Page 1 I TELLAI The BRIDGE Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Volume 18, Issue 3 June 20, 2016 ADOS-2 Training Builds Local Capacity Guam ADOS-2 Cohort with Dr. Irina Zamora, ASD Trainer from USC. Pictured L-R: Tom Babauta, Special Education Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Nicole Duenas, Speech Language Pathologist; Jessica Atoigue, Autism Technical Assistance Provider; Dr. Zamora; Gajee Parsons, Early Intervention Provider; Marita Gogue, School Psychologist; Tricia Taitague, Emotional Disabilities Program Coordinator; and Paula Ulloa, School Program Consultant. In this issue: ADOS-2 Training Builds Local Capacity/Act Early...........1-2 Week of the Young Child™..........................................3-5 Parent Group Promotes Autism Awareness.....................5 LEND Supports Final Activities.......................................6 CNMI Public Health Director Receives National Award.....6 Early Childhood Consultant Addresses Child Outcomes....7 Boys Town Consultant Conducts On-Site Visit..................8 AT Evaluations Assists Voc Rehab Clients.........................8 Akudi...........................................................................9 Guam EHDI Completes Busy Quarter.........................10-12 Guam EHDI News/Guam EHDI Advisory Committee........12 Better Speech & Hearing.............................................13 ASQ-3 Child Care Training............................................13 Sibshop......................................................................14 Northern Marianas College UCEDD Reps Visit................15 Project Kariñu Legislative Round Table........................15 Guam CEDDERS Recognized for Continuing Excellence...15 Project EPICS/Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity...........16 Power of Play.............................................................17 Beyond Mandates/Guam CEDDERS Staff Transitions......18 New Guam CEDDERS Products......................................19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS..................................20 Guam CEDDERS Mission...............................................20 UNIVERSITY OF GUAM Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service Through a contract with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), Division of Special Education, Guam CEDDERS has partnered with University of Southern California (USC) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to facilitate a comprehensive Autism assessment training to enhance the capacity of GDOE Early Intervention and Special Education providers in identifying and assessing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The training includes didactic information, detailed examples, and hands-on activities on the administration, scoring and interpretation of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) using the Western Psychological Services (WPS) clinical training. The ADOS-2 improves “the gold standard” instrument for observational assessment of ASD. An interdisciplinary cohort of six GDOE Early Intervention and Special Education providers was identified to engage in the intensive on-site and off-site training conducted by Irina Zamora, Psy.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, USC Keck School of Medicine and CHLA, who is a licensed Psychologist and ASD trainer. Dr. Zamora was on-site April 18-22, 2016 to conduct the first of two on- site training sessions. Off-site consultation includes individual consultation calls with each cohort member. The second on-site training sessions will be held in September 2016, which will result in each cohort member certified as a WPS clinical ADOS-2 administrator. (See photos on page 2). Continued on page 2 ADOS-2 Training (cont. from page 1) Dr. Zamora (standing), USC-CHLA Psychologist and ADOS-2 Trainer, presents “Early Identification of ASD in Young Children” to GDOE Division personnel on April 22. Gajee Parsons (left), Early Intervention Provider and ADOS-2 Cohort member, engages in “live practice” for administering the ADOS-2 during the week of April 22. Learn the Signs, Act Early Grant Awarded to Guam CEDDERS In April, Guam CEDDERS received notification of funding for the Learn the Signs, Act Early Grant was awarded funding from the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) for a two-year period beginning April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018. Guam’s Learn the Signs Act Early (LTSAE) Project will address the need for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through revitalizing Guam’s LTSAE plan and incorporating the LTSAE materials and training resources into parent-engaged developmental monitoring processes within Guam’s early childhood identification systems. Elaine Eclavea, M.Ed., Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant, will serve as the LTSAE Consultant responsible for coordinating and supporting the communication with Project Team members and AMCHP, the Act Early network and other partner organizations. Ms. Eclavea will conduct project