special education from Oklahoma State University. 

AT Assessment 
in Education: AT 
For All Students 
With A Disability

3


Carolyn P. Phillips

Director and Principal Investigator 
Tools for Life 

Georgia Institute of Technology

DAY

Building Bridges 
for a Smoother 
Transition 
through Assistive 
Technology

Carolyn P. Phillips earned her undergraduate degree from 
the University of Georgia and her master’s degree from 
the University of Kentucky. She is a nationally recognized 
consultant in the field of assistive technology and disabilities. 
She has spoken to numerous groups on topics that include 
assistive technology, advocacy, self-determination, and living 
with a learning disability. Ms. Philips serves as Director of Tools 
for Life, the Georgia Assistive Technology Act Program, and 
Pass It On Center, the National Assistive Technology Reuse 
Technical Assistance and Coordination Center. Ms. Philips has 
dedicated her time and energy to promoting independence for 
people with disabilities through advocacy, education, assistive 
technology, and fundraising.



Let’s Make a Difference, Join the GSAT 
Advisory Council

The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) is currently 
recruiting members for the Advisory Council! The Council is 
open to community members who are interested in assistive 
technology services in Guam. It is GSAT's mission to enable 
Guam's children and adults with disabilities to achieve their 
maximum potential through improved access and acquisition 
of assistive technology. The Guam System for Assistive 
Technology provides assistance to individuals with disabilities, 
their family members, and service providers in order to make 
informed decisions and obtain services related to Assistive 
Technology . Moreover, GSAT offers the following services:

The Council seeks representation from the following 
disability groups:

z Blind, low vision
z Deaf and hard of hearing
z Developmental Disabilities
z Physical impairments
z Developmental/ Behavioral Health Conditions
z Speech/ Communication impairments


In addition, the Council will strive for representation from 
the following populations:

z Representative of people ages 60 and older
z Representative of people ages 16 to 23
z Representative of Veterans


z Device Demonstrations
z Device Lending
z Alternative Financing referred to as the 
"Akudi Loan Program"
z Device Reutilization
z Information and Assistance
z Public Awareness
z Training
z Technical Assistance


Members should have:

z An interest in/or experience with assistive 
technology (AT);
z A connection to the community or organization 
they represent;
z A desire to commit to and serve on the council.
z Familiarity with GSAT services and supports;
z Willingness to assist in the development of council 
goals and activities; and
z Make recommendations for program activities.


GSAT establishes collaborative partnerships with agency 
representatives to uphold its goal of increasing access to and 
acquisition of AT devices and services. The purpose of the 
Council shall be to provide advice and guidance and assure 
compliance with the provisions of the ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 
ACT OF 1998, AS AMENDED 2004.

Specifically, the Council will provide advice and guidance on 
the following: 

ADVISORY COUNCIL MISSION:

To provide consumer-responsive, consumer-
driven advice to the Guam System for 
Assistive Technology (GSAT) for planning 
of, implementation of, and evaluation of 
the activities carried out through the grant, 
including setting measurable goals for 
addressing the assistive technology needs of 
individuals with disabilities on Guam. 

We welcome the opportunity to talk with you 
further. 

z Guam’s three-year State Plan for Assistive Technology 
that will be submitted to the US Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Community 
Living.
z Monitoring of the ongoing progress of the GSAT 
program according to the three- year State Plan for 
Assistive Technology,
z Collaboration with other agencies, organizations, and 
entities providing AT devices and services throughout 
Guam, and
z Evaluation of the program’s success with its mission 
to increase access and acquisition to assistive 
technology devices and services on Guam.


If you wish to serve on the Council 
contact GSAT at 735-2490/1 or 
email gsat@guamcedders.org.



GSAT New Inventory


Pocketalker

This amplification device helps you hear 
conversations at home, in restaurants, 
while driving and in many more everyday 
situations

 ADA Kit 1000S

The ADA Kit 1000S hotel guest room kit 
offers an ADA compliant all-in-one” visual 
notification system for the hospitality 
industry. It includes everything needed to 
accommodate hard of hearing and deaf 
guests in one room, with a multi-function 
alerting system for phone, door knock, 
alarm clock and sound alerting; smoke 
detector; in-line telephone amplifier; TTY; 
soft carry case and sign


Focus 14 Blue 5th Generation Braille Display

The Focus 14 Blue 5th Generation is a 14-cell 
Braille Display that features an 8-dot keyboard and 
Bluetooth 4.1 and USB-C connectivity so that you 
can switch between five connected devices. It is 
compatible with Apple iOS 11 and Android devices 
and works with JAWS BrailleIn for contracted Braille 
input and full control in Windows.

