I Tellai The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 3 June 4, 2010 In this issue: Håtsa Celebrates Final Outcomes ...................1 PacRim Conference ....................................2-3 Children’s Mental Health Awareness...............4 Quality Rating System Training ......................5 DDPIE Visit ...................................................5 EC National Consultant provides TA ................6 Guam EHDI/Kariñu Logic Model ......................7 FS360 Hosts STOMP Conference ......................8 WRIEC Consultants Conduct Training ..............9 GSAT Conference & Fair ...........................10-11 PACIFIC Project: TA visits to CNMI ..................11 Self-Advocates Take Lead ............................12 Self-Advocates Complete 3rd Cycle ...............13 Tri-Agency Bowling Bash .............................13 Håtsa Sponsors NEO2 Training .....................14 Menhålom Builds Capacity ..........................15 Transit Training Pays Off ..............................16 Palau Principals Provide Input......................17 Palau President Supports SpEd ....................17 Transition Focus Group ................................18 GSAT & GLSC Team Up ..................................18 Input For Course Development .....................18 Guam CEDDERS Supports Job Fair .................19 Farewell, Lizzy ............................................19 Where is She Now? Magdalena Hallers .........19 Calender of Events ......................................20 Project Håtsa Celebrates Outcomes Project Håtsa has come to an end, but the impact of the project, without a doubt, will continue for many years to come. Established in October 2005, Project Håtsa is the Guam Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, in partnership with Guam CEDDERS. “Håtsa,” the Chamorro word for “to build” and “to raise,” has done just that – raise expectations and results in Guam’s public school system. Teacher and Administrator standards were systematically examined and researched, expanded upon, clarified, updated, and enhanced. A mentoring program for new teachers was established to address the challenge of improving teacher skills and retention rates. The strategy for professional development for school personnel was changed from a traditional “one-shot” type approach to an on-going “job embedded” and follow-up strategy facilitated by in-school teams. Lastly, a tremendous amount of resources were channeled to acquire and incorporate new technology into classrooms to increase student learning. We celebrate this ground-breaking project in the enclosed eight-page supplement, which provides a brief glimpse at the outcomes and achievements of the project. A more comprehensive report will be released by the end of June and will be available upon request. Photo with caption: School personnel from the Lagu, Haya, and Kattan school districts attended the “Learning Communities” workshop as part of the monthly professional development series for Guam Department of Education teachers and administrators. The session was held on February 10 at the Guam Nikko Hotel. Page 2 PacRim Conference Features 16 Pacific Strand Sessions The disability movement in the Pacific Rim has grown significantly over the past two decades. While strategies and approaches employed in the region have been influenced by elements from the U.S. mainland and other areas, key players in the region have tweaked those elements to make “a better fit” for their respective island communities. Recognizing these developments and accomplishments, the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii, the primary sponsor of the annual Pacific Rim Conference, invited several organizations from the Pacific to partner with them in facilitating a “Pacific Topic Area” as a separate strand during the conference. Joining in this effort were Guam CEDDERS, the Pacific Basin University Center for Excellence at American Samoa Community College, and Northern Marianas College, and Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). As noted by organizers, what resulted was “a robust, high quality, and wide ranging set of presentations” (see box on page 3). Congratulations to all presenters and participants of “The Pacific Strand.” Photos with caption: (L-R) Arthur Albert, Chief, Special Services Division, FSM National Dept. of Education and June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, presented on the “National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) Implementation in the FSM. “ (L-R): Joyseleen Daniel, Speech & Language Pathologist, and Maxcipa Harris, Related Service Assistant from Pohnpei DOE, presented on “Sawas Keneinei Ong Sei Tikitik (Early Childhood Speech and Languages Services) in Pohnpei”. (L-R) Dr. Gloria Weddington, principal investigator for Project Fo’na, proudly poses with Joyseleen Daniel after Ms. Daniel completed her presentation during the PacRim Conference. Ms. Daniel earned her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology through Project Fo’na, a collaborative project of Guam CEDDERS and San Jose State University. (L-R) June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS, Josie Jones-Lizama, and Dr. Marylin Low from PREL “hang loose” after their presentation on “Early Literacy Universal Screeners in Pacific Vernaculars.” Page 3 PacRim Conference Features 16 Pacific Strand Sessions Text in colored box: Anamota-Anganga Met Mei Wor: Making use of What We Have for a Living Presenter: Ansina Kony, Special Education Coordinator, Chuuk State, FSM Factors in Access to Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs by Immigrant Pacific Island Families: A Qualitative Study Presenters: Katherine Ratliffe, Jeffrey Okamoto, Ron Matayoshi, University of Hawaii American Samoa and Lessons Learned: Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Presenter: Tafamamao Lefu Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD Film Series: Increasing Disability Awareness Through Locally Produced Videos Presenter: Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS Early Literacy Universal Screeners in Pacific Vernaculars Presenters: Marylin Low, PREL, June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS Synergy in Action: Deaf Education in the Pacific Presenters: Judy Coryell, Jan Fried, Gallaudet Outreach Program, Kapiolani Community College Navigating the Cultural Landscape Towards Self-Determination: Results of an Exploratory Study in American Samoa Presenter: Denise Lea Uehara, Center on Disability Studies University of Hawaii Strengthening the Connection Between Instruction and AA-AAS in Pacific Island Communities Presenters: Suzanne Lizama, Acting Special Education