activities to meet the objectives, including training for providers. Ms. Eclavea has extensive leadership experience in the development of early childhood systems and the implementation and administration of projects related to infants and young children on Guam. Page 2 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Guam Celebrates Week of the Young Child™ As part of the national Week of the Young Child™ celebrated across the country, the island of Guam honored young children and all those who make a difference in children’s lives. To begin this celebration, Honorable Edward B. Calvo, Governor of Guam, proclaimed April 9 – 15, 2016 as the Week of the Young Child™. Week of the Young Child™, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) at the national level, is an opportunity for early childhood programs across the country, to hold activities to bring awareness to the needs of young children. On Guam, through the Guam Early Learning Council and Project Tinituhon, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System facilitated the planning and coordination of the weeklong activities with early childhood programs, supporters and parent leaders. The celebration opened with a parent conference, entitled, “Learning and Growing Together” on April 9. The conference provided participants with skills to enhance their knowledge as parents to learn and grow with their children. The Guam Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) sponsored the conference. The celebration included a Proclamation Signing with Governor Calvo, First Lady Christine M.S. Calvo, Guam Early Learning Council, early childhood programs, families and young children. Throughout the week, trainings for both parents and child care providers were offered. Parent trainings promoted social emotional competence for young children. Provider trainings came from Strengthening Families™, a research- informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. The trainings were supported by early childhood program trainers. Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring lasting benefits to Guam. The Week of the Young Child™ is a time to recognize the importance of early learning and to celebrate the providers and policies that bring early childhood education to young children. Governor Eddie Baza Calvo signed the proclamation for the Week of the Young Child on April 11, 2016 at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup. Attending the proclamation signing were young children and representatives from various Early Childhood Agencies. Page 3 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Week of the Young Child™ (cont. from page 3) Senator Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Ph.D., presented a legislative resolution to the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC), congratulating them on sponsoring the Early Childhood Parent Conference held at Pacific Star Hotel on April 9. Pictured L-R: Laura Taisipic, DOE Parent Services; Cathy Tydingco, DOE School Program Consultant; Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Senator in the 33rd Guam Legislature; Karla Borja, Interagency Coordinating Council Chairperson; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; and Pauline Camacho, Project Kariñu Lead Family Partner. On April 15, early childhood providers and parent leaders gathered to attend a training on “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Social and Emotional Competence,” at the Sinajana Mayor’s Office during the Week of the Young Child. The training was facilitated by Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate. Page 4 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Week of the Young Child™: Early Childhood Education Summit Top left photo: Over 50 conference participants engage in conference activities. Top right photo: Keynote Speaker Naomi Younggren, PhD, is the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Coordinator for the Department of Defense Army Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) Early Intervention Programs. She has 30 years of experience in early childhood special education including being a direct provider working with children with disabilities and their families in early intervention and preschool programs. Above photo: Senator Underwood and ICC Chair Karla Borja pose with families and their young children during the Resolution Presentation. Parent Group Promotes Autism Awareness Members of the Autism Community Together (ACT) non-profit organization facilitated the opening ceremonies of the Autism Month celebration and outreach event held at the Agana Shopping Center’s Center Court on Saturday, April 3. Lou Mesa, President of ACT (holding the certificate) and the ACT officers were joined by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (to the left of Lou) and First Lady Christine Calvo (to the right of Lou) on stage to applaud the efforts of the community in promoting increased awareness of autism on island. Guam CEDDERS participated in this community outreach event. Page 5 