RUBY Video Magnifier

The RUBY handheld video magnifiers are 
small and lightweight enough to fit

into a pocket or purse. They provide the 
magnification needed to help users

read or see details. The 4.3”, full color, bright 
screen makes them outstanding

for reading bills, letters, checks, and receipts.



Delivering Opportunities on Wheels

Driven by the need to deliver continued services to the 
community, despite the impact of COVID-19, the Delivering 
Opportunities on Wheels Project through the Guam System 
for Assistive Technology (GSAT) and Association of Maternal 
& Child Health Programs (AMCHP), is a formidable solution 
to bridge the gap that has been widened even further by 
the pandemic. This is made possible by bringing a mobile 
modular unit retrofitted to accommodate a wide range of 
devices and allow for hearing screenings, that will be staged, 
on a rotation basis, at designated community centers around 
the island. While GSAT has provided alternatives for delivery 
of service, such as curbside pickup and return of devices and 
virtual demonstrations, access to transportation and online 
capabilities remain as issues to many who depend on their 
services. The Delivering Opportunities on Wheels project 
addresses these issues by bringing AT and Hearing screening 
devices closer to clients and allowing safe interaction with GSAT 
staff for inquiries, education, demonstrations, and reutilization 
services. On December 2020, Guam CEDDERS Staff: Michelle 
Aguigui, Leah Abelon, and UOG Social Work Interns: Reuel 
Drilon and Candice Libria presented to various village mayors 
on the proposed project.


Right Photo: On January 28, 
Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares 
explains community needs to 
GSAT student intern Reuel Drilon.


Left Photo: On February 22, GSAT 
Coordinator, Leah Abelon, and GSAT 
student interns, Candice Libria and 
Reuel Drilon, meet with Yoña Mayor 
Bill Quenga and staff to discuss the 
upcoming community project-Delivering 
Opportunities on Wheels.



Three More EPICS Scholars Graduate


Although the COVID-19 pandemic threw a proverbial wrench 
into planned grant activities, significant progress was made 
in meeting targeted outcomes under the "Educating Pacific 
Island Clinicians in Speech Pathology (EPICS)" Project, a 
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education 
Programs-funded personnel preparation awarded to San José 
State University (SJSU), in partnership with Guam CEDDERS. 

Camille Onglao Gonzales, Joseph John Mendiola, and 
Gabriela Duenas Yasuhiro, three EPICS scholars, completed 
their Externship requirements at the Guam Department of 
Education in December 2020 and recently received a Master of 
Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from SJSU. 

Two more scholars are on track to complete their on-site 
Externship at the Los Angeles Speech and Language Clinic 
in late May, while the last four scholars will be finishing all 
requirements for their degrees by late July/early August. 

"Closing Ceremonies" for the EPICS Project are scheduled to 
take place in early August. Stay tuned for the final project 
update in September.


Above Photo: Camille Onglao Gonzalez and 
her happy cheerleader, Mavie.

BIBA EPICS 

SCHOLARS!

Right Photo: Joseph John Mendiola; 
Not Shown, Gabriela Duenas Yasuhiro.



 GEIS Staff Participates in Phase-In In-Person 
Home Visiting Training


On January 8, Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant with 
technical support from Keith Villaluna, Guam CEDDERS Data Specialist, facilitated 
a presentation to introduce the Phase-In In-Person Home Visiting Protocol to the 
Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Service Coordinators and Providers. Since 
May 2020, GEIS has been providing early intervention services via virtual home visits 
using the phone or internet and have found this successful during these uncertain 
times due to the Public Health emergency and the global pandemic. As part of the 
Phase In Plan for In-Person Home Visiting, GEIS will continue to provide services 
via tele-intervention as indicated in the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan 
(IFSP) and if parents would like to receive a combination of in-person home visiting 
services, the Program has developed the Phase-In In-Person Home Visiting Protocol 
with the help of Guam CEDDERS.