Coordinator, CNMI; Karlina Henry, Special Education Coordinator, Pohnpei, FSM; Michael Burdge, Keystone Assessment Consultant; June Quitugua, PACIFIC Project Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS, June De Leon, PACIFIC Project Director, Guam CEDDERS NIMAS Implementation in the FSM Presenter: Arthur Albert, Chief, Special Services Division, FSM Dept. of Education, & June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS Pacific Islander Issues and Effective Practices in Special Education, Health & Welfare Presenter: Setareki Macanawai Sawas Keneinei Ong Sei Tikitik in Pohnpei: Early Childhood Speech and Languages Services in Pohnpei Presenters: Joysleen Daniel, Maxcipa Harris Teaching Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities in the 21st Century Presenters: Jean Clayton and Mike Burdge, Consultants Keystone Assessment; June Quitugua, PACIFIC Project Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS, June De Leon, PACIFIC Project Director, Guam CEDDERS Private Schools Avocation Presenter: Barbara Tufosa Boat, American Samoa Department of Education An Island Wide Screening Program for Children Aged Birth through 5 years Presenters: Arney Jonas, Vickie Meade, Kosrae Department of Education Staff Led Special Education Summer Training Program Presenter: Vickie Meade, Arney Jonas, Kosrae Department of Education The Missing Piece in Higher Education: Guam’s 360 Model for Preparing the Next Generation of Professional Who Work with Individuals with Disabilities and Families Presenter: Mary Katherine Fegurgur, Principal Investigator, Guam Family Support 360°, Guam CEDDERS, University of Guam Photos with caption: Dr. Mary Fegurgur conducted a presentation on “The Missing Piece in Higher Education: Guam’s 360 Model for Preparing the Next Generation of Professionals Who Work with Individuals with Disabilities and Families.” Dr. Fegurgur (left), is shown here with Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director. (L - R) June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS; Jean Clayton, Keystone Assessment; Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Acting Special Education Coordinator; Michael Burdge, Keystone Assessment; Karlina Henry, Pohnpei Special Education Coordinator; and June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS were co-presenters during a session on “Strengthening the Connection Between Instruction and AA-AAS in Pacific Island Communities.” Page 4 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Observed From table to table, 118 families stopped and gathered information at the All Eyes On Five Family Information Fair held on May 6. Set up in the middle of Guam Premier Outlets, a festive atmosphere served as the backdrop for the celebration of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Guam service providers, which support families with young children, listened attentively as family members asked questions. Conversations focused upon Head Start, Guam Early Intervention, Parent Information Resources Center, Autism Community Together, Bureau of Social Services Administration, Bureau of Family Health & Nursing Services, Guam Child Care & Development Association, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, Guam Positive Parents Together, Project Tinituhon – Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System, I ‘Famagu’on-ta – System of Care, and Project Kariñu – Guam’s Mental Health System of Care for Young Children and their Families. At one station, public health dental technicians provided fluoride treatment to young children. At another station, stories from Guam and Hawaii about how to help families raise healthy and happy children were projected onto a screen. Families received goody bags at the exit station that were filled with information, books, and toys that they can use to help them promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits! Photos with caption: Staff members from the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services, the Guam Early Intervention System, and Guam CEDDERS spearheaded the All Eyes On Five Family Information Fair on May 6. This young participant was all smiles during the Fair. Mary Kidd and Eric Pegarido, Guam CEDDERS staff, cue up locally produced videos for viewing by Fair attendees. Page 5 Child Care Directors Receive Quality Rating System Training Since 1978, minimum standards for basic, custodial care in child care centers have been in place under the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Rules and Regulations for Licensed Child Care Centers. In an effort to update standards, DPHSS is working towards following the lead of a national initiative from the Administration for Children and Families, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where 18 states have implemented a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). The QRIS encourages child care centers to offer a level of care that is beyond the minimal standards set by a local agency. One of the tools available that measures that level of care for preschool children is the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R). From March 24-26, twenty-five (25) child care directors and seven (7) administrators and staff from DPHSS gathered at the Westin Resort for a three-day training on the ECERS-R. Introduced in her welcoming remarks, Linda Ann Susuico, DPHSS Chief of Health and Human Services, provided participants with a synopsis of the ECERS-R. Dr. Aline Yamashita followed with a presentation inviting each participant to reflect on the “personal signature” they give daily to each of their children and how they can magnify that signature to deliver a stronger foundation of learning to the children they serve. Maribel S.D. Loste, was then introduced as the ECERS-R instructor who led the comprehensive training on the seven subscales and forty-three items of the ECERS-R. After the training session, participants used their ECERS-R to complete an informal self-assessment of their centers. On April 16, participants gathered for the final session of the course to share their self-assessments and develop informal action plans. Sample concerns raised from the different centers included: (1) inadequate indoor space; (2) inadequate gross motor equipment; (3) little provision for sand and water play; (4) unacceptable nutritional value of food served, (5) questionable practices relating to storage or items and space during naptime; unsanitary mats or use of futons; and (6) learning materials are available and appropriate, but are inaccessible to children. Each director completed an informal action plan with timelines, responsible persons, and follow up plans. Based on the final course evaluations, participants