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai LEND Supports Final Activities The University of Hawaii, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (UH LEND) Program, under the John A. Burns School of Medicine, sponsored the participation of two Guam LEND fellows and faculty to attend the Association of Maternal Child Health Program (AMCHP) Conference held on April 6-9 in Washington, D.C.. Left photo: LEND Alumni and faculty met with Grace Williams, Secretary of the Board of Family Voices, a national advocacy organization of parents with children with special health care needs. Information on the organization was shared, in addition to strategies to access supports for various initiatives. Left photo (L-R): Zenaida Okada and Leone Rohr, LEND Alumni, and Grace Williams. Right photo: The Guam Team met with Louise Iwaishi, M.D., Co-Director of the UH LEND Program. (L-R): Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director and Guam LEND faculty; Dr. Iwaishi; Leone Rohr and Zenaida Okada, Guam LEND Fellows. The LEND team also visited the national office of the Autism Society of America (ASOA) on April 5. L-R: Scott Badesch, President/Chief Executive Officer, ASOA, Zenaida Okada and Leone Rohr, LEND Alumni, and Terrie Fejarang, LEND faculty and Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. Not shown: Rose Jochum, Director of Internal Initiatives. CNMI Public Health Director Receives National Award Margarita Torres Aldan, MPH, Director, Division of Public Health Services and former Maternal and Child Health Program Coordinator, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is shown on the big screen receiving the “Maternal Child Health Bureau Director’s Award” during the recent Association of Maternal & Child Health Program (AMCHP) Conference held on April 6-9 in Washington, D.C. Margarita received this award in recognition of her efforts in coordinating health care during the recovery period after the devastating impact of Typhoon Soudelor that struck Saipan on August 2, 2015. Page 6 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Early Childhood Consultant Addresses Child Outcomes Top photo: On April 6-8, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) staff participated in a two and a half-day training around Routines-Based Interview (RBI) and child outcomes with Naomi Younggren, Ph.D., consultant (standing). Dr. Younggren is an off-island consultant with over 30 years in early childhood with primary focus areas including authentic assessment, IFSP and preschool IEP development, natural environments and inclusion, family-centered practices, home visiting, service delivery models, adult learning, and applying the Child Outcomes Summary (COS) for measuring outcomes. Bottom photo, left to right: GEIS Staff, Ramon Castro, Sherry Cruz, and Francine Camacho participate in a RBI role-play activity. Page 7 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Boys Town Consultant Conducts On-Site Visit Catherine Carotta, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Center for Childhood Deafness, Boys Town National Hospital, (standing, at right) was on-island providing training and technical assistance to the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education from March 28 through April 1. Dr. Carotta facilitated training on “Family-Centered Practices for Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing” on March 28 and 29 at the GSAT Center Training Room attended by staff from the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Program. The rest of the week was devoted to providing technical assistance and training to Special Education personnel working with the K-12 school population who are deaf or hard of hearing. AT Evaluations Assists Vocational Rehabilitation Clients With funding from DISID/DVR, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) is providing much needed assistive technology (AT) evaluations and specific device training for clients of the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). This is addressing a critical service gap. Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, DVR is authorized to fund AT necessary to assist an individual with a disability in preparing, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome. However, DVR counselors and clients are sometimes unaware of the types of technologies available to meet their needs, and may require supports in appropriately identifying the AT needed to overcome barriers given their situation, and the requirements to meet the task demands of the job. GSAT, as authorized by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004, has always offered device demonstrations and short term device loans to help island residents increase access to AT and to help with the decision making process. However, some individuals warrant an assistive technology evaluation which is a more technical and in-depth process; an activity that is not authorized to be funded by the AT Act. Through a contract with DVR, GSAT is able to extend the expertise of Carla