I Tellai, The Bridge, Guam CEDDERS Newsletter December 3, 2010 Volume 13, Issue 1 In this issue: Pacific VIP Grant Awarded..................................1 Emergency Preparedness for IWD....................2-3 Guam Presents at SABE Conference.....................4 EDFacts Sessions for Pacific Entities.....................5 OSEP Verification Visits ......................................6 Funding Awarded for EC Initiatives.....................7 Project Kari–u Holds Summit Follow-up Session...7 Updated Child Care Regs Bill...............................8-9 Prof. Dev. Plan for EC Professionals.....................9 Elaine Eclavea Featured on HRSA Website.....10-11 New Look for Guam EHDI..................................11 Family Supports Tapped to Lead Webinar..........12 Family Supports Conducts Open House..............12 Family Supports Parent Workshops...................13 PACIFIC Project Continues Its Mission...........14-15 MenhŒlom Training.........................................16 Tri-Agency Keeps Parents Informed..................16 Transition Training ..........................................17 Recipient Acquires AT for Job Accommodations..18 VI Consultant Visits..........................................19 New Guam CEDDERS Staff.................................19 Calender of Events...........................................20 Guam CEDDERS Awarded Pacific VIP Grant Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts - Boston, has been awarded a $1.2M Personnel Preparation grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to administer the Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) MasterÕs Degree Program. This four-year grant aims to increase the pool of fully credentialed instructional personnel who are highly qualified to educate students who are blind or have visual impairments. Pacific VIP will provide scholarships leading to a Master of Education in Special Education degree, plus dual credentials in Teacher of Visual Impairments (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M). The Pacific VIP MasterÕs Degree Program will utilize a blended delivery approach of on-line coursework and on-site required class/lab work on Guam, which will be enhanced by integrated field experiences coordinated throughout the academic program. ÒWe are very excited to offer this opportunity to educators in the Pacific,Ó said Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Director. ÒTogether we will build local capacity throughout the Pacific to serve our students who are blind or have visual impairments.Ó Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded to applicants from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to meet each entityÕs responsibility to provide personnel to serve students who are blind or have visual impairments. The University of Guam CEDDERS is now accepting applications for the Pacific VIP MasterÕs Degree Program. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 10, 2010. For more information on eligibility and requirements, please contact Connie P. Guerrero, Pacific VIP Faculty, at connie.guerrero@guamcedders.org or call 671-735-2490. To download an application packet, log on to www.guamcedders.org. Photo with captions: (L-R) Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director and Connie Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS Pacific Vision Instruction Project Faculty, are interviewed by Cathleen Moore-Linn, University of Guam Director of Integrated Marketing, on the ÒHigher Degree,Ó a weekly TV news magazine featuring post-secondary educational activities. Page 2 Photos with captions: (L-R) Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, presented 240 copies of ÒTips for First RespondersÓ to Chuck Ada, Acting Administrator for the Office of Civil Defense, and Mark Aguon, Guam Police Department. Joseph Mendiola, Guam CEDDERS Data Coordinator, greets a visitor at the Emergency Preparedness Display at the Agana Shopping Center. Emergency Preparedness for IWD Addressed Even though there is a Òtyphoon season,Ó Guam residents know that typhoons can hit the island at any time. Guam has been lucky these past several years as there have not been any serious direct threats or hits to the island. Supertyphoons do not come on any particular schedule but residents have to be prepared. Long time residents know the preparation drill: listen to the radio or TV for regular storm updates. Make sure you have a food supply that can last a few days and doesnÕt need refrigeration; make sure you have a safe and adequate water supply for both drinking and personal needs; make sure you have candles, flashlights, batteries, and if possible, a generator to supply power when the islandÕs electricity goes down. And the list goes on. Individuals with disabilities have to be even more prepared and organized. Adequate medication and medical supplies that can last several days need to be on hand. Eye glasses, hearing aids, and mobility aids need to be checked to make sure they are working properly. For individuals who need a special support system, planning is crucial. Medical treatment plans need to be carefully thought out. Family members or close friends need to know what kinds of supports are needed. If these helpers are not available, the individual should notify their mayor, caseworker, or service organizations. Typhoons are not the only kind of disaster that can hit. The Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) has developed preparedness plans for other types of emergencies such as tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and chemical disasters. Guam CEDDERS has worked in collaboration with the (GHS/OCD) over the past 12 months on a number of activities to lay out plans and guidelines to assist individuals with disabilities and their families prepare for a range of emergencies. These activities have included participation in the Emergency Preparedness Outreach Event held at the Agana Shopping Center on September 25. Over 200 self-advocates, family members, and members of the public stopped by the Guam CEDDERSÕ display table and received a packet containing the newly produced Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with Disabilities and the Emergency Preparedness Guidebook for People with Disabilities to help self-advocates and their families plan for disasters. These products may be obtained by calling Guam CEDDERS at 735-2477, or by visiting our Emergency Preparedness website at www.guamcedders.org/priparahao. Photo of the Emergency Preparedness Guidebook Photos of Guam CEDDERS Emergency Preparedness Products: Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Member Moses Puas is the model in the Emergency Preparedness Poster. Page 3 Emergency Preparedness