I Tellai, The Bridge, Guam CEDDERS Newsletter September 3, 2010 Volume 12, Issue 4 In this issue: The Challenge.................................................1-5 Yap State Develops “Drivers” .........................6-7 Regional Entities Refine GSEC System .........8 CNMI PSS Bus Driver Training ......................9 Kariñu Strategic Planning Summit .................10-11 Tri-Agency Conference ..................................12-14 AT Loan Program Enhance Quality of Life ....15 Guam EHDI Advisory Meeting ......................16 Transit Consultant TA Visit ...........................16 AHEAD Conference ......................................16 Technical Assistance Visit to Pohnpei ..........16 OSEP Mega-Leadership Conference ...........17 AER International Conference .....................17 Early Childhood Conference .........................17 New Staff ......................................................18 Staff Transitions ............................................18 Guam CEDDERS Developed Products ........19 Calender of Events ........................................20 “Do You Accept The Challenge? The C.I.A. Needs You!” During the week of July 12th, over 200 regional participants from American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, RMI, and ROP were selected to engage in a mission supported by the C.I.A. Yes, it was a week-long reflection of the policies, procedures, and practices in place for the C.I.A. mission in the Pacific. Each person was asked, “Do you accept the challenge?” Participants were asked to consider, “Is it worth it? Can I do it? The C.I.A. wants ME?” By the end of the week, decisions were made. All participants responded, “YES!!” Yes, the C.I.A. needs YOU!! The CIA of Education for All Students: Investigating the Possibilities in the Pacific focused on the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) for all students. Particular attention was given to what that means for students with significant cognitive disabilities who require an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, the Pacific Assessment Consortium Implementing Fully Innovative Change (PACIFIC) Project held its annual regional professional development series at the Guam Marriott with special education and school administrators, special education and general education specialists and teachers, technology specialists, and parents of children with disabilities. Photos with captions: Arthur Albert, FSM Chief of Special Services in his “Super Spy” attire. Entity Chiefs of the C.I.A. pose with Collaborators. (Front row L - R) Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Special Education Coordinator; Judith Page, Ph.D., Consultant, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Kentucky; Helen Sengebau, Palau Special Education Coordinator; Jean Clayton, Consultant, Keystone Assessment; Connie Guerrero, PACIFIC Project Resource Support; Mary Spencer, Ph.D., PACIFIC Project Regional Expert; June De Leon, PACIFIC Project Director; Caroline Gooden, Early Childhood Consultant, University of Kentucky. (Back row L-R) Arthur Albert, FSM Chief of Special Services; June Quitugua, PACIFIC Project Coordinator; Moeolo Va’atausili, American Samoa Special Education Director; Mike Sharpe, Pacific Project Evaluator, University of Minnesota; Michael Burdge, Consultant, Keystone Assessment. Page 2 Starting the week off, PACIFIC Project Cadre members attended follow-up sessions with entity cadre members on July 12-13. This two-day session was designed for entity cadre members, selected to serve as the local technical support, to continue the review of the process for monitoring and supporting the reporting and use of participation and performance data of students with significant cognitive disabilities on AA-AAS for informing critical curriculum and instructional changes. These follow-up sessions built upon the work initiated in the February 2009 training that focused on three “content” strands: (1) “Scoring and Standard Setting,” facilitated by Jean Clayton and June Quitugua; (2) “Implementing with Integrity Validity Instruments,” facilitated by Mike Burdge, Mary Spencer, and Connie Guerrero; and (3) “Developing Media Clips for Local Training,” facilitated by Jonas Macapinlac. The PACIFIC Project started the week with two additional training sessions with specific areas of focus on: The CIA for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Disabilities This 5-day session addressed the educational needs of young children with disabilities in preparation for their educational support needs as they move on to the elementary-level. Caroline Gooden joined the facilitation team as the content expert bringing to the region her expertise in early childhood special education. A former adjunct faculty at Eastern Kentucky University and Lexington Community College, serving as a resource teacher for KY’s Teacher Internship Program, Ms. Gooden has experience as a researcher, interventionist, coordinator, and director. Ms. Gooden conducted a week-long training with over 50 early intervention/childhood teachers and staff from Guam, the CNMI, Palau, and the FSM. Content included the review of three assessment instruments: the Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP), the Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum, and the Teaching Strategies GOLD: Birth through Kindergarten Assessment Toolkit. Functional objective development; family involvement in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) development; and transition planning including IFSP development were also addressed. Group photos of: CNMI, RMI, Palau, Guam Page 3 Communication Interventions for Students with Complex Communication Needs Judith Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Consultant, Communication Sciences & Disorders, conducted this two-day training. This session provided an overview of communication interventions for students with complex communication needs (CCN) with particular attention to communicative intent, alternative modalities, and applications to educational programming and assessment. Dr. Page joined the team as the content