In addition, on January 13, Elaine Eclavea with technical support from Keith Villaluna 
facilitated the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Interagency Coordinating 
Council (ICC) Stakeholder Input Session on Guam’s FFY 2019 IDEA Part C Annual 
Performance Report (APR) due on February 1, 2021 via Zoom. ICC Members 
provided input and recommendations on Indicators 1, 3A, 3B, 4B, 4C, 5, and 6. The 
recommendations were reviewed with the GEIS Core Team and included into the 
Guam’s FFY 2019 IDEA Part C APR. (See pictures on Page 9).

On January 8, GEIS staff took a photo 
during their training. Participants included: 
Pictured: (Top Row, L-R): Mike Cepeda, GEIS; 
Keith Villaluna, Guam CEDDERS; Sherry 
Cruz, GEIS; Therese Sanchez, GEIS; (2nd 
Row, L-R) Grace Loyola, GEIS; Sangi Susuico, 
GEIS; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS; Rita-
Rose Hualde, GEIS; (3rd Row, L-R) R-Leen 
Mario, GEIS; Liz Blas, GEIS; Ramon Castro; 
GEIS; Francine Camacho, GEIS; (Bottom 
Row) Gajee Parsons, GEIS.



 Guam Part C ICC Meeting Held


On January 8, Guam Part C ICC Stakeholder 
Input Session held a stakeholder input session on 
Gum’s FFY 2019 IDEA Part C Annual Performance 
Report. Participants included: (Top Row, L-R) 
Cathy Tydingco, GEIS; Keith Villaluna, Guam 
CEDDERS; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS; Mike 
Cepeda, GEIS; (Middle Row, L-R) Missy Palomo, 
ICC Member; Brigette Lobo, ICC Member; Cathy 
Schroeder, Head Start; Francine Camacho, GEIS; 
(Bottom Row, L-R) Rita-Rose Hualde, GEIS; and 
Sherry Cruz, GEIS.


Participants during the ICC Stakeholder Input session on January 13 included: 
(Top Row, L-R) Mike Cepeda, GEIS; Keith Villaluna, Guam CEDDERS; Elaine 
Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS; Cathy Tydingco, GEIS; (Middle Row, L-R) Missy 
Palomo, ICC Member; Cathy Schroeder, Head Start; Sherry Cruz, GEIS; 
Rita-Rose Hualde, GEIS; (Bottom Row, L-R) Francine Camacho, GEIS; Marie 
Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS; and Renee Manglona, GEIS; (not pictured).



GDOE Provides Paraeducators and Teachers 
with Additional Support

On January 29, February 12 & 19, the Guam Department 
of Education (GDOE), in a collaborative effort with Guam 
CEDDERS, provided a three-part training series for GDOE’s 11 
paraeducators with off island consultant, Donna McNear. The 
sessions provided participants with knowledge of the important 
role that paraeducators play in the education of students who 
have visual impairments (VI). The VI topics covered during 
the sessions delved into the roles and responsibilities, the 
understanding of purpose, importance of communication, 
and the need to strengthen the student’s independence 
throughout the process. Participants were guided to be 
conscious of unnecessary dependence. Understanding that 
sighted students view the whole, and then its parts, whereas 
students with visual impairments learn from its parts, and 
then put the parts together to understand the whole was 
emphasized in the training series.

Additionally, the role of paraeducators working with students 
with VI was renamed by the Guam Teachers of Sudents with 
Visual Impairments (TVI) team as an Access Assistant (AA). 
The roles of an AA when working with students with visual 
impairments centered on these themes:

z Increasing access to Information: Braille technology, 
audio support, real-time instruction.
z Participation and Engagement: Providing reteaching 
support.
z Supporting Individualized Instruction: Supplementary, 
increasing variety and frequency while fostering 
independence.
z Communication/Behavior: Developing skills in 
communication.
z Daily Living skills and Expanding core-curriculum content 
learning.


The three-part VI series will be followed by individualized 
sessions with each AA to provide continued support during 
the in-person, distance, or blended learning formats. This 
individualized format will provide an opportunity to discuss 
next steps, victories & hurdles, and takeaways learned from the 
three-part training series. All individualized AA sessions will 
run from March through April.


On February 12, Pictured on the right, from top to bottom: Elba Iris Gonzales FBLG, Access Assistant; Debra Whitt, Guam CEDDERS Training 
Associate; Vivian Esteves, PCLES , Access Assistant; Darlene Taimanglo, GDOE, Teacher of Students with VI (TVI); Donna McNear, TVI Consultant; 
Kalene Faisao, CHBPES, Access Assistant; Chelce Calvo, WES, Access Assistant.