Checklist Photos with captions: Two 45- second video ads that focus on emergency preparedness recommendations for individuals with disabilities were recently produced by Guam CEDDERS and are currently being aired on commercial television. Starring in the video productions were (Left photo) (L-R) Bill Fuppul & Lee Cruz; (Middle photo) Lisa Ogo; (Right photo) Jay-lynn Mendiola & Linda Leon Guerrero. Page 4 Guam Representatives Present at SABE Conference WOW! This is how I, Evelyn Duenas, Self-Advocate, and Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Intiative Area Coordinator summarize our experience at the 2010 SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri held on September 23 Ð 26. We spent three and a half days with 900 other registrants from all walks of life, trying to absorb all of the activities and presentations. It was the first time we had experienced a conference this big run by persons with disabilities, for persons with disabilities. It was awesome. The coined phrase, ÒNothing about us, without us,Ó was truly representative of the entire conference. We found the conference educational and motivating, easy to relate to, and loaded with information and helpful tips on advancing self-advocacy in our community. Each breakout session required a presenter with a disability, making the topics much more relevant. One of our favorite highlights was a panel session facilitated by Roberta Gallant, who impressed us as she addressed the closure of institutions. Labeled as a person with an intellectual disability, Roberta has made choices for herself and pursued her dreams. We conducted a workshop entitled, ÒYes! Training Delivery Style Affects Self-Advocacy Outcomes,Ó which focused on the effectiveness of changing the delivery style of our self-advocacy curriculum. A simple change in approach, which consists of adding a personal self-advocacy project, assigning self- advocate mentors, and training self-advocates to facilitate the training, yielded change in the lives of our self-advocates, as was reflected in our personal stories of action. Aside from the 58 break out sessions encompassing advocacy, self-advocacy, employment, services, housing, and health, we were inspired by meeting with the Administration on Developmental Disabilities Commissioner, Sharon Lewis and DD State Council Chairpersons Sherri Cooper and Mark Ohrenberg. Funding for our attendance at this conference was graciously provided by Guam CEDDERS and a generous scholarship from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Additional support was provided through a fundraiser planned and hosted by several self-advocates. Special shout outs go to Lee Cruz, Lynn, Andrew, and Rowena Tydingco, Noel Lazaga, Lisa Ogo, the staff and management of JulianÕs Karaoke and Guma Mami, Inc. Most of the individuals we met contribute to their community, either as motivational agents of change, partners in policymaking, members of DD Councils, or as self employed or employed community members. It was clear that much of their success was generated through the opportunity to make choices, voice their concerns, and become an integral part of the community. Truly, all it takes is a system of individualized supports and a bit of action and self-advocacy. We can all make our dreams happen. Where better to live a dream, than in this paradise that we call home. Written by Evelyn Duenas, Self-Advocate & Chairperson of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Photos with captions: Members of Missouri People First (bottom) and New Jersey Self Advocates (top) proudly display their flag entries as they sing ÒWe are the WorldÓ with 900 voices strong. Evelyn Duenas (left), Guam representative to the SABE Conference, delivered a presentation on GuamÕs Self-Advocacy Training Project. Evelyn is shown meeting with Chris Miller, a member of the New Jersey team. Page 5 EDFacts Data Sessions Focus on Pacific Entities Department of Education and Special Education personnel from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau participated in the ÒEDFacts Data Submission for the Pacific Entities Working SessionÓ held at the University of Guam on October 4-5. Personnel from American Samoa joined the Working Session on October 5 via teleconference also. The two-day session was prioritized by the Pacific entities as critical follow-up technical support to the EDFacts session held during the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs Data Conference in June. EDFacts is a U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) initiative to put performance data at the center of policy, management, and budget decisions for all K-12 educational programs(www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/edfacts/index.html). EDFacts relies on the Education Data Exchange Network (EDEN), a centralized portal through which states submit their education data to the USDOE. The required annual reporting of special education data under Section 618 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) has been through the Data Analysis System (DANS), a separate system from EDFacts. However, this year is the beginning of the transition for the Pacific entities in submitting IDEA 618 data from DANS to EDFacts. The working session was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Guam Department of Education, the Data Accountability Center (DAC), the EDFacts Partner Support Center (PSC), and Guam CEDDERS. On-site facilitation was provided by Jane Nell Luster, Ph.D., Senior Manager, DAC; Danielle Crain, Technical Assistance Specialist, DAC; and June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS. In addition, off-site virtual support, via the internet and conference call, was provided during the two days by EDFacts PSC personnel Zachary Arnold and Joe Murphy. The virtual support allowed for immediate feedback on the data submission practice, which resulted in the successful submission of special education personnel data by the five on-site participating entities. The Òhands-onÓ practice during the Working Session increased each entityÕs understanding of the data submission requirements to EDFacts expected for this reporting year. A follow-up webinar with American Samoa was facilitated by PSC and DAC, resulting in error-free data submission practice by all six Pacific entities. Photos with captions: (Left photo) Jane Nell Luster, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Data Accountability Center (right) guides Frank Horiuchi, RMI Special Education Data Manager, through the uploading process. (Right photo) Representatives from five Pacific jurisdictions joined technical assistance providers during the ÒEDFacts Data Submission for Pacific Entities Working SessionÓ on October 