stated that the “ECERS-R training was informative and crucial to rating quality child care and helps with understanding of responsibilities. The ECERS-R tool is new and has great guidelines, but takes time to understand.” It was recommended that the training be included in Guam Community College’s Early Childhood Education program. Another recommendation was for participants to visit military child development centers to gain a better understanding of the level of quality expected in those settings. Each participant received 3.0 continuing education units (CEU) from the University of Guam. The training, materials, and CEUs were funded by the DPHSS Child Care and Development Fund program and facilitated by Guam CEDDERS. Guam CEDDERS Selected to Participate in DDPIE Through an initiative by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to determine the impact of the Tri-Agency Programs, Guam CEDDERS was one of 20 University Centers for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) randomly selected to be a part of the Developmental Disabilities Program Independent Evaluation (DDPIE). Westat, the organization facilitating the evaluation, sent Lynda Lynch, Senior Study Director, to conduct on-site interviews on May 26-June 1. The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council and Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center, as the local Protection and Advocacy Program, also participated in the evaluation. In addition to Guam CEDDERS staff, trainees and Advisory Council members, as well as community partners and off-island collaborators and consultants, were interviewed to obtain input for the evaluation. Findings from the study will be forwarded to Congress for their consideration for future support for the Tri-Agency. Photo with caption: (L to R): Linda Lynch, Westat Senior Study Director, interviewed Cecilia “Lee” Cruz, Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Vice Chairperson, as part of the Developmental Disabilities Program Independent Evaluation (DDPIE) process. Page 6 Consultant Reviews Draft Child Care Licensure Guidelines As we have reported in previous issues, Guam CEDDERS has played a key role in facilitating the process of updating the Guam Rules and Regulations for Licensed Child Care Centers. This process admittedly has taken a long time, with good cause. It is extremely important that key components including incorporating the latest research, public input, input from child care center directors, parents, and experts in the field be carefully considered. As part of this process, which is nearing completion, on April 29-30, Abby Cohen, Technical Assistance Specialist from the National Child Care and Information Resource Center (NCCIC), provided technical assistance to the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Public Welfare, Child Care and Development Fund Program (DPHSS/DPW/CCDF) and the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA). One of Ms. Cohen’s primary activities during this visit was to review and provide recommendations to the monitoring guidelines for the professional development plan. This plan is one of the key components of the proposed rules and regulations drafted by Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), which is the lead agency overseeing licensure. Ms. Cohen noted that Guam and other states have a designated Early Learning Council. Emphasis is on coordination of programs with other entities in early childhood that are in line with the Early Learning Council’s vision and mission. Text in colored box: Talking Points 1. The Child Care Bureau’s new focus is that the QRIS is the next step after the implementation of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines (ELG). The overall goal of a QRIS is “to improve the quality of programs through system-wide improvements with the opportunity to: (a) increase quality of care for children, (b) increase parent’s understanding and demand for higher quality care, and (c) increase professional development of child care providers”. Common elements of a QRIS include: (1) standards, (2) accountability, (3) program and practitioner outreach and support, (4) financing incentives linked to compliance with quality standards, and (5) parent/consumer education. 2. Guam’s proposed monitoring tool is more reflective of a technical assistance tool to improve a program and will need further development. 3. States vary in level of implementation of QRIS; some are already operating a system in place, others are piloting, and still others are exploring or designing a QRIS. 4. One example of a change for Guam’s QRIS process is to build the foundation first before the system, such as by building the infrastructure to access requirements on the professional development plan. 5. In reference to Guam’s implementation plan, a discussion followed that the introduction of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) will need a system support such as a professional development plan, technical assistance on mentoring and coaching, and developing or improving the curriculum. 6. Discussion on technical assistance (TA) needs included: (1) consultation with local early childhood agencies such as the Department of Education Guam Early Intervention System and Preschool program to provide assistance for children with disabilities, including requirements for training in inclusion and assisting parents with transition and (2) access to national TA such as the NCCIC website. Photo with caption: Abby Cohen (right) Technical Assistance Specialist, observes morning activity in a child care center. Ms. Cohen provided technical assistance on using a licensing monitoring tool to enhance the level of quality of child care centers on Guam. Page 7 Guam EHDI Implements New Protocol All babies born at Guam Memorial Hospital and Sagua Mañagu will receive a second screening with Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR), if they do not pass the initial Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) screening prior to discharge. The entire auditory pathway is screened using the AABR technology and determines within minutes the current status of a baby’s hearing. On March 18th, screeners at the birthing facilities were trained to use the AABR equipment and implement this new two-step protocol. Kim Vittorio, with Natus Medical, provided the training on the Natus ALGO 3i AABR screener. Hands-on training and support is provided by Guam CEDDERS Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) professionals, Kim M. Aeillo, Audiologist & Follow-Up Coordinator and Victoria F. Ritter, Hearing Screening Technician. The AABR results in lower screening referral rates as compared