GDOE Provides Continuous Support to Families


Pictured from the February 10th session above, top row (L-R): Nieves Flores, Ed.D, Guam CEDDERS consultant; Ryan Cueto, Guam CEDDERS; 
Debra Whitt, Guam CEDDERS; Frank Limtiaco, parent; middle row (L-R) Jung and Joanne Kim, parent; Jamie Salas, parent; Evelyn Claros, parent; 
Evelyn Caraig, parent; bottom row (L-R): Sherry Tizon, parent; and Alma Rayo, parent.

Information presented included: 

z Monitoring of the Individual Education Program (critical 
now, more than ever before);
z The components of the IEP (documentation—the forms 
and their descriptions);
z Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) definition—it is 
instruction uniquely designed for your child based on needs 
and a service that is in addition to the CORE curriculum;
z General Education is the CORE curriculum and provides 
access to peers;
z Supports must help child achieve annual goals;
z Training for parents should be included in the IEP (have 
it included and described, i.e., using or accessing digital 
books/materials for 30 minutes/month); and
z Accommodations (i.e., levels the playing field or removes 
the barriers) vs. Modifications (i.e., changes what the child 
learns or changes the playing field).


On February 10, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), 
in a collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, provided a 
series of parent sessions titled, Understanding Your Child’s 
IEP. The informative parent sessions were facilitated by 
Guam CEDDERS consultant, Nieves Flores, Ed.D. The sessions 
presented information on the Individualized Education 
Program (IEP) document developed for identified students 
with disabilities, by a team, that includes parents. The 
presentation allowed parents the opportunity to interact with 
the facilitator through virtual polling, the use of the chat, and 
a question-and-answer period at the end of each session. 

Another parent training conducted by Nieves Flores, Ed.D, 
was held on February 24, titled, Ready, Set, Go! Preparing for 
your Child’s IEP Meeting. These sessions continued through 
March and offered information on the IEP process, including 
important tips on how to prepare for your child’s IEP meeting, 
what questions to ask, encouraging communication and 
clarification with the school, what to do if parents may not 
agree with the IEP and steps to take, and how to ultimately 
prepare your child as they advance into post-secondary life. 
All virtual presentations offered parents an opportunity for 
interactive participation as well as access to resources and 
persons to contact via email and or phone. 



GDOE Supports Early Intervention Providers in the 
Implementation of P-ESDM


On January 21, a P-ESDM follow-up session was conducted with GEIS providers. Top row, L-R: Sangi Susuico, GEIS, GDOE; 
Josephine Cruz, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Grace Loyola, GEIS; Middle row, L-R: Sherry Cruz, GEIS, GDOE; Rita-Rose 
Hualde, GEIS, GDOE; Gajee Parsons, GEIS, GDOE; Bottom row, L-R: Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS consultant; Liz Blas, GEIS Speech 
and Language Pathologist.

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) and Guam 
CEDDERS continue their work with consultant, Dr. Laurie 
Vismara. Dr. Vismara has continued to provide training to 
Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) providers on the 
implementation of the Parent-based Early Start Denver Model 
(P-ESDM) framework. P-ESDM is an approach which focuses 
on coaching parents and caregivers to develop their skills and 
strategies in using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). The 
January and February sessions with Dr. Vismara focused on 
developing the coaching skills of GEIS providers in supporting 
parents in increasing their child’s communication. This process 
includes helping parents increase their use and understanding 
of children’s “talking bodies”. The training also included helping 
providers problem-solve their potential needs or barriers 
to support families increase their child’s communication. 
Follow-up sessions were facilitated by on-island consultant 
Elaine Eclavea and Guam CEDDERS Josephine Cruz to support 
GEIS providers as they applied the P-ESDM strategies in their 
coaching practices.



GDOE Offers Support to Resource Room Teachers in 
Providing Brain-Based Adaptive Reading Technology— 
Fast ForWord® to their Students


On February 5, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), in 
a collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, provided principals 
and resource room teachers of students with Individualized 
Education Programs (IEP) continuous support offering a check-
in session for the pilot project, Fast ForWord®, a brain-based 
adaptive reading program. 