4-5 held at the University of Guam. Advertistment: Guam CEDDERS invites you to learn more about self-advocacy and practice the skills to become a good self-advocate. This just might be a life changing event! Three Sessions: Saturdays, January 8, 15, & 29, 2011 8:30 am - 12:00 noonGSAT, House 19, Dean Circle, University of GuamFor more information and registration, contact Ginger Porter at 735-2478 or email at ginger.porter@guamcedders.org. Page 6 Four Pacific Entities Chosen for OSEP Verification Visits The 2010 Òchosen onesÓ included four Pacific entities: American Samoa (AS), the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau (ROP). Twelve mainland states were also chosen. Yes, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) conducted Verification/Focused Monitoring of Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) Part B and Part C Programs in these 16 entities/states. The verification focused on the effectiveness of systems needed to implement IDEA. This includes General Supervision Systems, Data Collection Systems, and Fiscal Systems. On September 27-29, OSEPÕs Judith Gregorian and Charles Kniseley conducted an on-site visit in the ROP for this purpose. Then on November 3-5, OSEP conducted its verification/focused monitoring visit for American Samoa, CNMI, and RMI in San Francisco, following the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) Annual Performance Report (APR) Clinic. OSEP personnel for the CNMI visit included Ms. Gregorian, Genee Norbert, Tammy Proctor, Mr. Kniseley, and Al Jones. Guam CEDDERSÕ Elaine Eclavea and June De Leon provided technical support in preparation and throughout OSEPÕs review of ROPÕs and CNMIÕs IDEA programs. The special education coordinators from both these entities expressed their appreciation of OSEPÕs time and energy in the reviews. The reviews were helpful in identifying effective areas, issues to address, and potential noncompliance areas of their systems, which were designed to improve educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities Photos with captions: OSEP and Republic of Palau Team: (Front row L-R): Ray Mechol, Ministry Of Education (MOE) Chief of Research and Evaluation; Jim Leinen, WRRC Educational Consultant; Helen Sengebau, MOE Special Education (SpEd) Coordinator; Sinto Soalablai, MOE Chief of School Management. (Second row L-R): Debbie Sbal, MOE Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Steffly Gabriel, MOE SpEd Account Technician; Judy Gregorian, OSEP MSIP Associate Director; Emery Wenty, MOE Director of Education Administration; Nora Renguul, SpEd Interim Data Manager. (Third Row L-R): Begonia Tewid, MOE SpEd CRT District IV -High School; Charles Kniseley, OSEP MSIP State Contact/Audit Facilitator. (Fourth row L-R): Ibuuch Tomoichi, Principal Palau High School; Silves Mikel, MOE Division of Personnel; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator; Esther Rengulbai, MOE SpEd CRT District I. (Fifth row L-R): Denecia Mariu, MOE Budget Officer; Janet Orrukem, MOE Chief of Instruction and Training; Milan Isaak, Division of Procurement, National Government; Jennifer Ngual, MOE SpEd CRT District III; Theofina Michael, MOE SpEd CRT District I. OSEP and CNMI Team: (Front L-R): Dr. Rita Sablan, CNMI PSS Commissioner of Education; Judy Gregorian, OSEP MSIP Associate Division Director; Suzanne Lizama, CNMI PSS Acting SpEd Coordinator (Back L-R): Genee Norbert, OSEP MSIP State Contact; Laura Brown, CNMI PSS Assistant Coordinator/Monitor; Joanne Nicolls, CNMI PSS SpEd Secondary Transition Coordinator; Nora Pangelinan, CNMI PSS SpEd Data Manager; Naomi Diaz, CNMI PSS EI Data Manager; Tim Thornburg, CNMI PSS Federal Programs Officer; Richard Waldo, CNMI PSS Finance Director; Tammie Proctor, OSEP MSIP State Contact. Page 7 Funding Awarded for Early Childhood Initiatives Guam CEDDERS has been awarded two grants to promote activities in the area of Early Childhood Education. The Guam State Advisory Council received $500,000 to fund activities over a three-year period. This grant targets the improvement of coordination and collaboration among public and private early childhood serving agencies, and public awareness activities. Supplemental funding in the amount of $164,277 was also awarded to support training for child care providers. Project Kari–u Holds Summit Follow-Up Session Photos with captions: (Left photo) (L-R) Lydia Tenorio, Administrator for the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) and Project Kari–uÕs Interim Project Director, and Florence Blas, Project Kari–uÕs newly hired permanent Project Director, review the Summit agenda. (Right photo) Cultural & Linguistic Competence ÒgleeÓ written all over Ted IyechadÕs face from UOGÕs 4H Extension Program! In August, a Strategic Planning Summit was conducted to increase community awareness about Project Kari–u, GuamÕs Early Childhood System of Care, and to begin development of a Strategic Plan through the formation of workgroups. Each workgroup established ongoing meeting schedules to develop and implement action steps related to an area of focus and designed to achieve specific project goals. Project Kari–uÕs Strategic Plan Workgroups are: (1) Family Driven/ Youth Guided; (2) Service Delivery (inclusive of intake and referral and development of the service array); (3) Social Marketing; (4) Training and Technical Assistance; (5) Cultural and Linguistic Competency, (6) Logic Model/Evaluation, and (7) Governance. To provide additional technical assistance and support to the workgroups, Guam CEDDERS conducted a Strategic Plan Follow-Up Session with 54 individuals on October 20 at the Westin Resort Guam. All seven workgroups were represented and included families, staff from GuamÕs child serving agencies and programs, childcare providers, community stakeholders, and Project Kari–u staff. The objectives for the Strategic Plan Follow-Up Session were to: 1. Review Project Kari–uÕs Strategic Planning process; 2. Review the Work GroupsÕ activities, progress, and challenges since the August Summit; 3. Engage in resource mapping to integrate Project Kari–u into GuamÕs existing early childhood programs and initiatives; 4. Provide an opportunity for the work groups to meet and continue planning. This was an interactive day that included games that reinforced System of Care values and principles and assessed individualsÕ and agenciesÕ understanding and implementation of cultural and linguistic competency. Short presentations by agencies/programs currently providing services to young children and their families were also part of the dayÕs agenda. As a result of the Follow-Up Session, the workgroups now have a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities and how the workgroups can support