to using the OAE alone. The two-step protocol, an OAE screening referral result followed with an AABR screening, allows for the most efficient screening protocol. This two-step protocol will reduce the number of infants that need to return for diagnostic evaluation and reduce the number of infants lost to follow-up. Photo with caption: Kim Aeillo, audiologist and program coordinator for the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Project, demonstrates the use of the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response equipment to nurses during training at Guam Memorial Hospital on March 18. Project Kariñu Develops Logic Model Workgroup On April 28, Project Kariñu’s Logic Model Workgroup met to begin the process of developing a “theory of change” that will guide the development of Guam’s early childhood system of care for young children and their families. A “theory of change” is the belief that a community has about what children and their families need, and what strategies will be effective to meet those needs. Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, the Project Kariñu Logic Model Workgroup brings together representatives from the Guam Early Learning Council, the Guam System of Care Council, non-profit organizations, including Guam Identifies Families Terrific Strengths and Guam Positive Parents Together, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and Guam’s other child serving agencies, private day care providers, and families of children with special needs. The Workgroup will be meeting on a regular basis to develop the framework for Project Kariñu that includes a vision and mission statement, a description of the population of focus, goals, strategies, and outcomes. The logic model will be the foundation for a strategic planning process that is scheduled for August and will also be used to guide the evaluation of Project Kariñu. Photo with caption: (Above Photo L-R): Mary Therese Edgerle, President of GIFTS (Guam Identifies Families Terrific Strengths) and Lavina Camacho, Wrap Coordinator for I Famagu’on-ta, ham it up for the camera during Project Kariñu’s Logic Model Workgroup Orientation Session.(Right Photo): Project Kariñu produced an informational brochure disseminated during the All Eyes On Five Family Informational Fair. Page 8 Family Support 360° Hosts STOMP Conference Guam CEDDERS Family Support 360° for Military Families held a two-day conference at Hilton Hotel, in the Chuchuko Ballroom on March 30-31. Featured presenters from Washington PAVE- Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) included Heather Hendon and Valerie Patterson. Topics discussed included Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Moves: Tips for Parents, Basic Education Rights, Wills and Guardianships, Tricare, Individualized Education Plans, and Communication Skills and Networking Techniques. STOMP is a federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center that was established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs. The mission of STOMP is to empower military parents, individuals with disabilities, and service providers with knowledge, skills, and resources so that they might access services to create a collaborative environment for families. The majority of conference attendees were parents from Andersen Air Force Base and local service providers, including Guam Legal Services. The conference concluded with the quarterly Advisory Board meeting, during which the possibility of creating a STOMP organization in Guam was discussed. Guam Family Support 360°for Military Families VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION! HOUSE #30 DEAN CIRCLE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 735-2560. Photos with caption: (L-R) Dr. Mary Fegurgur, Family Supports Principal Investigator; Evelyn Claros, Senior Navigator; Valerie Patterson, STOMP Presenter; Heather Hebdon, STOMP Director; Navy Captain Scott Galbreaith; Carrie Duncan, Family Navigator; and Hope Pangelinan, Family Navigator, gather during a Conference break. (Standing) STOMP Director, Heather Hendon, discusses the importance of Individualized Education Plans in the military school system. Navy Commander Maureen Chase, Family Support 360 advisory board member, attended the STOMP conference. (L-R): Hope Pangelinan, Family Supports Navigator, talks about the program with Mari Blas, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Page 9 WRIEC Consultants Conduct Training & TA on Deaf/HH Topics Keeping up with assistive technology as it becomes available is a challenge for residents, professionals, and service providers on Guam and the region. Connecting with experts from the mainland and having them on island to share the latest information is one way to keep “in the loop.” Service providers on Guam and the Republic of Palau had such an opportunity on April 15-16, when Cheryl Davis, Ph.D., Principal Investigator for the Western Region Interpreter Education Center (WRIEC) and Director of the Regional Resource Center on Deafness, based at Western Oregon University (WOU), was on-island to conduct a workshop on “Demystifying Hearing Assistance Technology.” Twenty-two service providers, including vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, an assistive technology specialist, an attorney, social workers, and special educators, along with a parent, attended the two-day workshop. On April 17, Pauline Annarino, WRIEC Project Director, based at El Camino Community College, and CM Hall, WRIEC Project Coordinator, from WOU, joined Dr. Davis on-island to conduct training on “Team Interpreting” and “The Code of Ethics for Interpreters” for sign language interpreters. Ten participants, from Guam and Palau, attended these workshops. In addition to visiting school sites that housed students in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program and meeting members of the adult deaf community, the consultants conducted a “Roundtable Meeting” to obtain input on the challenges of individuals who serve as interpreters for the deaf community (see box at right). This information will be used to prioritize future training activities. Text in colored box: Challenges of Guam Sign Language Interpreters: • Not enough qualified sign language interpreters • Not enough professional development opportunities • Inadequate pay Greatest obstacles to recruiting more interpreters: • Consistent work only in K-12 settings • Working conditions • Inadequate pay Photos with caption: Consultants from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center met with sign language interpreters from Guam and Palau on April 17. Front Row (L-R): Pauline Annarino, CM Hall, & Dr. Cheryl Davis. Back Row: Cathy