I Tellai, The Bridge, Guam CEDDERS Newsletter March 4, 2011 Volume 13, Issue 2 In this issue: Pacific VIP Master’s Degree Program Launched.1-2 Self-Advocates Bust Barriers...............................3 Self-Advocates Lead Self-Advocate Workshop......4 Guam Early Learning Council Honors First Lady....5 Child Care Staff Workshop/Bisita Needs Assmt.....6 MCH Action Plan/Electronic Birth Certificate........7 Pacific EHDl Meets at Conference/New Products .......8 Pohnpei Early Childhood Education.....................9 Kariñu Update/Interpreters Prep for EIPA..........10 VI Program Receive TA......................................11 Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS)..............12 PBIS Goes Home...............................................13 2011 NSDC Conference/Site Visit.......................14 FS360° Engages Community ............................15 Monitoring Activities Extend to Peleliu.............16 Training and TA Delivered on Transit Issues .......17 ADD Seeks Input ..............................................18 Pacific CIMAP Shared at Sydney VI Conference....19 Calendar of Events...........................................20 Page 1 & 2 Pacific VIP Master’s Degree Program Launched The first Program Orientation and Information session for the Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) was held on February 4-5 at the University of Guam with 16 applicants from the CNMI, FSM, and Guam. A second orientation session was held in American Samoa on February 9 with eight applicants from that entity. The sessions provided an orientation to the Pacific VIP and outlined the opportunities and responsibilities along with available supports. Applicants were provided with technological support, tutoring in online classes, and assured in their technological readiness for web-based courses. The 24 applicants came to their respective orientation session with their laptops ready to experience the blended on-line and on-site approach to graduate learning. The Pacific VIP is supported by a four-year USDOE OSEP Personnel Preparation grant awarded to Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with University of Massachusetts Boston (UMASS Boston). The goal of the grant is to have up to 20 regional trainees earn a Master of Education degree in Special Education plus credentials for Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M). The recruitment process for the regional trainees is comprised of three phases. Phase I involved the “paperwork” submission in December 2010. Phase II required the applicants to participate in the face-to-face February 2011 Program Orientation and Information session. Phase III, anticipated to be completed by the end of March 2011, will be the selection of the 20 regional trainees. In collaboration with Guam CEDDERS Project staff, the orientation sessions included UMASS Boston faculty members Robert McCulley, M.Ed., Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) Director and Pacific VIP Liaison, Laura Bozeman, Ph.D. Vision Studies Director and Pacific VIP Lead Faculty, and Heidi Henshaw, M.Ed., Vision Studies Adjunct Faculty. On Guam, applicants were welcomed by Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Project Principal Investigator, June De Leon, M.Ed., Project Director, and Connie Guerrero, M.Ed., Faculty, from Guam CEDDERS. Students were provided a historical perspective and inspirational future of vision services for children in the Western Pacific region. In American Samoa, Ms. De Leon, Mr. McCulley, and Dr. Bozeman facilitated the orientation session. The UMASS Boston faculty shared the New England model for distance education and its application to the Pacific region. After an introduction to Blackboard Vista and Talking Communities, applicants developed presentations about their home communities, including demographics, transportation systems, pedestrian safety, and cultural perceptions of people with visual impairment. As part of the recruitment process, the orientation session included an introduction to the first required course, considered the recruitment course. Applicants learned about the functional implications of vision loss and roles and responsibilities of vision specialists. The group, then, learned and demonstrated functional O&M Skills: Sighted Guide, Protective Techniques, and Doorways and Stairs. The purpose for requiring the applicants to engage in the recruitment course was to ensure that the applicants, should they be selected as project trainees, understand the commitment expected during the four-project years, as well as their service commitment to children with visual impairments upon receiving their degree. The orientation was an excellent beginning to the curriculum. It was important for project team members to participate in the kickoff. The team’s goal was to give the prospective trainees a taste of what’s to come. Applicants left the orientation with excitement and the desire to learn more. The project team will be completing Phase III of the recruitment process by the end of March 2011 with the selection of the 20 regional trainees. Good luck to ALL applicants! Photos with caption: Potential Pacific VIP trainees from Guam, CNMI, and FSM with Guam CEDDERS Project Staff, an Advisory Council member, and UMASS Boston faculty are all SMILES as they begin the February 2011 orientation session on Guam. Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director and Pacific VIP Principal Investigator, (standing left) welcomes the regional applicants to the Guam orientation session. Project partners also shown in the front of the room are (L-R) Heidi Henshaw and Dr. Laura Bozeman (both sitting) and Robert McCulley and June De Leon. Just like the Guam orientation session, potential Pacific VIP trainees from American Samoa and the VI Specialist from UMASS Boston faculty are all SMILES during the one-day orientation session held in American Samoa. Page 3 Self-Advocates Bust Barriers Have you ever attended a workshop or training, and thought, “Oh, that was really good,” but never really put the information provided to good use? You learned valuable information, but then didn’t really do anything with it? The Self-Advocacy Workshop for Individuals with Disabilities, sponsored by Guam CEDDERS and the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, is a different experience. You learn a lot — but you work on putting the information you learn to immediate use. In the Self-Advocacy Workshop, participants are encouraged to formulate a “project” to put their developing skills to use. The cool thing is, the outcomes of these projects not only benefits the individuals involved, but oftentimes, other individuals, too. For example, one project involved speaking to the management of a local theater to point out that people with visual impairments could not see their snack bar menu. This challenge was quickly overcome when the theater manager designed and produced a menu that was in large print and another that was in Braille. Other signage in the theater was made accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Below is a listing of other projects taken on by self-advocates that have yielded positive results. More Self-Advocacy Workshops are scheduled for this year - so be expecting updates on more barrier busts. Reprinted article from the I Linå'lå-ta (Our Life) Newsletter, Bulleted text in a box: 2010 Self-Advocate Accomplishments • Theater seating improved for persons using wheelchairs • Two people obtained Social Security benefits • A hostile workplace was resolved • Respite care assignments were stabilized • The Guam Police Department requested sensitivity training • One person started a business • Vocational Rehabilitation received authority to license blind vendors • Library improved access for patrons who are blind • Letters to improve access were sent to a Senator and medical clinic • Petition letter opposing merger of DISID & DMHSA was submitted • Letter of recommendations was sent to Governor’s Transition Team • A person represented himself at a VR appeal • Forum with agency leaders was held • Forum with policy makers was held • New Vision Guam was organized • Steps taken to organize SiñA: Self Advocates in Action • 6 people trained to facilitate Self-Advocacy Workshop • Accessible materials requested at VR and DISID • Accessible materials requested for Health Certificate training/testing • Free mailing of materials for the blind requested at US Postal Service • Customer service checks conducted at Agana Post Office & Treasurer’s Office Page 4 Self-Advocates Lead Self-Advocate Workshop January 29, marked the closure of a yet another self-advocacy workshop, with 10 individuals reporting on their personal projects. The final training session is a springboard for the lifelong ability to speak up for one’s self, to use new skills to pursue needed services and solutions to important issues. Three facilitators, emerging from prior workshops, will continue to provide mentorship and remain on as a network of personal resource for participants. Individuals who are interested in building their self-advocacy skills and networking with a growing group of persons willing to effectively speak up are invited to join the next workshop sessions beginning April 9, 2011. Contact Ginger Porter at 735-2478 or ginger.porter@guamcedders.org for more information and to reserve your seat at the table. Photos with caption: Completers of the January Self-Advocacy workshop celebrated the success of their projects at the completion of their training on January 29. Projects included addressing Medicaid qualifying levels of income, the Voter Accessibility Act,the Air Carrier Act, VR concerns, and improving mobility with a powered chair. Seated L-R: Guam CEDDERS Mentor Ginger Porter, Facilitators Lynn Tydingco & Leah Rassier, self-advocate Evelyn Duenas, and Facilitator Andrew Tydingco. Standing L-R: Clinton Mesa, Advocate Lou Mesa, Rodney Calimlim, Anthony Siguenza, Beatrice Salas, Jesusino DeLiza, Stephan Madarang, Tracy Fejeran, Daniel Puno, Marie Libria (DDC Acting Director), Lisa Ogo, Dawn Maka (Center for Independent Living), and John Gogue, Jr. Not shown: Julie A. Cruz. (L-R): Advocate Lou Mesa and self-advocates Evelyn Duenas, Lisa Ogo, Tracy Fejeran, Erlinda Tydingco, and Andrew Tydingco add their thoughts and input to the initial letter drafted by self-advocate Lee Cruz which addressed their recommendations for newly appointed agency directors. Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, interacts with facilitators and new self-advocates at the self-advocacy training in January. Announcement: Access Radio Returns! Start date: March 15, 2011 Station: K57 AM Time: Noon, 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of the month First show host: Rodney Calimlim, Self-Advocate Topics will focus on issues related to disability Page 5 Guam Early Learning Council Honors First Lady Typically, meetings of the Governor’s Early Learning Council (ELC) are scheduled to take place over a two-hour period at the Governor’s Conference Room at Adelup. And typically, it always seems like there is never enough time to get through the agenda. With the number of young child-serving programs and agencies, there is always a multitude of initiatives, issues, and concerns to address. So the December 7, 2010 meeting was structured to last longer. On that day, members met from 9am to 2pm. But even with this longer schedule, more time would’ve been welcomed. Oral updates were presented by the Guam Early Intervention System-Interagency Coordinating Council, the Parent Information Resource Center Advisory Committee, Project Kariñu, the State Advisory Council project, and Project Tinituhon. Project Bisita, a newly established home visiting program under the Maternal Child Health Program, also reported to the ELC. A robust discussion took place on the topic of Guam Legislative Bill No. 455-30, the proposed updates to the Guam Rules and Regulations for Licensure of Child Care Centers, which produced additional recommendations for the professional development plan component. A highlight of the meeting was the honoring of Joann Camacho, Guam’s First Lady. As co-chairperson of the ELC, First Lady Camacho was instrumental in the establishment, evolution, and on-going growth of systemic agency coordination and development of Guam early childhood services systems. Dangkulu na si Yu’os Ma’ase First Lady! Photos with caption: Representatives from the various child serving agencies attended the December 2010 meeting of the Governor’s Early Learning Council. First Lady Joann Camacho (L) was honored during the December meeting of the Governor’s Early Learning Council. Elaine Eclavea (R), Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, presented the First Lady with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Council and Guam CEDDERS. Page 6 Child Care Staff Attend Developmental Screening Workshop Project Tinituhon, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System Project, and the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) recently partnered to provide training and technical assistance in support of increasing the accessibility of developmental screening for all young children. Forty-four day care directors, child caregivers, nurses and staff from the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Maternal Child Health Bureau and Project Kariñu attended a four-hour training on January 22 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Laura Taisipic, Guam Special Education Parent Services Coordinator, led the training on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) 3 Developmental Screening for ages 0-6 years. Participants were taught how to administer the ASQ, determine the appropriate developmental stage for the corresponding questionnaires, and score the completed questionnaire. Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, led the second half of the training, providing information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants were given handouts that highlighted “red flags” that may warrant early intervention referrals. GEIS, Project Tinituhon, and Guam EHDI staff were also on hand to answer participant questions. Photo with caption: (L-R): Department of Public Health & Social Services, Maternal Child Health Bureau nurses Cindy Dumlao Taitano, Lynn Manibusan, and Marlene Carbullido attended the “Young Children at Risk...Who Do I Call” training on January 22. Bisita Needs Assessment Completed In collaboration with Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) Maternal Child Health Bureau, Guam CEDDERS completed the Project Bisita I Familia Needs Assessment as the next stage of servicing the at-risk community under the Affordable Care Act. The needs assessment required the review and collection of data for ten state indicators: premature birth; low birth-weight infants; infant mortality, including infant death due to neglect, or other indicators of at-risk prenatal, maternal, newborn, or child health; poverty; crime; domestic violence; high rates of high-school drop-outs; substance abuse; unemployment; or child maltreatment. The needs assessment identified the quality and capacity of existing early childhood home visiting programs and Guam’s capacity for providing substance abuse treatment and counseling services to individuals and families in need of such treatment or services. Stakeholders discussed the facts and inferences of the data presented for each