Torres, M.Ed., ATP, a Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)-certified Assistive Technology Professional to provide such services to their clients. This collaborative effort also allows for the much-needed training on the specific AT devices when the clients receive them, closing another gap in AT services for the residents of Guam. (L-R): Carla Torres and Frank Ungacta celebrate the completion of Day One of his on- site AT evaluation with a sweet treat from Latte Hut. The evaluation was supported through funding from the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Page 8 June 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Photo: Individual standing next to a man with wheelchair next to Accessible Van New Possibilities • Low interest loans • Flexible payments • Cash to purchase: • Assistive technology devices and services • Home modifications • Equipment, inventory, and supplies for your business Akudi We EXIST TO ASSIST logo GSAT logo Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) at 735-2490/1 To obtain an application visit: www.gsatcedders.org. Note: The Assistive Technology Loan Programs were rebranded in April 2016 and are now referred to as “The Akudi Loan Program” Page 9 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Guam EHDI Completes Busy Quarter This past quarter has been a very busy one for the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project, facilitated by Guam CEDDERS. A team of five from Guam attended the 15th Annual EHDI Conference, held from March 13-15, in San Diego, California. The goals of the EHDI conference were to: 1) Identify and promote knowledge and awareness of successful strategies for implementing comprehensive state-based EHDI programs; 2) Interpret and describe current research and research methods related to EHDI; 3) Examine cultural competence of providers and assess their ability to work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, their families, and communities; and 4) Discuss the importance of enhancing and creating new and ongoing working relationships among federal agencies, non-profit organizations, state health departments and educational agencies, advocacy groups, families, and professionals. In addition, the annual “Pacific EHDI Meeting” was held immediately prior to the Conference. This meeting provided the opportunity for EHDI personnel from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to facilitate sharing on the latest progress made along with the unique challenges addressed. The meeting also allowed for project personnel networking and information exchange with federal project officers and technical assistance providers. Quansheng Song, data system developer for Guam ChildLink–EHDI, provided an on-site technical assistance visit from April 18-20. As a result of this visit, several outcomes were achieved. Enhancements to Guam ChildLink–EHDI were made, data quality with Guam ChildLink–EHDI was improved, maintenance upgrades to the Guam EHDI server were performed, and the Plan for Interoperability between the Electronic Health Record (EHR) at the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) was refined. Representatives from the Pacific Rim Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Projects met before the Annual EHDI Conference to provide updates and share information. Islands represented included American Samoa, Saipan, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Majuro, Oahu, and Guam. Also attending the Pacific Rim Meeting were representatives from the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Representing the Guam EHDI Team during the recent Annual Conference were (L-R): JJ Mendiola, EHDI Data Coordinator; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director and EHDI Project Principal Investigator; Maravic Guiao, RN, Nurse Supervisor, Obstetrics, Guam Memorial Hospital; Terrie Fejarang, Guam EHDI Project Coordinator; and Robert Leon Guerrero, M.D., Guam EHDI Pediatric Champion. Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director (right), met with Connie Stevens from the Wisconsin Sound Beginnings Program, during the Annual EHDI Conference held in San Diego, California on March 15 to discuss the possibility of Wisconsin’s EHDI program using some video clips from the Guam EHDI website. Page 10 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Guam EHDI Completes Busy Quarter (cont. from page 10) On May 12, the Guam EHDI team conducted a “Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation” presentation for pediatricians during their monthly roundtable meeting at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority. The presentation stressed the importance of hearing screening prior to discharge from a birthing facility, the follow-up process, and the impact of diagnosing a hearing loss early in order for necessary intervention services to begin as soon as possible. The Guam EHDI Evaluation Workgroup continued to meet monthly, in order to formalize the Guam EHDI Evaluation plan. The Evaluation Plan will address gaps within the data collection and reporting process for