and influence the development of GuamÕs Early Childhood System of Care. For more information about Project Kari–u, contact Christie San Agustin, Project Kari–u Social Marketing Coordinator, at christie.sanagustin@dphss.guam.gov or call 478-5400. Page 8 Updated Child Care Regs Bill Up for Legislative Action Unbelievable but true: the regulations that guide the licensure for child care centers have not been updated in 32 years. The ÒRules and Regulations for Licensed Child Care Centers and Group Child Care HomesÓ were initially established in 1978 and have not been revised since then. The Department of Public Health and Social Services, which is the government agency responsible for overseeing child care center licensure and enforcement, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, spearheaded a stakeholders group to examine the regulations and determine their appropriateness and effectiveness to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our young children. This group, comprised of parents, child care center directors, representatives from the Department of Education (Head Start, Guam Early Intervention, and Special Education Preschool Programs), Guam Community College, the University of Guam, the Department of Labor, and DPHSS, has met regularly over the past five years. The result of their work is the basis of proposed legislation, Bill No. 455-30, ÒAn Act to Establish the Administrative Rules and Regulations of the Department of Public Health and Social Services Relative to Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes.Ó This bill may be viewed on the Guam LegislatureÕs website at www.guamlegislature.com. A key factor driving this effort is the tremendous increase in scientific research on early childhood development. Research studies consistently find that the first years of life are critical to the emotional and intellectual development of a child. What does this mean for child care centers, parents, and the Guam community? It means that we must take every opportunity to provide quality care and education for our youngest citizens. It means providing a warm, nurturing, positive, and stimulating environment, based on research, best practices, and developmentally appropriate activities to maximize the growth of young brains! A public hearing on Bill 455-30 was held on September 14. Numerous citizens testified on the bill, some expressing their support and others expressing their opposition to the bill. One of the most controversial issues is the recommendation to lower the child to staff ratios. The chart below provides an outline of the current ratios and what is being proposed. The opposition to lowering the ratios boils down to economics. In opponents view, lower ratios necessitate more staff, which in turn increase fees, to be borne by parents. A Òtax reliefÓ bill, which proposes to exempt certain child care centers from paying the gross receipt tax, has been introduced to mitigate this challenge. Lowering child to staff ratio is one strategy to promote quality child care. Caregiver training is another. The proposed regulations address the need for training, professional development, and certification for child care directors and staff. DPHSS sponsors numerous training opportunities free of charge to persons working in this field. In addition, Guam CEDDERS will be facilitating traditional, online, and hybrid coursework soon through the support of a recently awarded federal grant. Other proposed changes include requirements related to: ¥ Sanitation, health, nutrition, and safety ¥ Developmentally appropriate practices ¥ Assessments that provide information on individual learning and to ensure appropriate instruction intervention, and/or evaluation that meet individual needs ¥ Staff training As parents and as a community, we all want the best for our children. In the past, it was thought that as long as children were fed and kept clean, that Òwas enough.Ó The latest scientific research has shown us repeatedly that early experiences influence the development of a young childÕs brain and that we must provide positive guidance and opportunities to give our children the best foundation possible. Economists point out that while initial costs may appear expensive, they are tremendously cost effective in the long term. Quality early childhood care and education are the best investments for the future of our society. Young brains canÕt wait! Table: Column 1: Age of Child, Birth to 12 months, 13 months to 2 years Column 2: Child : Staff Ratio Current Regulations, 5:1 8:1 Column 3: Child : Staff Ratio Proposed Regulations, 4:1 7:1 Column 4: Proposed Effective Date of Compliance for Existing Child Care Facilities January 1, 2012 Page 9 Stakeholders Continue Work on Prof. Dev. Plan for Early Childhood Professionals Photo with caption: Members of the Guam Association of Child Care Center Directors met on September 10 to discuss issues and concerns addressed in the ÒGuam Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood Professionals.Ó Guam CEDDERS, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Guam Association of Child Care Center Directors, met on September 10 to continue the work on the ÒGuam Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood Professionals.Ó The aim of this plan is to provide a systematic framework to address the need to have trained professionals knowledgeable in the latest research and skilled in best practices in the field of early childhood education. The plan is expected to be included as an appendix to Guam Legislative Bill No. 455-30, ÒAn Act to Establish the Administrative Rules and Regulations of the Department of Public Health and Social Services Relative to Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes.Ó Photo of poster: Guam CEDDERS, in collaboration with the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services, developed this poster to publicize the need to update the Guam Rules and Regulations for Child Care Center Licensure. Advertisement: Check out the NEW Guam CEDDERS Website! Log on to www.guamcedders.org Page 10 Guam CEDDERSÕ Elaine Eclavea Featured on HRSA Website Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Coordinator for the Health, Wellness, and Prevention Initiative Area, was recently featured in the ÒSpotlightÓ section of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) Maternal Child Health (MCH) website. Elaine was interviewed by Orla Kenned in October for the feature. The following are excerpts from the interview: What is involved in being the State Coordinator for the ECCS grant in Guam? What exciting initiatives are you working on right now? We are focusing a lot on families and trying to find a primary point of entry through an integrated data system. We are starting to talk across the different agencies, looking at our indicators and data sources to work toward an integrated data system. We want to use that data to look at how well we are doing and learn how we can better serve families. Data has to be for improvement Ð it canÕt just be sitting there. We are currently working on the home visiting needs assessment Ð it was really interesting to look at that data. We really worked to assure representatives from different agencies that this needs assessment is everyoneÕs needs assessment; they are welcome to use any data that are reported. Having the support of different agencies is important, and with our Early Learning Council Ð established in 2008 Ð we are starting to see true collaboration across agencies. We have a newsletter, ÒAll Eyes on Five,Ó and all agencies contribute: the Department of Education, Early Intervention Programs, Head Start, Maternal and Child Health, Public Health within the Child Care Bureau, and child care providers. We have a common Òcalendar of eventsÓ and all the agencies post their activities on it. We are trying to reinforce the notion of a whole system. If agencies want to know whatÕs happening, they can read our newsletter and know who to contact through our directory. ThatÕs great Ð and even though youÕve said that itÕs ÒeasyÓ to work within a smaller system like Guam, it still must be hard to get buy-in from all the different agencies. How did you do it? We have strong relationships, so that helps to build partnerships. Once we had the Early Learning Council established, that also helped. The chair is our First Lady, Joann Camacho, and sheÕs a real advocate across all early childhood initiatives. She attends our quarterly meeting and is very much present, listening, and trying to advocate. SheÕs a great partner in the council. ItÕs also important to keep our focus on the community. We are out there trying to promote the importance of ...continued on next page Photo of HRSA Website with Elaine's picture: Source: www.eccs.hrsa.gov/Grantees/spotlight.htm Page 11 Elaine Eclavea Featured on HRSA Website contÕd... the first five years, increasing public awareness around early childhood care and regulations, highlighting the importance of birth to five. Other than the newsletter, what do you look for as evidence that everyone is collaborating? How do you measure success? We look at impact. We have a judge on our council, and he has credited the information presented by the council on the importance of the first five years of a childÕs development in helping him shape how he talks to and deals with families from the bench. ItÕs so important to have good trainings and support for the people who look after our little ones. It ensures better quality of care. What is unique about Project Tinituhon being based out of a university? I think since we arenÕt responsible for a specific direct service program, we can work closely with other agencies. ItÕs nice to be the agency that brings the others together. And in your eyes, what does it mean for a state to have a ÒtrueÓ early childhood system? My dream is that when a family seeks services, they will be greeted by someone on the other line (a real person!) who will help them navigate the system so they know where to go. They will be treated in a professional, respectful way because the folks providing the services will have the passion and commitment to supporting the needs of children and their families. Families must have the training they feel they need, and I hope one day that every child has access to affordable health care. ThatÕs why this grant is so important; itÕs such a small little grant, but itÕs the heart of all that will help families receive services. We need to pull agencies together Ð we donÕt want them to say ÒthatÕs not my responsibility, thatÕs yours.Ó To read the complete interview, log on to: www.eccs.hrsa.gov/Grantees/spotlight.htm New Look for Guam EHDI Pictures of Old Logo and New Logo The Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project recently underwent a face lift with the adoption of a new logo and updated website. The new logo will replace the old one in a number of updated products that include brochures, posters, and the Guam EHDI website. For more information contact Elaine Eclavea, Project Director at 735-2466. Advertisement: Concerned about your childÕs HEARING? FREE HEARING SCREENING services are available. To schedule an appointment, call the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) at Telephone: 565-2961, extension 5776 or e-mail: geis@teleguam.net. Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Page 12 GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families Tapped to Lead National Webinar At the request of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mary Fegurgur, Principal Investigator for GuamÕs Family Support 360 for Military Families Project, led a national Ò360 ExchangeÓ webinar on September 23. This 360 Exchange Webinar included the development of a presentation and overview of outcome research currently being conducted on Guam in the area of Military Family Supports. Project staff, families, and federal officials throughout the nation, called in and logged on to the webinar to be able to view slides and learn from how GuamÕs 360 has utilized the Parent Stress Index as a tool for obtaining baseline information to identify areas to be included in family support plans, and to measure impact and outcomes of the project. ADD is currently routing a national evaluation instrument to be used with each project through the federal Office of Management and Budget process. Dr. Fegurgur answered questions posed by Ophelia McLain, federal project officer, regarding how the Parent Stress Index data may assist in gathering data to address questions that will be part of the national tool for evaluation. Dr. Fegurgur was thanked for her leadership with the webinar, and it was acknowledged that this was the first time that project personnel were tapped to lead a 360 Exchange. Dr. Fegurgur was also tapped to present at the National Technical Assistance Institute for Family Support 360 projects held in Washington, DC in July. GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families is one of four initial projects funded to serve military families who have children with disabilities. The presentations are archived and available online at www.guamfamilysupport.org or by contacting 735- 2560. Kudos to the Guam Family Support 360¡ team for providing leadership in this area, and for sharing GuamÕs successes with others across the nation. GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ Holds Open House Photo with caption: The GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families