expert, bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills in the field of communication. Dr. Page is an Associate Professor in the Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders within the University of Kentucky, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. She also has an Assistive Technology Provider credential from the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA). Twenty Speech Pathologists from Guam and the CNMI, as well as Related Service Assistants from Palau, the FSM, and the RMI, were provided with instruction on: recognizing and responding to non-standard intentional communication; strategies for transitioning students to more standard forms of communication; overview of available alternative modalities; and meeting communication needs for educational programming and assessment. Participants were also given opportunities to plan interdisciplinary communication intervention strategies for all targeted students. And then, the mission... The CIA for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities The culminating event of the week began on Wednesday with the three-day session designed for entity cadre members with school teams to focus on capacity building for effecting meaningful changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participating school teams, with support from cadre members, reviewed and planned for improving the teaching and learning dynamic for students with significant cognitive disabilities that included “best practices” for accessing the general curriculum, refining the curriculum, instruction, and assessment triangle, and incorporating the principles of universal design for learning. Group photos of: CNMI, Palau, FSM, & Cadre 3... Page 4 To set the stage for the rest of the week, a “spycast” was held with Dr. Michelle Duda, National Implementation Research Network (NIRN), Associate Director, through a web conference call providing participants with an introduction and overview of implementation framework, the roles and functions of implementation teams, and how to get started with the Transformation Zone. Participants then began working on the CIA Assessment Triangle: Accessing the General Curriculum for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities using the 4-Step Process. This was the beginning for each of the school teams to identify how their target students would access the general curriculum. Incorporated into their plan were information the team members received from the different break-out sessions. (See listing in box on page 5) The Wednesday-Friday session was co-facilitated by national and regional technical assistance providers and Guam CEDDERS PACIFIC Project staff. Mike Burdge and Jean Clayton, Alternate Assessment Consultants, Keystone Assessment Consultants, Dr. Judith Page from the University of Kentucky, Dr. Mary Spencer, PACIFIC Project regional expert, and Guam CEDDERS staff June De Leon, Project Director, June Quitugua, Project Coordinator, Connie Guerrero, Project Resource Support, and Jonas Macapinlac, Project Dissemination Coordinator. Dr. Michael Sharpe, PACIFIC Project Evaluator, was on site to observe as part of the project evaluation. Once the “agents” gathered all the intel, they met at their rendezvous point, shared their intel and developed plans to “execute their mission”. Starting with the end in mind, the Transformation Zone, which was used to create the first example of a new way of work in the new education system (get it right, get on with it), was the framework participants used to develop their action plans for implementing in their entity’s next steps for sustainable change. As a result of the 2010 Regional Professional Development series, key entity stakeholders, considered the C.I.A. Agents, now have: • Increased knowledge and skills for implementing “best practices” in providing appropriate academic instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, including an understanding of the principles of universal design for learning and addressing students with complex communication needs. • Increased knowledge and skills, with specific “next steps,” for monitoring and supporting the reporting and use of participation and performance data of students with significant cognitive disabilities on AA-AAS for informing critical curriculum and instructional changes. • Increased understanding of the assessment of young children with disabilities and the use of assessment for developing and implementing meaningful outcomes. • A framework for deliberate and systematic development and use of an implementation infrastructure for school-and system-level changes for improving the CIA for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Group photos of: CNMI, American Samoa, & RMI Page 5 Text in colored box: Thursday, July 15, 2010 - Morning Intel Sessions • Using Boardmaker: Jean Clayton • AAC for Classroom Access: Judy Page, Ph.D. • Introduction to the PAC-NAAC Observational Tool: Mike Burdge • Steps to Improve Collaborative Skills: Connie Guerrero & June Quitugua • Disability Portrayal in Mass Media: Jonas Macapinlac Thursday, July 15, 2010 - Afternoon Intel Sessions • Inclusive Classrooms & Schools: Mike Burdge & June Quitugua • Communicating Before Words: Judy Page, Ph.D. • Instructional Strategies: Jean Clayton & Connie Guerrero • Assessment Specialists Put the Observation, Alternate Assessments, and New General Assessment Developments under the Microscope: Mary Spencer, Ph.D. • Strand 3 Cadre Follow-Up: Jonas Macapinlac Friday, July 16, 2010 - Intel Sessions • Inclusive Classrooms & Schools: Mike Burdge & Connie Guerrero • Instructional Strategies: Jean Clayton & June Quitugua • It’s Not Just What You Say, It’s How You Say It: Judy Page, Ph.D. • Strand 3 Cadre Follow-Up: Jonas Macapinlac • The Transformation Zone (SpEd Directors): June De Leon Group photos of: Mike Burdge, Marshall Islands, CNMI, Guam Page 6 Yap State Develops “Drivers” for a Brighter Future On August 27, all 49 Yap State Department of Education 2010 Leadership Academy school leaders left the Academy with a brand new CAR!! A Cadillac, Lexus, or BMW, you ask? No, it’s an even