Guam EHDI, and finalize strategies to address these issues. Guam EHDI and the University of Hawaii, Telecommunications and Social Informatics (TASI) Research Program, continued collaborative efforts to strengthen the plan and begin the implementation of interoperability between the Electronic Health Records (EHR) at the Department of Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and Guam ChildLink-EHDI. Implementation planning meetings for this process were held in April and May. Timelines were developed and key staff was designated to carry out specific roles to pilot the interoperability plan by June 30, 2016. Left photo: The Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Evaluation Workgroup consisting of parent representatives, GEIS personnel, and Guam CEDDERS staff met on May 10 to develop an evaluation plan for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Informational System (EHDI-IS). Pictured from left, clockwise: Pat Mantanona, Guam Early Intervention System; Cathy Tydingco, GEIS & Early Childhood Special Education; Terry Naputi, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; Dawn Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS Grant Assistant I; JJ Mendiola, Guam CEDDERS Data Coordinator; William Tejeresas, Parent Representative; Joyce Tejeresas, Parent Representative; and Elaine Eclavea, Consultant with Guam CEDDERS. Right photo: Dawn Guerrero, Guam EHDI Grant Assistant (right), conducts a hearing screening. Quansheng Song, Database Consultant for the CDC Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (CDC EHDI) project was on Guam to provide technical assistance on April 18-20. Pictured left to right: Quansheng Song, Database Consultant; and JJ Mendiola, Interoperability Data Specialist, Guam ChildLink-EHDI. During the visit Mr. Song addressed issues related to interoperability, emergency back up and recovery plan. Ten pediatricians attended a presentation on “Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation” conducted by Renee L.G. Koffend, AuD., Guam EHDI consultant (standing), on May 12 at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Board Room. The presentation was facilitated by Robert Leon Guerrero, M.D. (seated at the head of the table) Guam EHDI Pediatric Champion since the establishment of the project in 2002. Page 11 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai More Guam EHDI News 2016 EHDI Website of the Year Finalists Guam Idaho Illinois Nebraska Iowa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) websites nationwide are reviewed annually based on three key components: content, design, and layout, and accessibility. The Guam EHDI website has consistently placed among the top five sites nationally over the last three years. This trend continued this year, with Guam joining Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska as finalists. The state of Iowa garnered top honors and was awarded the 2016 EHDI Website of the Year during the 2016 Annual EHDI Conference held in San Diego, California. Congratulations to Iowa, and the other finalists! Guam EHDI Advisory Committee Holds Quarterly Meeting The Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (Guam EHDI) Advisory Council held their quarterly meeting on June 8 at the Westin Resort Guam. Front row, seated, left to right: Glenda Leon Guerrero, Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) Maternal Child Nurse Manager; Avelina “Bing” Opena, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) Head Nurse, Nursery; Joseph Flores; Joyce Flores, Guam EHDI Co-Chair; and Terry Naputi, Guam CEDDERS. Middle row, left to right: Ruth Sabangan, GMHA Head Nurse, NICU; Brigette Flores-Lobo, United States Naval Hospital Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (USNH EDIS) Consultant; Ma Victoria Guiao, GMHA Head Nurse, OB Ward; LeeAnn QB Santos, USNH EDIS, Speech Language Pathologist; Brittany Rosario, Sheena Dela Cruz, Camille Glory, Nursing Staff, GRMC Nursery; Margaret Blaz, Ph.D. – Follow Up Coordinator, Guam EHDI; and Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Director, Guam CEDDERS & Principal Investigator, Guam EHDI. Back row, left to right: Terrie Fejarang, Project Coordinator, Guam EHDI; Brittney Babauta, Nuring Staff, GRMC Nursery; Dawn Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS; Maggie Murphy-Bell, representing Margarita Gay, Maternal Child Health Administrator, Department of Public Health & Social Services, and Guam EHDI Advisory Council Chairperson; and Pat Mantanona, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), Division of Special Education, Department of Education, Program Coordinator. Page 12 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Better Hearing & Speech Month Outreach Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate (left), distributed information on Project Tinituhon and Guam EHDI to a visitor during the Better Speech and Hearing Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court on May 7. Leah Abelon, GSAT AT Center Assistant (left), provided information on Assistive Technology to a