Santos, Margie Johnson, Jeannie Hollis, Connie Estes, Wanbe Musebed, Annette Iriarte, & Myotel “Glowey” Ngwal. The WRIEC consultants met with deaf adults at the Guam Deaf Christian Fellowship Church to talk about their need for qualified sign language interpreters. Page 10-11 GSAT Conference & Fair Highlight DD Awareness Month 2010 marked the 16th year of the annual Assistive Technology Conference and Fair hosted by the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT). As part of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness, celebrations were scheduled throughout the month of March, these two events were held separately on Saturdays just one week apart. The Assistive Technology Conference was held on March 6 at the Westin Resort. Westin Resort has been the recommended venue by GSAT’s Advisory Council as it proves to be one of the more accessible hotels on the island. This year’s conference offered its 247 participants a full agenda of various topics centered on assistive technology and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The conference featured nine morning break-out sessions. Participants “oohed” and “ahhed” over the first three sessions that demonstrated what the market has to offer for phone accessibility. Dino Zervoulakos from MPULSE Wireless, GTA, highlighted the features of the popular Smart Phones, including tethering and the practical implications for individuals with disabilities. Ron Brewster and Teddy Estrellado from Docomo Pacific demonstrated features of cell phones such as video calling and hearing aid compatibility, which provide accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. A former GSAT Advisory Council Chairperson, Kathy Millhoff, demonstrated the knfb Reader Mobile. This is a device that she, as a person who is blind, relies on for many tasks. The knfb Reader Mobile is a cell phone with a built in reading machine. The phone’s camera captures printed materials, and a reading software program built into the phone reads the captured image. The next block of presentations included a discussion of the American with Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodations in the workplace. The presentation was offered in preparation for the upcoming Special Challenges Job Fair hosted by the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) and generated many questions and much discussion. This was followed by Fran Bell, Karen Taitano, and Greg Calvo, all from GDOL. They shared their mission and the services they provide to assist individuals with disabilities who seek employment. Jonas Macapinlac, Media Development and Informational Technology Coordinator for Guam CEDDERS, got participants excited with free web tools and computer accessibility. Janell Consbruck, a registered occupational therapist and Mary Taimanglo, a certified occupational therapist assistant, at Guam Memorial Hospital, gave a lesson on fall prevention in the home and community. Pat Leon Guerrero, a speech and language pathologist with the Guam Department of Education, showed how assistive technology offers persons with limited or no speech, alternate methods of communication. Department of Education continued its presentation with Christine Rosario, AT Coordinator, featuring AT for literacy. The afternoon brought the crowd together for a plenary session that helped to answer the often asked, “Who can help pay for Assistive Technology?” Here, audience members learned the roles that Special Education, Medicare, Vocational Rehabilitation, and financial loan options like the GOAL-AT and GGT Programs play in funding assistive technology. All conference presentation materials and resources can be found at www.gsatcedders.org. On March 13, GSAT held its public awareness fair at the Micronesia Mall’s Center Court. Over 20 service providers and AT vendors joined GSAT to put on table displays to market their goods and services to the community. Advancing technology, like Livescribe’s Smart Pen and colorful switch-access stuffed toys, drew in crowds eager to see what GSAT has to offer. This conference and fair would not have been possible without the generous support that came from its co-sponsors: The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, the Guam Legal Services Disability Law Center, and the Guam Department of Labor and its Americorps Programs. Photos with caption: Members of the newly created organization, “New Visions, Guam,” proudly show off their new AT tote bags. (L-R): Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council members Bill Fuppal and Tom Manglona check out the vendor displays during the AT Conference. (L-R): Lisa Ogo talks with Helen Middlebrook about the Guam Parent Information Resource Center’s services and supports. (L-R): Jamella Santos, Leslie Gatan, Carol Cabiles, and Michelle Barcinas, staffed Guam Legal Services Corporation’s display table. Children were encouraged to try out the AT devices during the AT Fair held at the Micronesia Mall. Photo with caption: PACIFIC Project TA Visits Continue The Pacific Assessment Consortium Implementing Fully Innovative Change (PACIFIC) Project, which focuses on the implementation of alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards, continued its technical assistance to the region, including a recent visit to the CNMI. (L to R): Martha Kintol, Principal Dandan Elementary School; Laura Brown, PSS Special Education Compliance Monitor; Jean Clayton, PACIFIC Project Consultant, Keystone Assessment; June Quitugua, PACIFIC Project Coordinator; Lizelle Ameriz, PSS Special Education Assessment Specialist. Page 12 Self-Advocates Take Lead During Agency & Policy Maker Forums If you gave seventeen self-advocates the opportunity to have a session with heads of agencies, who would they want to talk to and what would they want to say? Guam CEDDERS provided that opportunity to self-advocates who had completed their self-advocacy training projects. In a brainstorming session of issues and topics, held on April 10, 2010, ten interested individuals generated topics they wanted to address with a host of government agencies: the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA), Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA), Guam Legal Services Disability Law Center (GLSDLC), Department of Public Works (DPW), Department of Revenue and Taxation, and the Attorney General’s Office. With so many stories to tell, priority was established for six of eleven entities, reserving the second priority for a session later in the year. Under the mentorship of Guam CEDDERS Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator, Ginger Porter, self-advocates Lynn Tydingco and Alan Salas took a leadership role to plan throughout