Project conducted an open house in conjunction with its quarterly Advisory Council meeting on December 2. The open house was held to commemorate the formal opening ceremonies for the projectÕs permanent home. Attending the event were (L-R): Lisa Jensen (welcoming visitors at the front door), Family Support Specialist; Captain Richard Wood, Commanding Officer, Naval Station Guam; David OÕBrien, University of Guam Vice President, Administration & Financial Affairs; Dr. Helen Whippy, UOG Senior Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs; Dr. Mary Fegurgur, Principal Investigator, GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families; Laura Taisapic, Parent Services, Guam Department of Education. Page 13 Family Support Workshops Address Parent Concerns Photos with caption: (Left photo) GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families presented three Interactive Military Parent Support Workshops by Dr. Mary Fegurgur in October and November on the following topics: Helping Your Child: Bully Buster Parent Interventions, Childhood/Adolescent Depression, and Suicidal Adolescents: Prevention Tips for Parents. (Right photo) Participants in the workshop on Suicide Adolescents: Prevention Tips for Parents listen to Dr. FegurgurÕs presentation. UPCOMING FAMILY SUPPORT WORKSHOPS January 2011 ¥ Sibling Rivalry ¥ The One Left Behind: Military Spouse February 2011 ¥ Positive Parenting ¥ Couples ÒWorld Marriage DayÓ March 2011 ¥ Anger and Frustration: Helping Your Childwith Emotions ¥ Helping the Explosive Child April 2011 ¥ Helping Your Child Improve Self-Esteem ¥ ADHD May 2011 ¥ Bipolar Disorder in Children ¥ Help Your Child with Social Emotional Skills For more information contact GuamÕs Family Support 360¡ for Military Families at 735-2560. Photo of the GuamÕs Family Support 360¼ for Military Families 2010 Military Supports Directory The GuamÕs Family Support 360¼ for Military Families 2010 Military Supports Directory is now available! Call 671-735-2560 for more information. Website: www.guamfamilysupport.org Page 14 PACIFIC Project Continues Its Mission The PACIFIC Project began its Fall on-site technical assistance visits to provide technical support to the Jurisdiction Implementation Team, and as appropriate, other stakeholders. The outcomes from the on-site technical assistance and training include: ¥ Specific recommendations for the instruction and assessment of the two (2) target students; ¥ Implications for prioritized follow-up activities based on the review of data from the NAAC-PAC6 Observation Tools; ¥ Increased knowledge and skills for media development, specifically the portrayal of students with disabilities in the media; ¥ A complete inventory of equipment and resources purchased through the project; and ¥ A completed action plan using the Transformation Zone framework. The first visit was to the FSM States of Kosrae and Chuuk in early October. During the visits, Guam CEDDERS project partners, Michael Burdge and Jean Clayton from Keystone Assessment, and University of Guam (UOG)/Guam CEDDERS staff provided technical assistance to the cadres and school teams and training to teachers and administrators. UOGÕs Dr. Mary Spencer presented a Summary of Effective Practice Themes for both Kosrae and Chuuk, sharing the results from the NAAC-PAC6 Observation Tools and the implications for prioritized follow-up activities and future media development work. School and home visits were conducted to observe students identified by the school teams to follow for the next year. In Kosrae, the visiting team went to Utwe Elementary School to observe Truleen, a sixth grader who is now fully included in her neighborhood school. She had previously been enrolled in a self-contained classroom at the SMD Center. Truleen was observed in her math class, fully participating in the class with the assistance of a Related Services Assistant (RSA). The TA Team then went to the Kosrae High School to observe Imelda, a 16-year old who is transitioning into thevocational program. In Chuuk, the TA team went to Fefan, one of the islands in the lagoon, to observe Joseph, also age 16. We visited his high school reading teacher at the school. She spoke of his interactions with his peers and his attendance. We then went to his home where ...continued on next page Photos with captions: REPUBLIC OF PALAU: Lucinio Demi (right), high school general education teacher, uses hand-over-hand technique in teaching Diraigas Edeyoch keyboarding CHUUK, FSM: Jean Clayton (right) and Mike Burdge (center behind Joseph), Keystone Consultants, demonstrate teaching strategies with Joseph (L-R) Adari Fine, Home Services Teacher, Ansina Kony, Special Education Coordinator, and Josephine Gabriel, JosephÕs mom. we met with his special education teacher and mother. We observed the typical instruction provided to him and tried several assistive communication devices that might lead to more instructional and domestic/community accessibility. After a couple of attempts with the different communication devices, Joseph was able to respond to the questions using the Clock Communicator and a touch switch. The team then went to Parem, another island in the lagoon to visit Sienna. Sienna is 12 years old and receives services at home. The team went to her home where they met with SiennaÕs special education teacher and parents. Mike and Jean tried several assistive communication devices that might lead to more instructional and community accessibility. In mid-October, Guam CEDDERS supported the Guam Cadre team with three days of training for 30 special education and general education teachers from the elementary level, middle school level, and high school level on the Stepwise Process for Accessing the General Curriculum. The Guam Cadre has committed to conducting monthly training sessions for special education and general education teachers up to April 2011, on all the PAC6 initiatives, starting with the Stepwise Process, accommodations, and the GDOE TeacherÕs Guide on Alternate Assessment based on Alternate Achievement Standards (AA-AAS). Guam CEDDERS also conducted observations in Saipan, CNMI during the last week of October. In Saipan, an on-site visit to Dandan Elementary where we met with the school team for Poleen, a 6th grader. Poleen is in full inclusion throughout the day in all subjects. We also visited Hopwood Junior High School, met with Ian and his school team and observed him in science, agriculture, and language arts. Our final on-site visit took us to Kagman High School to observe Jasmin, a 9th grader, blind and learning Braille. The on-site visit concluded with training on the communication devices with the PSS speech personnel and discussion on the Transformation Zone with the PSS Cadre Team. The Guam CEDDERS team made a final stop to Palau in early November providing recommendations on instructional strategies for each of the students observed. The team observed Luii, a 7th grader, at Koror Elementary School and Dirainges, a 9th grader at Palau High School. Training on communication devices helped the special education teachers and CRTs to see how some of the devices can benefit both Dirainges and Luii. At the end of the school day, a meeting was held with both school teams to share findings and recommendations. On-site TA visits to the Marshall Islands and American Samoa are scheduled for December 2010. Page 15 PACIFIC Project contÕd... Photos with captions: GUAM: Elementary teachers engage in the October training session on the ÒStepwise Process for Accessing the General Curriculum.