visitor at the GSAT table during the Better Speech and Hearing Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court on May 7. Early Childhood Providers Attend ASQ-3 Training On April 28, eight early childhood providers from five child care centers participated in the Project Tinituhon Ages and Stages (ASQ) Learning Activities Training facilitated by Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant, and Vera Blaz, Project Tinituhon Project Coordinator. Participants received a refresher on screening and scoring the ASQ-3 as well as orientation to the revised Guam Early Learning Guidelines Birth to 36 Months and Three to Five Years. These five child care centers are part of the islandwide Developmental and Behavioral Screening System (iDBSS) pilot program under Project Tinituhon. Each center received a copy of the ASQ-3 Learning Activities and the Guam Early Learning Guam Early Learning Guidelines. Page 13 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Partners with PEP to Host Sibshop Guam CEDDERS partnered with Parents Empowering Parents (PEP), to host a workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs. The Sibshop Workshop, held on June 3 at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa, drew 10 siblings of children with various disabilities. Leone Rohr, PEP Executive Director and Sibshop facilitator, is shown facing the camera in the bottom right photo. Page 14 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Northern Marianas College UCEDD Reps Visit Representatives from the Northern Marianas College University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (NMC UCEDD) visited Guam CEDDERS on June 6. Pictured from left, clockwise: Floyd Masga, Director, NMC UCEDD; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Vince Merfalen, NMC Community Development Institute Director. Also participating in the visit were Karen Cruz, University of Guam School of Nursing Faculty and Kathy Taijeron, UOG School of Nursing Administrative Staff. Stakeholders Attend Project Kariñu Legislative Round Table Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. hosted a Legislative Round Table meeting on June 8, 2016 to support local funding for Project Kariñu as federal funding for the program will end on September 30, 2016. The Guam CEDDERS Evaluation Team for Project Kariñu developed the Project Kariñu Evaluation Reports and the Pacific Daily News Supplement on Project Kariñu which were disseminated during the meeting to Senators: Dennis Rodriguez, Jr., Frank Blas Aguon, Jr., Mary Camacho Torres, and Thomas Morrison as well as community stakeholders and families involved with Project Kariñu. Guam CEDDERS Recognized for Continuing Excellence Guam CEDDERS received a certificate of recognition “For continuous excellence in Grants Management, Community Service, and for U24 Proposal to support Health Infomatics Research and Data Management in Micronesia” during a University of Guam Awards Ceremony on May 20. Page 15 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Project EPICS Begins Year 2 Project EPICS, a U.S. Office of Special Education personnel preparation training grant that is designed to provide a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology through San Jose State University, is off and running. Currently, the first cohort of students has successfully completed two undergraduate pre-requisite courses (EDSP 102, Language Development, and EDAU 170, Hearing Science and Disorders). Students on Guam and Saipan will begin their next class, which is EDAU 177, Hearing Testing Practicum. In this summer class, students will provide hearing screenings for children and adults under the supervision of audiologists on Guam and Saipan. Students in American Samoa and Pohnpei will be obtaining their hearing screening hours when they come to Guam for classes next summer. A second cohort of students recently was recruited to add to the existing numbers (see banner below). They will be initiated into the program with enrollment in the Language Development course in June. Students from this cohort who are accepted into the program will take the Hearing Science and Disorders course in July and join the first cohort in the fall. June McCullough, Ph.D., CCC-AuD Project EPICS co-director, commented, “I am delighted with the performance, dedication, and enthusiasm of all of our EPICS scholars. It is a pleasure to be involved in this collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS and all of the participating departments of education throughout the region.” Become part of the “Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech-Language Pathology” program (Project EPICS)This five-year federally funded program provides scholarships leading to a: Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION This banner appeared on the Guam CEDDERS website as part of the San José State University and Guam CEDDERS recruitment effort for Project EPICS, which ended on May 27. Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity Available for Pacific Residents Ke Alaka’i: Speech Education Leadership Project Preparing Special Education Teacher Educators Awarding 6 Grants $132,000 each The focus of the grant is to develop university faculty who will become teacher educators in Hawai’I and/or Pacific region. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on this scholarship opportunity from the University of Hawaii’s College of Education, please go to the Guam CEDDERS website at www.guamcedders.org. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2016. Page 16 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai 2016 Interactive Parent Conference POWER OF PLAY Fun in your Backyard Free resources and activities for parents and children. June 16, 2016 Gill Baza/Zero Down 9:00am-11:00am June 23, 2016 Toto Gardens Basketball Court 4:30pm-6:30pm June 30, 2016 Pagachao, Agat 9:00am-11:00am For more information, contact Guam CEDDERS at 735-2466. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at least three (3) working days prior to the activity date. Guam CEDDERS logo Project Tinituhon The Beginning logo Guam Early Learning Council logo Guam EHDI logo Department of Education logo Guam Early Intervention System logo Early Childhood Special Education Preschool (ECSE) logo Guam Head Start Program logo Department of Public Health and Social Services logo Project BISITA I FAMILIA logo Guam LAUNCH logo This activity is supported by Project Tinituhon and the Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Project, facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS). Support is also provided by the Guam Early Learning Council; Department of Education; Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System, Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Program; Department of Public Health and Social Services: Project Kariñu, Project Bisita I Familia, Guam LAUNCH, and the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA). The University of Guam is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Page 17 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai New Publication-Beyond Mandates: Language Access Services on Guam “Beyond Mandates: Language Access Services on Guam” is a publication by the University of Guam CEDDERS that documents “Language Access Services (LAS). “Beyond Mandates” describes the value of LAS to organizations, as well as the benefits to consumers and the community in general. Prompted by federal grant requirements to address health disparities in programs, this document outlines the federal mandates and national service standards (CLAS) which require federally funded organizations to provide language access services to those who need or want this assistance free of cost to the consumer. The document describes the challenges faced by organizations attempting to provide Language Access Services such as interpreter and translation services in the range of Pacific island and Asian languages and dialects spoken on island. Readers will also learn of key efforts attempted by stakeholders to address issues inherent in the provision of quality and timely LAS in Guam. “Beyond Mandates” was written to serve as a general resource for organizations in Guam who are striving to work towards the provision of LAS within their organizations. Highlighted in this publication is CLASP (Culture and Language Access Service Partners), a coalition of public and non-profit organizations who agreed to work collectively to problem solve the challenges to implementing LAS on Guam. CLASP is Guam’s systems-wide strategic effort towards quality LAS on Guam. CLASP member organizations include: UOG’s Guam CEDDERS and the School of Nursing; Guam Community College, Office of the Attorney General, DPHSS’ Project Kariñu, Loving Our Babies, Guam Office of Minority Health; GBHWC’s PEACE Council, I Famagu’on-ta, and Training Office; GMHA; GDOE; SCOG; DYA; Guam Coalition Against Sexual Abuse and Family Violence; Guam Pacific Galaidi Incorporation; and various language interpreters. A limited number of hard copies of “Beyond Mandates: Language Access Services in Guam” are available by contacting UOG CEDDERS or it may be accessed electronically at Guam CEDDERS’ website at: www.guamcedders.org/publications- products. Photo: Beyond Mandates Cover Guam CEDDERS Staff Transitions Photo: Carla C. Torres, MEd, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology and Special Projects Program Coordinator (GSAT) After seven and a half years with Guam CEDDERS, Carla Torres, Assistive Technology (AT) and Special Projects Coordinator, is returning to her home in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In her role as an assistive technology specialist, Carla, a special education teacher by training, used her teaching skills to demonstrate the many uses of a wide range of AT devices. After acquiring the requisite years of experience in the AT field and with the support of Guam CEDDERS, she studied and earned her “Assistive Technology Professional” certification offered by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, better known as RESNA. This allowed her to further enhance her