April to determine the delivery approach. The result was an hour lunchtime agenda consisting of personal stories, summaries of issues, suggested resolutions, and a commitment to follow up on agency action within three months. On May 7 and May 14, those advocates identified as good representatives of prioritized issues met to practice the delivery of their personal stories representing gaps in service and needed action by agencies. This stage provided the practice for confidence that many needed to experience. “I’m kind of nervous. I am not used to speaking in front of people,” commented one self-advocate. All of the nervousness turned into confidence on May 21, when self-advocates began their personal testimonies of barriers encountered in government services. Housing, pedestrian ways, employment and training, social supports, respite care, and public transportation were among the priority issues. In summary, self-advocates provided recommendations for improvement and challenged the leaders to step in their shoes and embrace the spirit of the ADA, which provides equal access to all public services. The win-win approach was effective in that several issues were addressed within a week following the forum. So who would seventeen self-advocates want to talk to and what would they want to say? It didn’t end with administrators and managers of agencies. Self-advocates planned a second session to deliver an even broader perspective on disability issues, taking their messages to policy makers and those running for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor. On June 3, the forum for policy makers competed with budget hearings recently inserted into the legislative calendar. Yet, the turnout of six policymakers was significant in regards to effectiveness. Lawmakers had the opportunity to hear the voices of self-advocates and get to know their constituents who experience barriers in service as they strive for independence. Their message was underscored by the presentation of their business card stating, “Empathize, do not sympathize. Please help us access our independence. Vote for our independence, we are Self-advocates IN Action. SIÑA.” The energy is running high for this group of self-advocates. They embody confidence in their voices and are willing to express themselves in clear and meaningful ways. The fire is lit; self-advocacy is re-ignited and off to a good start. CONGRATULATIONS Guam Self-Advocates on your selection to present at the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) Conference in Kansas City, Missouri on September 23-26. Page 13 Photos with caption: Three Self-Advocates Complete 3rd Cycle of Training As in past practice, the final day of the Self-Advocacy Training included a presentation of progress on personal projects during a potluck lunch, which included several of the successful self advocates and their families and friends. (L-R): Front row: Facilitator Evelyn Duenas, Frazier Jon Salas, Facilitator Cecilia “Lee” Cruz, Britney Duenas, and Jayonalyn Duenas. Back row: Hikie Lujan Lazaga, Facilitator Erlinda “Lynn” Tydingco, Mike Torre, Sean Salas, Noel Lazaga, Tavita Faasuamalie, Alan Salas, Daniel Puno, and Guam CEDDERS mentor Ginger Porter. DD Tri-Agency Hosts Bowling Bash Commemorating Developmental Disability Awareness Month, the Tri-Agency Partners (Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center, University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS)/Guam System for Assistive Technology hosted a Bowling Bash on March 20 at Central Lanes. It was an inclusive recreational activity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to have fun, socialize, and connect with each other. Page 14 Project Håtsa Sponsors NEO2 Training Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! . . . Those were the sounds heard throughout the day at the San Jose Room of the Outrigger Hotel on May 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A stranger walking into the room would wonder if there was training for a group of individuals forming a secretarial pool. Well, it wasn’t. The individuals were a group of teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff from Oceanview Middle School learning how to enhance instruction through the use of technology in the classroom. The training was funded by the Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Enhancement (TQE) Grant known as Project Håtsa. This was the last professional development activity for the grant. Funding for the training venue was provided by the superintendent’s non-appropriated funds. The training was on the NEO2 from Renaissance Learning. As part of the purchase of two mobile labs, on-site training was provided to 45 staff members. This was definitely a treat, as most of the previous trainings for Renaissance products were limited to webinars. The trainer was Jan Bryan, the Director for Professional Services at Renaissance Learning. The NEO2 is a keyboard-like technology that serves as a word processor, typing tutor, and classroom responder. With this technology, a teacher is able to download articles, documents, and visuals via the software on a desktop or laptop and share with students. With the added tool of text to speech, students with print disabilities and/or inability to read grade level text, have access to the same grade-level material. Photos with caption: Educators from Oceanview Middle School attended training on the NEO2, a keyboard-like device that serves as a word processor, typing tutor, and classroom responders. Funding for the training and purchase of the NEO2 was provided through Project Hatsa. Teachers practice using the NEO2. (Standing L-R): Dr. Nieves Flores, Project Hatsa Director and Jan Bryan, Renaissance Learning trainer, observe some of the Oceanview teachers as they learn to use the features of the NEO2. Page 15 Menhålom Builds Capacity and Sustainability Guam Department of Education’s Partnership in Character Education Grant, Project Menhålom, conducted its spring training for School Climate Cadre members on May 13-14 at the Westin Hotel. Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS Training Associates Bonnie Brandt and Dr. Nieves Flores, the spring training reached 78 school personnel, encompassing the project director and district coordinator and the School Climate Cadre teams comprised of students, teachers, counselors, school level facilitators, social workers, and administrators. Day 1 focused on building the capacity of school level personnel to train their peers and students on Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) related topics learned from their recent attendance at the Association for Positive Behavior Supports Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in March 2010. Those in attendance were divided into two main audiences: administrators and all others. The “administrators” group session was facilitated by Robert Martinez, principal of Astumbo Middle; Lynda Hernandez-Avilla, principal of Oceanview Middle; Rosalin Meeks, principal of J.P. Torres Alternative school; Dexter Fullo, assistant principal of L.P. Untalan Middle; and Hannah Guiterrez, assistant principal of Jose Rios Middle school. The “all others” group session was facilitated by Marcel Takai, Ramona Nelson, Doris Bukikosa, and Lindsey Dwiggins. Topics for the “all others” group included collecting and using perception data about school climate, the use of “video clips” for teaching school expectations, and monitoring student progress on the school expectations. The “administrators’ group” focused on effective strategies for implementing PBIS in a school. Day 1 was interactive and required individuals to be active participants. While Day 1 focused on the right side of the brain, Day 2 required the use of the left side of the brain. While still focusing on the theme of “building capacity and sustainability,” Day 2 provided training on using data to make decisions to sustain a “safe and orderly” environment. Schools received practice in reviewing, analyzing, and making decisions using their referral data from the School Wide Information Systems or SWIS. Activities included creating their “behavior triangle” and comparing referral data to the “theoretical” triangle. The training concluded with a poster session that highlighted the achievements and challenges of each middle school’s implementation of PBIS practices in their schools. Photos with caption: Project Menhalom training participants warm up during an energizing exercise. Oceanview Middle School brought their display that shows several activities facilitated by Project Menhalom at their school. Students from several middle schools participated in the training. Page 16 Transit Training Pays Off 81-43-13-10! Doesn’t that sound like the quarterback’s countdown prior to snapping a ball off the line? Actually, it is the number of transit personnel trained in passenger assistance under the requirement of public law. Eighty-one transit personnel have received training, forty-three garnered local certification, thirteen have been nationally certified, and by the end of May 2010, ten more will be ready for national Passenger Service and Safety certification from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA). The requirements within public law also stipulate four hours of annual refresher training, a practice that received praise from the Federal Transit Administration, Office of Civil Rights Review Team in February 2010. Guam CEDDERS delivered refresher training to thirty-five transit personnel early in January and plans an additional refresher session for twenty more operators in November. The training has paid out dividends to the riding public, as noted in a recent letter of commendation from a rider. “I am writing to commend one of your bus drivers, Jorey Nagallo (JJR) who was the driver on the evening of March 29, 2010. I had missed the last bus to NCS Dededo. He was very helpful and considerate and contacted the dispatcher if he could drive me home since I was in pain and unable to walk to NCS from the Mall. I was very fortunate to have such a compassionate and kind driver. In these times where there are complaints left and right, it’s refreshing to see drivers who are willing to help the customers especially when it’s out of their way.” This customer comment attests to the value of training to establish professionalism among transit operators. Guam CEDDERS takes satisfaction in being an integral part of this metamorphosis. Photos with caption: Recent completers of CTAA certification and refresher training gathered for a photo in the Micronesian Hospitality, Inc., and Guam Sanko yard before going out on route. L to R: Alfredo Silverio, Ginger Porter (Guam CEDDERS), Joey Nagallo, Antonino Nalicat, Ricky Rabago, Teddy Saguilla, Alexander Nalud, Therese Aguon, and Respy Hidalgo. Mathew Tman proudly wears his CTAA PASS lapel pin, recognizing his national certification accomplishment. Page 17 Palau Principals Provide Input to Monitoring Procedures The Palau Ministry of Education (MOE), Special Education Program held two half-day working sessions with school principals on the special education integrated monitoring procedures. During the sessions, held on May 6-7, twenty four (24) school principals and key personnel, including the Chief of School Management, the Special Education Program Coordinator and core team, engaged and provided meaningful input to the design of Palau’s general supervision system. The school principals “walked through” Palau’s special education continuous improvement focused monitoring system and provided recommendations for revisions, especially for the incentives and sanctions section. In addition, school principals reviewed their Special Education Data System (SEDS) school roster and data reports and data reports for four (4) priority areas (Initial Evaluation Timelines, Annual IEP Review Timeline, Reevaluation Timeline, and Secondary Transition Requirements). As agreed, beginning school year 2010-2011, the SEDS data review will serve as another means for monitoring compliance and improved performance in the priority areas. Photo with caption: School Principals and key personnel pose at end of the 2-day working session for a TEAM photo . . . Say Go Palau MOE Team! Palau President Supports Special Education Photos with caption: The Republic of Palau President, Honorable Johnson Toribiong, made a visit to the Special Education Program on May 5, 2010. During his visit, President Toribiong addressed the students and staff and expressed his support and commitment to services for children with disabilities and their families. (L-R) Helen Sengebau, Palau Special Education Coordinator; Nora Renguul , Palau Special Education Early Childhood Specialist; Republic of Palau President Toribiong; Donna McNear, Vision Consultant, Minnesota; and June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS met in December 2009. Invited by President Torbiong, the courtesy visit provided an opportunity for Ms. Sengebau to share information about special education services in the Republic of Palau. Page 18 Photos with caption: Guam CEDDERS Participates in Transition Focus Group Francesca Solivia (left), a student in the Guam Department of Education(GDOE) Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, engages in a celebratory handshake with Guam Community College (GCC) instructor Elaine Fejerang (right). The two were