better brand. All 49 school leaders possessed Commitment, Accountability, and Responsibility – C-A-R – a vehicle for improving teaching and learning through effective leadership! From August 18 through August 27, school leaders from Yap State schools and central office engaged in a series of activities that resulted in each school leader having specific action steps or improvement plans for how he/she will demonstrate: • Commitment to the eight (8) qualities of an effective school leader; • Accountability for using student data to make decisions for improving student performance; and • Responsibility for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating curriculum, instruction, and assessment for all students. The Academy activities focused on areas related to instructional leadership responsibilities for all students, including local monitoring requirements for students with disabilities. With the theme, School Leaders: Our Drivers for a Brighter Future, the Academy reinforced Yap Department of Education’s commitment to children being the center of education and education being the future of Yap. This commitment was furthered with an understanding that “school leaders are the drivers for the future of education!” And then came the C-A-R, which represented Yap State Department of Education’s commitment to developing and refining the disposition or character and the knowledge and skills of all school leaders. The Academy was facilitated by Yap State Department of Education, University of Guam CEDDERS through a Federated States of Micronesia National Special Education Contract, and the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). The Academy signified the beginning of a series of professional development for school leaders. Just like any car, school leaders require regular tune-ups, engine checks, and routine maintenance!! Image: School Leaders: Our Drivers for a Brighter Future!! “Children are the Center of Education. Education is the Future of Yap. School Leaders are the Drivers for the Future of Education!!” Photo with caption: With Director Margaret Margou (seated in center of photo), Yap State school leaders from all 5 school zones take a photo break during the first week of the 2-week Yap State Department of Education 2010 Leadership Academy. (see more photos of the Academy on page 7) Page 7 Photos with captions: Yap State School Leaders Have C-A-R School leaders-the drivers-from Satawal Zone with Jesse Salalu (second from left), FSM National Department of Education representative, sort through cards with scenarios of the steps in the special education process. Guam CEDDERS’ June De Leon (standing) facilitates the review of the special education procedures using a sample IEP and the procedural manual. School Leaders-the drivers- from Ifaluk Zone (front part of table) are shown following along during the review. School leaders-the drivers-from Waqab Zone, including key central office leaders, pose with Director Margou (seated in center) and Academy technical support facilitators, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon (standing to Director Margou’s right) and PREL Gene Dydasco (second from right, back row, with marmar). School leaders-the drivers-from Ulithi Zone (front part of photo) work together to solve the puzzle during one of the Academy activities. School leaders-the driver-from Woleai Zone take their zone photo with Director Margou (seated in center) and Academy technical support facilitators, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon (standing to Director Margou’s right) and PREL Gene Dydasco (first from right with marmar). Page 8 Regional Entities Refine General Supervision System What is general supervision? Thirty (30) key administrators from American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Palau came together on Guam during the week of June 7, 2010 to respond to that question. The Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) sponsored the Pacific General Supervision Academy for entity teams to increase their understanding and capacity to conduct general supervision activities related to providing early intervention, special education, and related services for children with disabilities. With support from Guam CEDDERS and the Data Accountability Center (DAC), WRRC facilitated dialogue and team time to review and refine each entity’s general supervision system. What is general supervision? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states and entities to have a system in place to monitor, enforce, and annually report on the implementation of their early intervention and special education programs – Part C and Part B of IDEA (IDEA Section 616 and 635). This IDEA accountability requirement is demonstrated through a system of general supervision; in particular, comprehensive monitoring of the implementation of IDEA with a focus on improving results for children with disabilities. During the week of June 7, entity teams engaged in a review and refinement of their general supervision activities, which resulted in the: Development/refinement of general supervision policies/procedures/protocol (manuals) to be able to effectively: • Identify noncompliance through multiple mechanisms (onsite monitoring, interviews, file reviews, data analysis). • Develop effective corrective action plans and systems of incentives and sanctions for correction/lack of correction. • Verify correction of noncompliance. • Report on correction of noncompliance in their Annual Performance Report. What is general supervision? Simply stated during the Academy, general supervision is: • A way to organize what you do. • An important component of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) verification visits and determinations. • A method of tracking and encouraging continuous improvement. Text in colored box: Effective general supervision system components include: 1. State Performance Plan (SPP) 2. Policies, Procedures, and Effective Implementation 3. Data on Processes and Results 4. Targeted Technical Assistance and Professional Development 5. Effective Dispute Resolution 6. Integrated Monitoring Activities 7. Improvement, Correction, Incentives, and Sanctions 8. Fiscal Management Photo with caption: The Pacific General Supervision Academy entity teams and facilitators take a photo break before continuing the intensive review!! All smiles now, but what about later? Source: Developing and Implementing an Effective System of General Supervision: Part B, January 2007, National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring. Page 9 CNMI PSS Bus Drivers Learn About Wheelchair Securement Summer break is typically the time when school districts arrange for staff development opportunities for the various types of personnel who serve school children. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Public School System (PSS) is one of those districts. Eric Atalig, newly appointed Transportation Coordinator, and Suzanne Lizama, Acting Coordinator of the Special Education Program, saw the need and led the effort to provide training for their bus drivers and conductors by requesting for assistance from Guam CEDDERS. Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, and a certified trainer in the area of transit passenger services, teamed up with Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, to provide the training on a range of topics including disability awareness and sensitivity, passenger safety, wheelchair securement, and emergency evacuation strategies. Ms. Lizama provided opening remarks to the workshop, which also included several regular school bus drivers. She formally thanked the drivers and conductors for their good service to the students who receive Special Education services and their families. She was particularly pleased that they got through the school year without any formal complaints. She stressed that they were truly professionals who provided a very valuable and much-needed service. A highlight that took place on the second day was a field trip where participants practiced their securement skills and experienced a rough bus ride as passengers in a simulation where they had either a visual or mobility impairment. During the post-fieldtrip debrief, several of the individuals, who assumed a visual impairment by being blindfolded, shared that they experienced feelings of being disoriented, dizzy, anxious, and nauseous. Participants who rode wheelchairs during the fieldtrip shared that they never really felt secure in the wheelchairs and also felt nausea. The final activity of the training consisted of taking the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) exam. As a result, 18 drivers and conductors earned national certification in this area. Drivers walked away with new skills to maximize the safety and comfort of their riders. And without a doubt, participants came away with a newly developed perspective and appreciation of how their riders feel during a bus trip. Photos with captions: Ginger Porter (right) Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, provides verbal guidance to Johnny Sam (left) and Paula Fitial (center) on proper securement techniques during the hands on segment of the training for bus drivers and conductors who transport students with disabilities in the CNMI. Participants from Tinian and Saipan pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the training for CNMI bus drivers and conductors on June 29. CNMI Bus Driver Supervisor, Steven Pangelinan (left) and bus conductor, Angela Reyes (assuming the role of a blind student using a wheelchair) practice proper loading and securement techniques during training facilitated by Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator. Glenda Rogolifoi (right), CNMI Bus Conductor, assists. Page 10 Kariñu Summit Develops Strategic Plan On August 18 and 19, over 100 members of Guam’s community gathered at the Guam Hilton Resort and Spa for Project Kariñu’s Strategic Planning Summit. Participants included families and youth, Government of Guam service providers, child care providers, and representatives from the Judiciary and non-profit organizations. This event was co-sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam, and the Guam Early Learning Council, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS. The purpose of the Summit was to provide stakeholders with an orientation to Project Kariñu and early childhood systems of care, and to begin work on Project Kariñu’s Strategic Plan. Through formal presentations, interactive exercises, and small group activities, four outcomes were addressed: 1. to increase awareness and knowledge about early childhood systems of care; 2. to increase awareness and knowledge about how a public health approach can be used to meet the needs of young children at risk for, and with, social, emotional, and behavioral disorders; 3. to review and provide input to Project Kariñu’s Logic Model ; and 4. to develop a draft strategic plan for Project Kariñu that includes goals, activities, and timelines. The Summit was facilitated by a team of nationally recognized consultants from the National Technical Kariñu Summit Develops Strategic PlanAssistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health that included: Sandra Spencer, Executive Director of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Neal Horen, Clinical Psychologist specializing in early childhood mental health from Georgetown University, Bruce Strahl, Organizational Development and Implementation Specialist from the National Federation of Families, and Becky Ornelas, Technical Assistance Coordinator for Guam. To “keep things real” throughout the two days, Summit participants also heard from local parents about their experiences in trying to obtain appropriate services and supports for themselves, their children, and families. From these powerful stories, participants were able to see families’ strengths and resiliency, as well as learn about the challenges families face as they navigate the existing service delivery system. Day One of the Summit provided participants with an orientation to Project Kariñu, System of Care values and principles, and a public health approach to systems of care. Day Two focused on the role of strategic