During the first phase of the pilot project, back in December 
when it was launched, students who were receiving online 
instruction or had online access at home were able to utilize 
the program. In mid-January, the second phase allowed face-
to-face students returning to school access to Fast ForWord’s 
brain training exercises. 

The one-hour check-in session in February provided an 
opportunity to virtually meet with all schools and give feedback 
on the implementation process thus far. Feedback was shared 
on the progress across the district’s five pilot schools. There 
were two outcomes for the participants attending the session: 
1) To increase knowledge in accessing Fast ForWord® accounts 
and 2) To increase the number of students using Fast ForWord®. 
Additionally, the session gave participants an overview of 
the initial adaptive placement test results for all schools and 
information on Reading Assistant Plus (RA+)—the online 
reading coach component. Conversations centered on ways to 
include face-to-face and hardcopy students with IEPs access to 
technology through GDOE’s application process for technology 
devices and mobile Wi-Fi units (MiFi). This conversation offered 
encouragement in the hopes of providing pilot school students 
ease of access across two learning environments—home and 
school. On February 11, 12, and 19, individual school sessions 
were offered, where each pilot school was given their own 
time slot and an opportunity for more personalized support 
regarding their school’s data.

Currently, Fast ForWord is being implemented in five GDOE 
elementary schools: M.U. Lujan Elementary School, Capt. H. B. 
Price Elementary School, C.L. Taitano Elementary School, D.L. 
Perez Elementary School, and Merizo Martyrs Memorial School. 
These schools have pledged their continuous commitment 
to the implementation of the brain-based technology with 
fidelity. As of now, 80% or 4 out of the 5 pilot schools, have 
met the outcome goal of increasing the number of students 
using Fast ForWord®. During the summer months, this pilot 
program will continue allowing students with IEPs to receive 
access to these Fast ForWord exercises from their home or at 
school. Guam CEDDERS will also continue to provide ongoing 
technical support and assistance for schools and families.



Guam EHDI Continues to Provide Services 

EHDI HRSA & AMCHP Guam CARES Telehealth Project

In the December I’Tellai issue, Guam Early Hearing Detection 
& Intervention (EHDI) announced it would provide hearing 
screening to infants born at Guam Memorial Hospital 
Authority (GMHA), who were referred at the initial hearing 
screening dating back to the March 16, 2020 closure of the 
local government services of non-essential workers due to the 
COVID 19 pandemic. As a result of the government closures, 
a backlog of much-needed hearing rescreening needed to be 
addressed. With the reallocation of EHDI funding approved 
by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 
project officer, a fully executed contract with Guam Hearing 
Doctors allowed 130 babies to be screened by the end of 
March. Additional funding from Guam Cares Telehealth (GCT) 
Project, provided by the Association of Maternal and Child 
Health Programs (AMCHP) allowed for 14 babies to receive a 
Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation (DAE). Guam EHDI staff 
worked diligently to connect with families dating back to 
March 2020 to have all babies referred at the initial hearing 
screening seen. The GCT Project connected with families 
whose child was identified with a hearing loss and those 
waiting to receive a DAE to receive telehealth services. Guam 
EHDI staff provided training and support to families on the use 
of iPads, MiFi devices, and educational materials to support the 
telehealth sessions with the audiologist, speech pathologist, 
and the parent support group upon distribution. Additionally, 
Guam EHDI provided support to the Guam Department of 
Education (GDOE) Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students by 
providing five iPads and five Mi-Fi devices to the department 
to be used with families and students receiving services using 
a virtual platform. 

EHDI Outreach

EHDI outreach activities were focused on delivering 
hearing screening information in the form of newspaper 
announcements, EHDI banners placed at the COVID-19 
Immunization Outreach Clinic held at the University of Guam 
Field House, a Public Service Announcement facilitated by 
Guam CEDDERS and the EHDI consultant audiologist, and a 
video workshop featuring the Guam EHDI Program goals and 
partners provided to the Guam Early Intervention System, 
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Department of 
Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) partners to share 
with their respective program staff.