acknowledging the completion of an exercise that addressed the question: “What does it take to provide for a student with disabilities to be able to transition to post-secondary education/training?” Looking on is Jeannie Hollis (center), sign language interpreter. Ms. Solivia and Ms. Fejerang were two of the 27 individuals who brought focus to that question from the perspectives of students, faculty, counselors, and parents at a meeting held at GCC on March 26. The Focus Group session, led by Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, was developed in collaboration with GCC, GDOE, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the University of Guam. Input Sought for Course Development Service providers attended a focus group on April 21 to discuss the updating of content in “Fields of Social Work Practice: Working with Individuals with Disabilities.” Discussion also took place on the establishment of a course on “Disability and Society,” for possible inclusion as an elective to fulfill a general education requirement. Attending the focus group were (L-R): Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS; Diana Calvo, Guam CEDDERS; Catherine Moylan, Guam Legal Services Corporation(GLSC); Lydia Tenorio, Department of Public Health & Social Services. Back row: Leslie Gatan, GLSC; Lynette Arriola, GLSC; Hank Schilling, Department of Education; & Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS, who facilitated the meeting. Ms. Gatan was a student in the social work class and Ms. Arriola completed a practicum at GSAT while completing her coursework in social work at the University of Guam. Input from the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council members will also be incorporated into course content. GSAT & GLSC Team Up for Presentation for UOG Faculty & Administration Elaine Faculo-Gogue, University of Guam ADA/Title IX Compliance Officer, and Victoriana Renacia, Legal Counsel, facilitated presentations on May 13 and 14 for faculty and administrators on providing services and supports for University students with disabilities. Topics included legal requirements presented by Matthew Wolff from Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center and UOG’s policies and procedures presented by Ms. Faculo-Gogue and Attorney Renacia. Information on assistive technology was presented by Carla Torres, Assistive Technology Specialist with Guam CEDDERS. Photos with caption: Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Specialist, demonstrates how the technology behind the Smart Pen works and how images off the board can be magnified with the Smart View Graduate. Matt Wolff, staff attorney from Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center, led the session on Section 504 as Dr. Helen Whippy, (left, foreground) UOG senior vice president, looks on. Page 20 Photos with caption: Guam CEDDERS Supports Job Fair Governor Felix Camacho delivered remarks to open the “Job Fair for Individuals with Special Challenges” held on April 26, at the Agana Shopping Center. Guam CEDDERS staff including Carla Torres, Assistive Technology Specialist and Joseph Mendiola, Data Coordinator, provided assistance in setting up computer stations. to assist in the job application process. Ginger Porter, Initiative Area Coordinator, also provided support to the Guam Regional Transit Authority with their display. Fare Thee Well, Lizzy! Elizabeth “Lizzy” Borja, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate since 2000, has heeded the call to marriage and military life. We wish her well in her new life in Texas! Lizzy (center) is pictured above with Abby Cohen (left), Technical Assistance Specialist from the National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC),and Lydia Tenorio (right), Administrator Bureau of Social Services Administration, Department of Public Health and Social Services. Where Is She Now? Former Trainee Magdalena Hallers I Tellai recently caught up with Magdalena Hallers, pictured above, at the recent Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities in Honolulu. As a former trainee, Maggie was one of ten students enrolled in Guam CEDDERS’ FSM Master’s Degree Program in Special Education. Since graduating in 2000, Maggie has been an instructor in the Education Department of the College of Micronesia in Palikir, Pohnpei. Maggie teaches students in both pre-service and in-service courses, with an emphasis on strategies to accommodate students in inclusive settings. 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 96923Phone: (671) 735?2480/1Fax: (671) 734?5709TTY: (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, & Ginger Porter Layout & Design: Sean Lizama This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Kim Aeillo, Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Mary Katherine Fegurgur, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Connie Guerrero, Mary Kidd, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Carla Torres, Keith Villaluna, & Aline Yamashita.  Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audiotapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Margaret Johnson 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 employer and provider. Page 20 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS JUN 10 June 5 Guam Part C State Plan Public Hearing June 7-11 WRRC Regional General Supervision Academy, UOG June 8 SPP/APR Stakeholder Presentation, Guam Leadership Academy, Westin June 9 GOAL-AT/GGT Loan Review Committee Meeting, 12-2PM, GSAT June 11 Guam EHDI Parent Advisory Meeting June 14-18 GSAT “CLOSED” for inventory, no room bookings/ demos scheduled that week June 21-25 Guam Early Learning Guidelines Training, 8am-12:30pm, Guam PIRC, Hagåtña June 29-30 CNMI Bus Driver Disability Sensitivity Training JUL 10 July 12-16 All Learning Opportunities Nurture Growth (ALONG) Training, 8am-12:30pm, Guam PIRC, Hagåtña July 12-16 PACIFIC Project Regional Professional Development Series, Guam July 13 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Committee Meeting, 3-5pm, GSAT Training Center, Hs19 Dean’s Circle July 20 GSAT Advisory Council Meeting, 4-5:30pm, GSAT Training Center, Hs19 Dean’s Circle AUG-SEP 10 August 18-19 Kariñu Strategic Planning with Neal Horen and Bruce Strahl from Technical Assistance Partnership August 18 GOAL-AT/GGT General Board Meeting, 12pm September 3 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting September 11,14, October 1 Self Advocacy Workshop September 23-26 Self Advocacy (SABE) Conference Check out the May issue of I Linå'Lå-ta on the Guam CEDDERS website. www.guamcedders.org COMING SOON! 2010 Nene Directory for more information, contact Elaine Eclavea, at 735-2466