planning in systems of care and participants began drafting Project Kariñu’s Strategic Plan by forming work groups to address six broad goals: (1) family driven/youth guided; (2) intake and referral; (3) service delivery; (4) social marketing; (5) capacity building; and (6) governance. By the conclusion of the Summit, each work group had prioritized five action steps with timelines for their respective goal, as well as, had identified a Goal Champion and Action Shepherds, individuals who agreed to take the lead on continuing the work that was started after the Summit. Photo with caption: Participants from the Project Kariñu Strategic Planning Summit pose with the consultants at the conclusion of the Summit. Page 11 Kariñu Summit Develops Strategic Plan In conjunction with the Strategic Planning Summit, Guam CEDDERS coordinated several related technical assistance activities. On Tuesday, August 17th, a Family Orientation was facilitated by Sandra Spencer for families who registered for the Summit. Sandra clarified terms and language, discussed the importance of family involvement in systems of care, and prepared families to more fully participate in the Summit’s activities. On Friday, August 20th, Bruce Strahl facilitated a session for the Guam Early Learning Council and Project Kariñu’s Governing Board titled, “The Role of Governance in Systems of Care,” and Dr. Neal Horen presented on “Providing Mental Health Services to Young Children and Their Families.” Dr. Horen’s session was co-sponsored by Guam’s Association for Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapists (IMFT) and was attended by local mental health providers, nurses, and social workers. Also on Friday, the team of consultants met with Guam Positive Parents Together (GPPT) and Guam Identifies Families’ Terrific Strengths (G.I.F.T.S.) to discuss the role of family organizations in systems of care. The Strategic Planning Summit and related activities helped to increase community awareness about Project Kariñu, reinforce the importance of early childhood systems change, and laid the foundation for the ongoing development and implementation of Project Kariñu’s Strategic Plan. A follow-up session is tentatively scheduled for October 20, during which the work groups will report their progress and discuss next steps. For more information about Project Kariñu, contact Christie San Nicolas, Project Kariñu Social Marketing Photos with captions: Neal Horen, Clinical Psychologist from Georgetown University, discusses the importance of using a Public Health approach to Children’s Mental Health at the Project Kariñu Strategic Planning Summit. Bruce Strahl, Organizational Development and Implementation Specialist for the National Federation for Families, discusses the responses from the Social Marketing Workgroup on Day Two of the Project Kariñu Strategic Planning Summit. (L-R) Mary Therese Edgerle, Executive Director G.I.F.T.S., Sandra Spencer, Executive Director of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Judge Arthur Barcinas, Benny Pinaula, Director Departments of Youth Affairs get together during one of the breaks. (L-R) Neal Horen, Clinical Psychologist from Georgetown University, and Rebecca (Becky) Ornelas, Technical Assistance Coordinator from the TA Partnership, pose for a photo during a break at the Project Kariñu Strategic Planning Summit. Page 12 DD Tri-Agency Hosts Annual Conference Over 180 people came to the 2010 Tri-Agency Consumer Conference held on August 28 at the Hilton Resort and Spa in search of information. They sought information that would help to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, or the lives of the people they serve. The conference was organized by the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Tri-Agency which consists of the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS); the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (GDDC); and Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center (GLSC). In planning for this conference, the Tri-Agency considered critical issues facing people with disabilities. An agenda was created that addressed issues in employment, education, voter accessibility, and healthcare. The conference opened with a cheerful welcome from Evelyn Duenas, chairperson for the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. She got participants revved up by having them shout, “Good morning!” a few times until she felt they were loud and excited enough. According to Evelyn, conferences like this bring important information to people with disabilities as the information isn’t always easy to obtain through phone calls or by visiting agencies. In fact, many people with disabilities can’t leave their homes to access information because of transportation issues. Conferences provide a wealth of information on various topics in one venue, all on one day, making it easier for people with disabilities. Evelyn further stated, “People always learn something new when they come to conferences. Like me, I just learned today that my mother can apply for Medicare. I will assist her in doing so.” Manuel Cruz, Executive Director for GDDC, followed Evelyn’s welcome with a presentation on the American Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, known as the DD Act. Mr. Cruz took the audience on a historical tour of how the DD Act has evolved through the years. He explained the relationship of the Tri-Agency and the different roles that each agency has in helping to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. A team from the Department of Labor (DOL) gave hope to an audience full of individuals who identified themselves as “disabled and unemployed, but seeking employment.” Greg Calvo, DOL’s Disability Program Navigator, shared how his position was especially created to help people in their shoes to find jobs. This was reiterated by Fran Bell, Director of the DOL’s One-Stop-Career-Center, who stated that through the Center, individuals are provided with the many services required to get them employed. Jackie Nguyen, a new addition to the team, touched on collaboration between the Veterans’ Affairs and