Sustainability Meeting

Guam EHDI held two EHDI Sustainability Meetings in February. 
The first was held with the GEIS Coordinator and the DPHSS 
Administrator of Community Health and Nursing Services 
to provide an overview of the roles of the EHDI partners in 
meeting the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) goals, 
also known as the 1-3-6 Plan:

z Initial newborn hearing screening by 1 month of age
z Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation (DAE) completed by 3 
months of age; and


Continued on page 15


On February 12, Guam EHDI and its partners held 
a Sustainability meeting to discuss the role each 
partner contributes to the Initial hearing process 
and the challenges that are currently being faced 
within each partner in providing hearing screening 
services across the hearing screening continuum. 
Members present at the virtual meeting included 
representatives from GMHA, Sagua Mañagu, 
Guam’s Positive Parents Together (GPPT), the Deaf 
Adult community and Guam EHDI staff. 



z Enrollment in Early Intervention services by 6 months 
of age - and to discuss the current state of audiological 
services provided by the GDOE. 


The second meeting included EHDI partners from GEIS, DPHSS, 
GMHA, Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center (SMBC), Guam’s Positive 
Parents Together (GPPT), and a DHH adult representative. Guam 
EHDI provided an overview of Public Law 27-150, also known 
as the “Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention 
Act of 2004”. This law mandated initial newborn hearing 
screening for all infants born on Guam; provided guidance 
for Newborn and Infant Hearing Programs at the birthing 
sites; included language for coverage and reimbursement 
by insurance companies to charge for the initial hearing 
screening services as outlined in the policy; and outlined the 
duties and responsibilities of Guam CEDDERS, DPHSS, Health 
Care Facilities, the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) 
Subcommittee, and GDOE in the facilitation of initial newborn 
hearing screening on Guam. Guam EHDI continues to work 
with its partners to develop and implement a sustainability plan 
for the EHDI system. We are proud to report to the community 
that initial newborn hearing screening is a standard of care in 
all of Guam’s birthing facilities! Guam EHDI also has a robust 
database, Guam ChildLink-EHDI, which houses newborn infant 
hearing screening results, diagnostic audiological evaluation 
results, early intervention enrollment data, and demographic 
data of infants born in a civilian birthing site.

 EHDI Virtual Conference

On March 2 – 6, three Guam EHDI staff and GPPT Board 
President, Ann Marie Cruz attended the 2021 EHDI Virtual 
Conference. The goal of the annual EHDI Conference is to 
enhance the implementation of comprehensive state-based 
EHDI programs. One of the highlights of this year’s EHDI 
Conference was the nomination of GPPT’s Board President, Ann 
Marie Cruz for the EHDI Family Leadership Award. This award 
was first given in 2017. The award honors a parent or family 
member of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing for providing 
exemplary leadership in their state EHDI system and whose 
leadership has led to improved outcomes. The recipient of this 
award is selected by National Center for Hearing Assessment 
and Management’s (NCHAM) Family Advisory Committee. 
Please join us in congratulating Ann Marie for her nomination 
for the 2021 EHDI Family Leadership Award!

Guam EHDI Virtual Meeting

Guam EHDI held its last Virtual Learning Community Meeting 
and Advisory Committee Meeting for the grant year on March 
26. The March Learning Community meeting featured GEIS’ 
program and services. The program representative provided 
an overview of who can make a referral, what factors constitute 
a referral to early intervention, what services are provided, how 
these services are provided, followed by a Question and Answer 
segment. The EHDI Advisory Committee then convened and 
provided project updates to the members present. 

Guam EHDI Continues to 

Provide Services (Cont.) 


On February 4, Guam CEDDERS/EHDI distributed 
the “Guam Cares Telehealth Project Activity 
Resource Tool Kit” and iPad to families to be used 
during services provided by collaborating partners. 
The tool kit consists of educational books and toys 
to be used during speech services. An iPad was 
provided to conduct teletherapy with the speech 
pathologist, Guam Hearing Doctors, and Guam 
Early Intervention System. Pictured from L-R: Tanya 
Simer, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; JJ 
Mendiola, Guam CEDDERS Interoperability Data 
Manager; and Pamela Avelino, Parent. 



Project Minetgot Moves Forward with 
Virtual Meetings and Trainings

In September 2020, Guam CEDDERS was awarded funding for 
Project Minetgot by the Association of University Centers on 
Disabilities (AUCD) and the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC) to provide support to early childhood state/
territorial programs and systems through the Act Early Network 
to support COVID-19 recovery and strengthen resilience skills, 
behaviors, and resources for children, families, and communities. 
The Project worked in collaboration with the Guam Early 
Learning Council (GELC) to actively engage in the Project 
Minetgot activities to ensure meaningful application of the 
Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) tools, materials, and resources 
in support of Guam’s COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts 
for Guam’s early childhood system. These members represent 
Guam’s non-profit organization for individuals with autism and 
early childhood programs and services. The Team also works in 
collaboration with Elaine Eclavea, Guam Act Early Ambassador 
and GELC Chairperson.