skills to conduct AT evaluations and training with people with disabiities to assist them in maintaining and/or improving their quality of life. Carla also facilitated the annual AT Conferences and Fairs and conducted numerous demonstrations, trainings, and presentations on AT for a broad cross-section of community members. Photo: Jenika Ballesta, BA, Research Associate Meanwhile, a former student employee of Guam CEDDERS has returned. Jenika Ballesta worked with Guam CEDDERS beginning in October 2013 while attending the University of Guam. As a student office assistant, Jenika worked part-time, performing clerical duties, and assisting during numerous outreach events. She resigned in August 2014 to focus on her studies. Jenika completed an internship at Guam CEDDERS in Fall 2015, graduated on May 22, 2016, and started in her role as a Research Associate the very next day. Jenika will be supporting Project Bisita I Familia. Best wishes on your new endeavors, Carla. Welcome back, Jenika! Page 18 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai New Guam CEDDERS Products Guam CEDDERS Book Marks 2015-2016 Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (Guam EHDI) Progress Report At-A-Glance Cover This eight-page Guam Pacific Daily News Supplement, published on May 27, was spearheaded by the Guam CEDDERS Project Kariñu Evaluation Team. Guam CEDDERS provided technical assistance to Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) in the development of this parent driven, non-profit organization’s 30 second TV public awareness spot. Guam CEDDERS logo University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Affairs University of Guam, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: (671) 735.2480/1 Fax: (671) 734.5709 TTY: (671) 734.6531 Email: heidi.sannicolas@guamcedders.org I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS. Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D. Editors: Terrie Fejarang, & June De Leon Layout & Design: Sherry Guerrero This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Mariles Benavente, Vera Blaz, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Sherry Guerrero, JJ Mendiola, Terry Naputi, Carla Torres, and Keith Villaluna. Special Contributor: June McCullough, Ph.D., CCC-AuD, San José State University. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audiotapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Coleen Dela Cruz at (671) 735.2477 (v), (671) 735.6531 (TTY), or (671) 734.5709 (fax) for more information. The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer Page 19 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS JUN 16 Jun 3 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 11:00am-2:00pm, Westin Resort Guam Jun 3 Sibshops Guam: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, 11:00am-2:00pm, Pacific Star Resort Guam Jun 7 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Committee Meeting , 3:00pm-4:30pm, GSAT House 20, Dean Circle, UOG Jun 8 Guam EHDI Advisory Meeting, 11:00am-2:00pm, Westin Resort Guam Jun 13 ICC Quarterly Meeting, 4:30pm-6:30pm, School of Education (SOE206) Jun 14 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:30pm-5:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean Circle, UOG Jun 16 Power of Play, 9:00am-11:00am, Gill Baza/Zero Down Jun 18 Part C Parent Training, 7:00am-1:00pm, Pacific Star Resort Jun 22 Project Tinituhon Strategic Management Team Meeting, 8:30am-4:30pm, Westin Resort Guam Jun 23 Power of Play, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Toto Gardens Basketball Court Jun 25 Part C Parent Training, 7:00am-1:00pm, Pacific Star Resort Jun 28 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Elementary School, Room 4 Jun 29 Guam Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting, 8:00am-12:00pm, TBA Jun 30 Power of Play, 9:00am-11:00am, Pagachao, Agat JUL-SEPT 16 Jul 13 Part C VI Webinar with Donna McNear, 8:15am-9:15pm, Guam CEDDERS, House 17, Dean Circle Jul 14 Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café, TBA Jul 25 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Elementary School, Room 4 Aug 29-Sept 2 Site Visit by Donna McNear, VI Consultant (Part C) Sept 2 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30pm-5:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean Circle, UOG For more information on any of these events, please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org Photo: Father holding son while smiling at camera GUAM CEDDERS MISSION In partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families, agencies, organizations, and service providers, Guam CEDDERS creates pathways that enhance, improve, and support the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Visit our websites www.guamehdi.org www.guamelc.org www.gsatcedders.org www.guamcedders.org Find us on Facebook facebook.com/guamelc facebook.com/guamehdi Email:cedders.online@guamcedders.org Phone: (671) 735-2480 www.guamcedders.org Guam CEDDERS logo Page 20 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 2016 I Tellai