the DOL and their efforts to get disabled veterans back into the workforce. The next session, “Focusing on the ‘I’ in IEPs” generated many questions by eager parents of children in special education. Dr. Nieves Flores, a training associate from Guam CEDDERS, and Judy Roberto, Program Coordinator from the Department of Education, empowered parents with knowledge about special education law and best practices. One parent said, “I am so glad I came today. I now feel like ... Photos with captions: Cecilia Cruz (Center), Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Member, and Manuel Cruz (Right), Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Executive Director, confer at the Assistive Technology (AT) Display table. At far left is Carla Torres Guam CEDDERS AT Specialist. (L-R) Ga-fanin Wilson, one of the younger DD Tri-Agency conference participants, “gives five” to Eileen Dador, Guam Legal Services Advocate. Page 14 DD Tri-Agency Hosts Annual Conference I know enough information to advocate for my child and ensure that she receives the services she needs.” A delectable lunch ensued nourishing the crowd for an afternoon full of more information. But even more than that, the lunch hour gave participants an opportunity to network, to check out new devices on display with the Guam System for Assistive Technology, and to obtain information and applications from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Senior Citizens, Medicaid/Medicare Office. Because we are only a couple of months away from the gubernatorial election, the next presentation was very timely and fitting. Executive Director from the Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center, Hank Parker, educated the audience on voter accessibility and recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The conference wrapped up with a presentation from Frank Campillo, Health Plan Administrator for Calvo’s Select Care Insurance. With the passing of the Health Care Reform Law, many have wondered what this really means for the people of Guam and specifically for the people with disabilities. Frank explained this all, the good and the bad, and answered questions from the audience. The majority of the conference attendees were adults and children with disabilities and their family members. Also present were policy makers, service providers, educators, and community members. At the end of the Tri-Agency Conference, all who attended left with new knowledge and insights. With this information, individuals with disabilities, their family members, and all who have a part in the lives of people with disabilities, are empowered to be better advocates and to expect and/ or deliver better services. Photos with captions: (L-R) Evelyn Duenas, Developmental Disabilities Council Chairperson and Carol Cabiles, Guam Legal Services Advocate discuss an issue. A mother and her child were two of the over 180 participants who attended the one day Tri-Agency Conference. Carla Torres (seated at right) Assistive Technology Specialist shares information on the Intel Reader during a break at the Tri-Agency Conference. A father expresses his frustration during the session on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. ...more photos on page 14 Page 14 Families Speak Out at Tri-Agency Conference Photos with captions: (L-R) Fanina Tokyo and daughter Ga-fanin Wilson, Maria Arako, Arlean Kloppenburg, Program Coordinator for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Ergive Toyko, Frances Hudgens and her mother Virgina Portusach were first time attendees of the Tri-Agency Conference. Mike Fejeran holds his son Adam during the session on IEPs. Page 15 GOAL-AT Loans: Enhancing a Family’s Quality of Life “I no longer have the strength.” This was the realization that caregiver Lilia Ballon had come to. It was very difficult to lift her niece, Catherine Palanganas, and her wheelchair in and out of their family car. This often meant that Catherine was not able to accompany her family on outings. You see, Catherine is an adult with muscular dystrophy. As a result of the illness, she has limited use of her hands and legs due to contractures and poor muscle function. She relies on her wheelchair for mobility. In March of 2009, Lilia Ballon, came to the Guam System for Assistive Technology’s Annual AT Fair held at the Guam Premier Outlets. She was in search of a solution to their family’s dilemma. There she saw Atkin Kroll’s demonstration of the Bruno chair and wheelchair hoist. There she learned of the Guam Options for Alternative Loans - Assistive Technology Program (GOAL-AT). The Bruno provided a solution to vehicle accessibility for Catherine and GOAL-AT made it affordable to her family. The Bruno’s revolutionary Turning Automatic Seating is a system that provides easy access to an automotive seat. For higher vehicles, this is accomplished by the seat rotating, coming out of the vehicle, and down toward the ground. For lower vehicles, the seat simply rotates out over the door sill. In either situation, the seat is easy to access. With this mechanism, Catherine did not have to be lifted in and out of the vehicle. The wheelchair hoist, also made by Bruno, makes lifting and transporting a wheelchair, scooter, or powerchair virtually effortless. They also don’t require any structural modifications to your vehicle and can be easily removed for vehicle resale or installed into a next vehicle. The GOAL-AT Loan program is a federally funded island-wide program. Its mission is to provide affordable financial loans to persons with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. The current interest rate on GOAL-AT Loans is 2.25%. For more information on this loan program, please contact Carla Torres, AT Specialist, University of Guam, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) at 735-2490. Photos with captions: Lilia Ballon demonstrates the ease with which she can now help her niece, Cathy Palanganas, into the family car with the Bruno chair. The wheelchair hoist makes it easier to lift and store Cathy Palanganas’ wheelchair in the back of the family vehicle. The hoist was purchased through the