The Team strives to stress the importance of the 4 key steps for 
early identification, which include:

z Parent-engaged Developmental Monitoring;
z General Developmental and Autism Screening:
z Referral for Early Intervention Services; and
z Receipt of Early Intervention Services for Children Birth to 
5.


Ms. Eclavea in partnership with Guam Department of Education 
(GDOE), Guam Early Intervention Services (GEIS), and Early 
Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Preschool, facilitated 
training on the 4 key steps to early childhood programs, foster 
parents, and other interested community members.

The Team meets monthly to discuss its collaborative efforts as 
well as plans to facilitate activities outlined in the grant work 
plan. The GELC Early Promotion and Identification Workgroup 
through the Guam Department of Public Health and Social 
Services (DPHSS) Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Birth to 
5 will sustain the activities that the grant has begun.


On March 17, the Project Minetgot Guam Act Early Territorial Team/GELC Early Promotion and Intervention Workgroup held its monthly meeting 
faciliated by Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, and Elaine Eclavea, Guam Act Early Ambassador, with support from Jenika Ballesta, 
Guam CEDDERS Research Associate. Pictured top row (L-R): Elizabeth Calvo, DPHSS PDG Project Director, with PDG staff Bianca Leon Geurrero, 
Doris Calvo, and Mathew Wong; Jenika Ballesta; Vera Blaz; middle row (L-R): Cathy Tydingco, GEIS/ECSE Program Coordinator; Maggie Bell, 
DPHSS MCH Program Coordinator; Pauline Camacho, DPHSS Family Health Information Resource Center (FHIRC) Program Coordinator; and 
bottom row; Elaine Eclavea.



Project Minetgot Moves Forward with 
Virtual Meetings and Trainings


On February 8, Elaine Eclavea, Guam Act Early 
Ambassador, in partnership with GDOE GEIS and 
ECSE Preschool, faciliated training on the 4 Key Steps 
for Early Intervention to foster parents via ZOOM.


On February 22, Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS 
Consultant, facilitated a training sharing the 
importance of developmental monitoring and 
ensuring children are developing on track, 
developmental screening, and should there be 
concerns. The process for referral to Guam Early 
Intervention Services (GEIS) or DOE Early Childhood 
Special Education Services (ECSE) for preschoolers 
3 to 5 years of age were shared. This training is in 
partnership with GEIS and ECSE.



 

GPPT Presents “ASL Under 60”

Guam’s Positive Parents Together (GPPT) rang in the New 
Year with weekly releases of locally produced American Sign 
Language (ASL) lessons for families of children identified with 
a hearing loss who chose to learn or improve their ASL skills 
to communicate with their Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) child. 
The “ASL Under 60” are short ASL lessons designed to fit the 
busy lifestyle of today’s families. The lessons are sixty seconds 
or shorter, providing families the basics to communicate with 
their child. To date, GPPT has released 11 ASL lessons that 
can be accessed by families or the community at large who 
would like to learn ASL at the organization’s website (https://
guamparents.org) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.
com/guamparents). The GPPT Parent Support Group for families 
of DHH children continued to meet virtually twice a month to 
practice ASL skills learned, meet with DHH adult mentors, and 
discuss parent-driven topics concerning education, language 
development, and social-emotional health of the family and 
child, to name a few. 

 

GPPT and Guam EHDI also met virtually with Candace Lindow-
Davies, Director of Outreach, Family, Language, Learning 
(FL3), Hands & Voices to discuss successes and challenges 
for providing services to families under the current COVID 
19 restrictions. With limitations on face-to-face outreach, 
GPPT pivoted to promote the GPPT Parent Support Group for 
families of DHH children using the locally run newspaper to 
provide families with contact information for the organization 
via print, text messaging, and YouTube. The organization also 
connected with the local television company to air a Public 
Service Announcement to DHH children’s families. Banners 
were strategically placed in Yigo, with the mayor’s assistance 
with information for families to connect with the organization. 
They also utilized the electronic billboard located in Tamuning 
to promote the GPPT Parent Support Group for families of DHH 
children.