Ó CNMI: 6th grade teacher Antonette Laniyo (top left) provides one-to-one instruction with Poleen on the difference between the numerator and denominator in a fraction. Page 16 Project MenhŒlom Fall Training: ÒBuilding Capacity and SustainabilityÓ Photos with captions: Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Project MenhŒlom Technical Assistance Provider, (standing) leads an activity during recent training for middle schools. A School Climate Cadre Team hams it up during one of the activities at the Fall Project MenhŒlom training. Training was held on October 7-8 for School Climate Cadre Teams from the eight middle schools and the J.P. Torres Alternative School on Guam attended by 72 participants. Day One started off with a review of the discipline referral data and results of the School-Wide Evaluation Tool (SET) and the Self-Assessment Survey. For the remainder of the day, school team members participated in one of three breakout sessions: Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) tiered interventions, Positive Action Booster session, or ÒSwift at SWIS.Ó This first day of training concluded with the team members coming together to share reflections from the breakout sessions. Day Two focused on ÒBully Prevention in Positive Behavior Supports in the Middle Schools.Ó After a general review of the strategies and available lesson plans, middle school teams were asked to demonstrate the ÒStop, Walk, and TalkÓ strategy through skits. The skits were enhanced by the participation of students in the various teams. The training concluded with an evaluation and identification of needs for follow-up sessions. Tri-Agency Training Addresses Need to Keep Parents Informed The Developmental Disabilities Tri-Agency, consisting of Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center, the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, and Guam CEDDERS, in collaboration with the Department of Education, is conducting a series of trainings for parents with children in special education. The trainings which began in November, will run through February of next year, and take place at various location throughout the island. With guidance and information provided at these trainings, the goal is for parents to be better equipped to advocate for their children. Some of the topics covered are parent rights, IEP process and forms, and transition from high school to post-secondary settings and/or employment. Photo with caption: Carol Cabiles (standing) facilitates discussion with parents attending the November session aimed at informing parents and guardians about their rights and their childrenÕs rights in the Special Education process. Page 17 Transition Training: Preparing Students for Life after High School Photo with caption: Dr. Ed OÕLeary, a national expert on transition services for students receiving Special Education services, facilitated training for Guam service providers and parents. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail may have delayed the arrival of Dr. Ed OÕLeary, but it certainly did not stop him from providing training for Guam Department of Education (GDOE) high school personnel, parents, and adult service agencies. Adjusting to the last minute change due to the one-day delay of this nationally recognized expert on transition, the Guam-based Transition Team comprised of Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Ms. Judy Roberto, School Program Consultant for the GDOE Division of Special Education, deftly prepared the 69 participants for Dr. OÕLearyÕs presentation by laying the foundation to Dr. OÕLearyÕs presentation which focused on developing and implementing transition-based focused IEPs in order to improve post-secondary results for students with disabilities. All training sessions were held during the week of November 15 at the University of Guam Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building. For the high school teams, the focus was on understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) requirements and developing IEPs that address the requirements of the law. In addition, participants were guided in evaluating current IEPs to determine whether they met legal requirements using a web-based transition checklist. This web-based system, created by Dr. OÕLeary, provided the teams with real-time data, information for action planning, and areas for professional development. On the third day of his visit, Dr. OÕLeary provided a half-day session for middle school teams, addressing strategies for the transition requirements at that level. The membership of the teams was similar to the high school teams with the exclusion of adult service agencies. Training for this group also addressed meeting the transition needs through the IEP process. The second half of day was spent on a collaborative session between GDOE, parents, and the adult service agencies. These agencies included Guam Community College, University of Guam, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Labor/Agency for Human Resource Development, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center, and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Mr. Kerry Cutting, chairperson of the Guam Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities, and Senator-elect Dr. Aline Yamashita, participated as parent representatives. This session focused on the roles and responsibilities of each agency for ensuring a ÒseamlessÓ transition for students with disabilities from high school to post-secondary environments such as employment and education/training and, if appropriate, independent living. Dr. OÕLeary also provided the participants the opportunity to examine current practices and consider changes Òoutside the boxÓ to improve post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. Page 18 Loan Recipient Acquires AT for Job Accommodations Photo with caption: Ana Ishmael shows off