assistance of a GOAL-AT Loan, administered by the GSAT Center. Cathy Palanganas is all smiles as she gets ready to go on an outing. Getting into the family car is a lot easier these days with the help of the Bruno chair and wheelchair hoist purchased by her family through a GOAL-AT Loan Program, a project administered by the GSAT Center. Page 16 Guam EHDI Advisory Meeting Parents members of the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Advisory Board pose right after the quarterly meeting held on August 25. Left to Right: Mike Fejeran, Joyce Flores, Fe Local (carrying son Adam Fejeran), Ann Marie Cruz, and Trisha Suzuki. Technical Assistance Visit to Pohnpei Guam CEDDERS provided regional technical assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (FSM EHDI) program in Nette, Pohnpei on August 2-6. Vicky Ritter, Guam EHDI Screener/Facilitator, collaborated with four members of the FSM EHDI team to create public awareness and training materials for families and professionals. These draft materials were reviewed and edited at the FSM EHDI Summit in Pohnpei on August 11-13, which included parents, professionals, doctors, and service providers. Transit Photos The final activity of a Guam CEDDERS grant from the Institute for Coordinated Human Services Transportation culminated in three days of technical assistance provided to Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) by Mr. Dave Cyra, Community Transportation Association of America Ambassador to Guam. Members of the Guam Coordination Team, Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS, and Joseph Manibusan, GRTA Interim General Manager, met for a photo with David Cyra, CTAA Ambassador, and Evelyn Duenas, GRTA Board nominee. Not shown is Team Member Charlene San Nicolas, DPHSS Senior Citizen’s Division, and GRTA planners, Felix Dungca and Rally Pilipina. AHEAD Conference Terrie Fejarang (Left), Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, met with Cathy McLeod (Right), PEPNet-West Project Director, during the AHEAD (Association for Higher Education and Disabilities) Conference held in Denver, Colorado on July 12-16. PEPNet, a co-sponsor of the Conference, also sponsored Ms. Fejarang to attend the event. Plans are underway for PEPNet to partner with Guam CEDDERS to provide training for service providers who work with adults in postsecondary settings in the region. Page 17 OSEP Mega Leadership Conference Pacific friends gathered to share stories and new phones during the opening reception at the OSEP Mega Leadership Conference in Virginia on August 3-5. Pictured are: (L-R) Teongel Ngirkelau, Palau Parent and Advisory Panel Chairperson; Helen Sengebau, Palau SpEd Coordinator; Nora Renguul, Palau Early Childhood Specialist; Arthur Albert, FSM Chief of Special Services; Miyai Keller, FSM Data and Assessment Coordinator; and June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. Reconnecting friends from across the ocean - from the Pacific to the U.S. mainland - during a break at the OSEP Mega Leadership Conference in Virginia on August 3-5 are (L-R): June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Helen Sengebau, Palau SpEd Coordinator; Bill East, the National Association of State Directors for Special Education (NASDSE) Executive Director; and Rudy Lokeijak, Marshall Islands SpEd Director. AER International Conference Networking opportunities provided a photo-minute during the evening reception at the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) International Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 21-25,. Pictured L-R: Julie Kochevar, Visual Impairment (VI) Specialist, MN; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; Donna McNear, VI Consultant, MN; and Diane Dohnalik, VI Specialist, MN. Ms. De Leon and Ms. McNear presented with international panelists from the United Kingdom, Australia, and India that morning during the general session. Following the session titled, Working with the Blind and Visually Impaired: An International Perspective, Ms. De Leon shared the outcomes from the OSEP-funded regional grant, Pacific CIMAP, emphasizing the educational services for children who are blind or have low vision in the Pacific. Noted during Ms. De Leon’s presentation was that educational services in the Pacific can be viewed from an international perspective because of the diverse island communities, but must also be viewed from a national perspective as a member of the U.S. IDEA family. Early Childhood Conference Representatives from the Pacific entities attended a “Pacific Meeting” prior to the Early Childhood 2010: Innovation for the Next Generation facilitated by John Snow, Inc., TA providers. Seated L-R: Jen Guerrero, Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS, Sheri Madraisau, Palau, Maxine Pangelinan, CNMI, Jefferson Thomas, Palau. Standing L-R: Frances Marshman, Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS, Athena Wally, Palau, Julie Powers, TA provider, Angie Mister, CNMI, Margarita Aldan, CNMI, Velma DeLeon Guerrero, CNMI, and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS. Text in colored box: SAVE THE DATE! GSAT Conference & Fair, March 18th & 19th, 2011. For more information call Carla Torres at 735-2493 or send an e-mail to carla.torres@guamcedders.org Page 18 Guam CEDDERS Welcomes New Staff Guam CEDDERS welcomes several new employees to the organization. Joining the Guam Family Supports 360° for Military Families are Denise Ola and Marvin Crisostomo who serve as Family Support Navigators and Elizabeth Hines who serves as Grant Assistant. Bernadette Shisler joins the Project Kariñu staff as a Family Interviewer. Cheryl De Roca is the new Training Associate assigned to Project Kariñu and Project Menhålom. Joseph Conolly, Student Research Assistant is assigned to the Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (Guam EHDI) project. Welcome to the Guam CEDDERS family! Photos of Denise Ola, Marvin Crisostomo, Elizabeth Hines, Cheryl De Roca, Bernadette Shisler, and Joseph Conolly. Staff Transitions Three Guam CEDDERS staff members recently separated from the organization to serve Guam’s individuals