 

GPPT is a strong supporter of Guam EHDI Project Na’ Mas 
Fitme! Their commitment to ensuring families of DHH children 
are provided the best services is evident in their continued 
involvement and active participation in the EHDI Advisory 
Committee, Learning Community, Sustainability meetings, 
attendance at the 2021 Virtual EHDI, bi-monthly EHDI 
consultations and quarterly Family Leadership in Language 
and Learning (FL3) meetings, not including the meetings with 
other stakeholders in the community to advance DHH issues. 
Guam EHDI looks forward to working with GPPT in empowering 
families to advocate for their DHH child!

Kudos to EHDI Consultant for Producing 
Advocacy Video

On January 14, Dr. Renee Koffend, Guam 
CEDDERS Consultant, explains the early 
hearing screening process to Rochelle Iglesias 
and Mike Borja while baby Midas waits 
patiently. Dr. Koffend and the family were 
filming a video production that advocates 
early hearing intervention services. Video 
production made possible by Dr. Renee 
Koffend.



Palau Continues Technical 
Assistance During the Pandemic

The public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic 
did not prevent the Republic of Palau (ROP) Special Education 
Program from continuing its priority to increase personnel 
capacity for improving educational results for students 
with disabilities. The ROP Special Education Coordinator, in 
consultation with Guam CEDDERS June De Leon, continued 
the technical assistance and training activities to address ROP’s 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B grants 
management and program improvement priorities. From 
January – May, Guam CEDDERS facilitated virtual technical 
assistance and training sessions by the following Guam 
CEDDERS consultants:

z May Camacho continued consultation with the speech 
teachers on assessments and service provisions for 
students with disabilities requiring speech-language 
related services. 
z Pia Watson conducted group and individual training 
sessions with special education specialists on the 
administration of assessments for IDEA eligibility 
determination. 
z Rene Ranola worked with the physical therapist assistant 
on the provisions for physical therapy related services.
z Irina Quebles, Psy.D. continued consultation with special 
education specialists and school personnel on providing 
supports for children with autism spectrum disorder as a 
follow-up to her September 2019 on-site visit.
z Elaine Eclavea supported preschool special education 
personnel on the assessment and service provisions for 
preschoolers with disabilities.
z Carla Coldeen facilitated a session with special education 
specialists on assistive technology assessments and 
supports.


On April 1, Carla Coldeen, consultant, Guam CEDDERS, conducted a virtual 
overview session on “Assistive Technology in Schools” with ROP special 
education personnel. Pictured top to bottom: Carla Coldeen; June De Leon, 
Guam CEDDERS; ROP special education specialists; and the ROP special 
education coordinator.



University of Guam
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter

Guam CEDDERS

Office of Graduate Studies,
Sponsored Programs, & Research

University of Guam
303 University Drive

Mangilao, Guam 96913

Phone: (671) 735‐2480/1

Fax: (671) 734‐5709

TTY: (671) 734‐6531

Email: june.deleon@guamcedders.org

I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS.

Interim Director: June De Leon

Editors: Michelle Aguigui,Vera Blaz, & Josephine Cruz

Layout & Design: Zachary Hecita

This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the 
following Guam CEDDERS staff members/consultant: Leah Abelon, 
Michelle Aguigui, Reuel Drilon, Terrie Fejarang, Josephine Cruz, June De 
Leon, Keith Villaluna, Jenika Ballesta, Marie Wusstig and Debra Whitt.

Alternative formats (e.g. Braille or large print) of I Tellai will be made 
available upon request.

Please contact Zachary Hecita at (671) 735‐2455 (v), (671) 735‐6531 
(TTY), or (671) 734‐5709 (fax) for more information.

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


NEED ASSISTIVE 
TECHNOLOGY?

To schedule an appointment for the demonstration of 
the devices, please contact the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT) at 735-2490/1. 

Email address: gsat@guamcedders.org 

Visit the GSAT website: www.gsatcedders.org

Follow GSAT on Facebook: fb.me/gsatcedders

For more information on any of these events, 

please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org

This newsletter was produced with 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities, Grant No. 90DDUC0064-02-01 and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
Service (Guam CEDDERS). This newsletter is also available online and in alternate formats at www.guamcedders.org.

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