her new assistive technology devices including a handheld video magnifier, a laptop computer, and magnifier/reader software. Ms. Ishmael obtained these devices with the support of a loan from the Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) program. Ana Ishmael first heard about the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Assistive Technology Conference from the Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center. She decided to check it out and ended up learning that AT can play a vital and positive role in her life. Ms. Ishmael has retinal detachment, a disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. This condition has resulted in blindness in her right eye and low vision in her left eye. Ms. Ishmael met with Carla Torres, GSATÕs AT Specialist, who demonstrated AT devices that would provide her an adequate level of magnification in order to read print and give her access to a computer. Through this demonstration, Ana was able to make a decision about which device would best meet her needs. She decided on a portable handheld video magnifier and a computer software program that provided her screen magnification and reading. Ms. Ishmael explored funding sources that could help to pay for the assistive technology she needed and decided to apply for the Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) program. This program is managed by GSAT and makes AT affordable for individuals with disabilities and their families by providing financing at a low interest rate of 2.125%. For a laptop computer with the magnifier/reader software, an all-in-one printer, and a handheld video magnifier, Ms. Ishmael would have had to spend $2,644.95 out of pocket; not an affordable amount for most. With the GOAL-AT program, Ms. Ishmael was able to get all this equipment for $78.21 per month for three years. Ms. Ishmael now uses her equipment in all aspects of her life and is overjoyed with the amount of independence it has provided her. With her handheld magnifier, she is able to verify receipts and read food labels at the grocery store. She can select items off a menu at the restaurant. She even uses this device on the sales floor at her job. With her computer, she is able to access information on the internet and communicate through email with greater efficiency than ever before. If you would like to learn more about how the GOAL-AT program could benefit you or a loved one, please call GSAT at 735-2490/1, stop by our office at House 19 DeanÕs Circle, UOG campus, or visit us on the web at www.gsatcedders.org. Page 19 VI Consultant Visits Photo with caption: Personnel from the Guam Department of Education Visually Impaired (VI) Program attended training on November 29 - December 2 conducted by Donna McNear, M.Ed., Vision Impairments Consultant, and facilitated by Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. (L-R): Rosemarie Munoz, Catherine Emi, Darlene Salas, Sonya Aguon, Kathy Millhoff, Ms. McNear, and Janice Chargualaf, VI Program Coordinator. Donna McNear, M.Ed., a nationally recognized expert in the field of educating students who are blind or have low vision, was on Guam from November 29 - December 6 to conduct training and technical assistance for the Visually Impaired (VI) Program at the Guam Department of Education. Ms. McNear also provided assistance to the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), which provides services to children birth to three years of age. Training topics ranged from assessment and developing IEPs, to consultative and instructional strategies. University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service I Tellai, The Bridge, 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, Carla Torres, Keith Villaluna. Evelyn Duenas was a guest contributor. 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. New Guam CEDDERS Staff Photo with caption: Three new staff members joined the Guam CEDDERS family during this past quarter. John Camacho (right) and Camarin Sablan (middle), are part-time office assistants while they attend the University of Guam. Vera Ann Blaz, M.Ed. (left), is the new training associate assigned to work on Project Tinituhon under the Health, Wellness, and Prevention Initiative Area. Vera Ann most recently was a fifth-grade teacher at Carbullido Elementary School. Welcome Aboard! Page 20 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS December 2010 Dec 1 Project MenhŒlom Monthly Technical Assistance/Training, GSAT, 2:00-3:30pm Dec 2 GSAT Advisory Conference/Fair Committee Meeting, GSAT, 3:00pm-5:00pm Dec 3 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, GSAT, 4:00pm-5:30pm Dec 4 Special Education Parent Training, Inarajan Senior Citizens Center, 9:00am - 11:00am Dec 6-9 PACIFIC Project On-site Technical Assistance visit to American Samoa Dec 7 Early Learning Council Meeting, Guam Marriott Hotel, 9:00am - 2:30pm Dec 8 HOLIDAY - Our Lady of Camarin Dec 10 Pacific VIP Application Submission Deadline Dec 13-17 PACIFIC Project On-site Technical Assistance Visit RMI Dec 15 Secondary Transition Monthly Session, SBPA MultiPurpose Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm Dec 21-22 CNMI PSS Technical Assistance Visit Dec 24 HOLIDAY - Christmas Eve Dec 27-29 WRIEC: Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Preparation Workshop, GSAT, 8:30am - 3:30pm Dec 31 HOLIDAY - New YearÕs Eve January 2010 Jan 8 Self-Advocacy Training, GSAT, 8:30am-12:00pm Jan 11 Learning Disability Implications for Employment, DVR Conference Room, 10:00am - 12:00pm Jan 12 Learning Disability Implications for Employment, DVR Conference Room, 10:00am - 12:00pm Jan 15 Self-Advocacy Training, GSAT, 8:30am-12:00pm Jan 15 Special Education Parent Training, Guahan Project Office, Suite 301, Tamuning, 9:00am - 11:00am Jan 17 HOLIDAY - Martin Luther King Jan 18 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, GSAT, 4:00-5:30pm Jan 19 Learning Disability Implications for Employment, DVR Conference Room, 10:00am - 12:00pm Jan 19 School-Wide Information System Technical Assistance School Visits, Astumbo Middle, VA Benavente, Oceanview Jan 20 School-Wide Information System Technical Assistance School Visits, Jose Rios, Agueda Johnston, Inarajan Middle Jan 21 School-Wide Information System Training for School Climate Cadre Team, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, 7:45am-3:30pm Jan 21 Learning Disability Implications for Employment, DVR Conference Room, 10:00am - 12:00pm Jan 29 Self-Advocacy Training, 8:30am-1:30pm, Location TBA Jan 29 Special Education Parent Training, Yigo Senior Citizens Center, 9:00am - 11:00am Advertisment: 2011 SAVE THE DATES! March 18 & 19 GSAT Conference & Fair A Focus on Employment and Accessibility AT: Making it Work for Business