with disabilities in other capacities. Mary Kidd, a 12-year Guam CEDDERS veteran, joined the staff of the Archdiocese of Hagåtna to fullfill a strong calling to serve in a Catholic ministry full-time. Mary served as a lead trainer for childcare workers, coordinated the Model Child Care Program, and was the co-editor of Nene News, a quarterly newsletter for child caregivers and families of young children. She was also the lead writer of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines, Birth to 36 Months, and the Guam Early Learning Guidelines, 3 to 5 Years, as well as numerous articles and informational products on early childhood. Dr. Aline Yamashita resigned to toss her hat into the political arena by running for the office of senator. An expert in the area of early childhood, Dr. Yamashita began her tenure with Guam CEDDERS in 2004 as a program coordinator for Project Håtsa, Guam’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant. She later served as a key facilitator for Project Tinituhon, Guam’s State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Project, and Project Kariñu, which fosters the positive mental health for children under age 5 years. Diana Calvo, a part-time training associate since 2008, left Guam CEDDERS to assume the role of Director of Catholic Social Services. Her work at Guam CEDDERS focused on program evaluation of the Parent Information Resource Center (Guam PIRC) and the G.I.F.T.S. (Guam Identifies Families’ Terrific Strengths) projects. She also represented Guam CEDDERS in various forums and activities related to emergency preparedness. Good luck Mary, Aline, and Diana on your new endeavors! Photos of Mary Kidd, Aline Yamashita, Diana Calvo Page 18 Guam CEDDERS Developed Products Guam CEDDERS recently facilitated the development of several reports and other print products for Guam. This included Guam’s Annual IDEA Part B Report to the Public (far left); Guam’s Annual IDEA Part C Report to the Public (left); and Project Håtsa’s (Guam’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant) Final Outcomes Report (below). To access the Guam Part B & C reports, please contact Tammy San Nicolas, Program Coordinator, Division of Special Education at 300-1323 or go to www.gdoe.net. The Project Håtsa Outcomes Report may be accessed at www.guamcedders.org or by sending and email message to Dr. Nieves Flores, at nieves.flores@guamcedders.org. Images of front covers of the Guam Part B Report, Guam Part C Report, & Project Håtsa Final Outcomes Report. 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, & Ginger Porter Layout & Design: Sean Lizama This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Connie Guerrero, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Victoria Ritter, Carla Torres, Keith Villaluna. 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 19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS SEP10 Sept 1-3 FSM National Child Outcomes TA, Yap, FSM (FSM, National, Project REAL II) Sept 3 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30pm-5:30pm, GSAT Training Center, Hs19 Dean’s Circle Sept 7-10 Palau Technical Assistance Visit, Koror Sept 8 AABR training, GMHA Nursery, 7:30am-8:30am and 3:30pm-4:30pm Sept 14 Project Bisita Stakeholder Input Session, Governor’s Conference Room, 9:00am-11:00am Sept 14 Family Support 360° Advisory Meeting, 11:00am-1:00pm, Hs30 Dean’s Circle Sept 14-16 FSM National SPP/APR Meeting, Pohnpei Sept 15 Project Mehålom Monthly Technical Assistance/Training, GSAT, 2-3:30pm Sept 21 Guam Early Learning Council Meeting, Governor’s Conference Room, 9:00am-11:00am Sept 22-24 CNMI-TA Visit: SESAP and ICC meeting, Saipan Sept 23-26 Self-Advocacy Presentation at Self-Advocates Being Empowered (SABE) 2010 National Conference, Kansas City, MO Sept 25 Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Month Fair, Agana Shopping Center, 10:00am-3:00pm Sept 27-29 OSEP Verification Visit, Palau Sept 27 - Oct 1 IDEA Data Utilization in Monitoring, Guam Marriott Resort & Spa, 9:00am-4:00pm Sept 28 Family Support 360° Advisory Meeting, 11:00am-1:00pm, Hs30 Dean’s Circle OCT10 Oct 1-5 FSM PAC6 Technical Assistance Visit, Kosrae Oct 6-9 FSM PAC6 Technical Assistance Visit, Chuuk Oct 4-5 Pacific Regional Ed Facts Meeting, UOG, 9:00am-4:00pm Oct 7-8 CNMI Technical Assistance Visit, Saipan Oct 7-8 Project Menhålom Fall Training on PBIS, SWIS, and PA, Guam Marriott Resort & Spa, 8:00am-4:00pm Oct 12 Interactive Parent Workshop (Understanding your Child with Learning Disabilities), 6:00pm-8:00pm, House 30 Dean’s Circle Oct 12 Self-Advocacy Group Meeting, 2:30pm-4:30pm, GSAT Training Center, Hs19 Dean’s Circle Oct 19 GSAT Advisory Council Meeting, 4-5:30pm, GSAT Training Center, Hs19 Dean’s Circle Oct 19-21 Developing and Implementing Secondary Transition IEPs Workshop, 9:00am-4:00pm, Venue TBA Oct 20 Project Mehålom Monthly Technical Assistance/Training, GSAT, 2-3:30pm Oct 20 Kariñu Strategic Planning Follow Up Session, 8:00am-1:00pm, TBA Oct 26 Interactive Parent Workshop (Helping your Child: Bully Buster Parent Interventions), 6:00pm-8:00pm, House 30 Dean’s Circle Oct 29 Capacity Building Strategies for Improving Post-Secondary Success for Students with Disabilities - Part I: Teaching Strategies, 10:00am-11:30am, UOG NOV10 Nov 1-3 WRRC APR Clinic, San Francisco Nov 3-5 OSEP Verification Reviews for American Samoa, CNMI, RMI in San Francisco Nov 9 Interactive Parent Workshop (Childhood/Adolescent Depression), 6:00pm-8:00pm, House 30 Dean’s Circle Nov 5 Capacity Building Strategies for Improving Post-Secondary Success for Students with Disabilities - Part I, Teaching Strategies, 10:00am-11:30am, GCC Multipurpose Room Nov 19 Capacity Building Strategies for Improving Post-Secondary Success for Students with Disabilities - Part II: Universal Design, Time TBA, UOG Nov 23 Interactive Parent Workshop (Suicidal Adolescents: Prevention Tips for Parents), 6:00pm-8:00pm, House 30 Dean’s Circle Check out the September issue of I Linå'Lå-ta on the Guam CEDDERS website. www.guamcedders.org Self-Advocacy Participant Manual, Revised. For more information contact Ginger Porter at 735-2369. Page 20