of the ten indicators during a series of meetings. It was determined that Project Bisita I Familia will focus on Dededo, specifically the area in which DPHSS determined as Dededo 2, to be the target community where the home visiting program will be implemented. The next phase of the assessment is to complete the Supplemental Information Request (SIR) for the Submission of the Updated State Plan for a State Home Visiting Program. The SIR requires the selection of one or more evidence-based home visiting models, drafting an action plan, hiring staff and implementing the selected home visiting program(s) in the target at-risk community. Photo with caption: A group of child care directors hold up their answers during an activity held during the “Young Children at Risk....Who Do I Call?” Workshop held on January 22. Page 7 MCH Action Plan Developed Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) & Child Health Bureau (MCHB), completed the MCH Needs Assessment required to renew funding from the Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA) to continue their community health programs. Guam CEDDERS and MCHB reviewed 59 indicators, which focused on pregnant women, mothers and infants; children and adolescents; and children with special health care needs. The MCHB nurses and Guam CEDDERS staff assisted in gathering data for these indicators. Throughout the needs assessment process, the Title V Needs Assessment Team engaged a variety of stakeholders to gather information on the needs of the MCH population and the capacity of the Title V program and other health systems to identify top priorities for the next five years. Members of the community came together to review the indicators, determine state goals, and compile necessary information to draft the needs assessment. As a result of these meetings, a detailed action plan was developed with specific timelines and identified resources to support Guam’s MCH needs assessment which was submitted on December 29, 2010. As a result of the needs assessment, it was determined that MCHB should focus on addressing the following: the need for improved data collection through a centralized/interoperability registry for all MCH populations, creating an adolescent clinic, increasing prenatal care, increasing overall infant health through promotion and implementation of breast-feeding and parenting skills, decreasing obesity in children, developing and implementing procedures that would increase access and participation of children with special health care needs, and decreasing the rate of suicide among children and adolescents. HRSA awarded funding to MCHB in January 2011. Electronic Birth Certificate System Nears Reality The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) conducted an on-site technical assistance visit to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) on February 2-15. The visit provided an opportunity for the DPHSS staff and fellow stakeholders to become familiarized with the State and Territorial Exchange of Vital Events – Electronic Record (STEVE-ER) system. The STEVE-ER system was created to establish an electronic birth record system on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. During the site visit, Leesa Shem-Tov, NAPHSIS consultant, provided a demonstration of the STEVE-ER system to the Guam EHDI staff. During the presentation, she showed how birth record information that is aligned with the 2003 birth certificate form will be captured by STEVE-ER. She then demonstrated how these data sets will be extracted from STEVE-ER and placed in a mailbox designated for Guam EHDI. Guam EHDI staff will then be able to download data from the mailbox so it could be imported into Guam ChildLink, Guam EHDI’s database that captures information on all babies screened for hearing loss on Guam. Photo with caption: Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) & Guam EHDI staff posed with NAPHSIS consultants for a photo after the quarterly Guam EHDI Advisory Council meeting on February 3. (L-R): Joseph Mendiola, GEHDI, Velma Sablan, Ph.D., GEHDI, Leesa Shem-Tov, NAPHSIS Consultant, Elaine Eclavea, GEHDI, Pat Mantanona, GEIS, and Ben Hagadorn, Systems Developer, SMS. Page 8 PACIFIC EHDI Leaders Share Successes, Challenges, and Solutions On Saturday, February 19, all six US affiliated Pacific jurisdictions (American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Palau) met with project staff from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agencies which support Early Hearing Screening and Intervention (EHDI) Programs and Data Tracking and Surveillance. Also in attendance, either in person or via teleconference, were staff from the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS), Hands and Voices, The Bill Daniels Center for Children’s Hearing, and Solar Ear. This was the first time that all six jurisdictions were together, with several jurisdictions having recently been funded to initiate EHDI programs. Each EHDI team provided an update of positive outcomes, data including EHDI variables, challenges in implementing EHDI programs, and what is to be accomplished this year. Project officers Irene Forsman, HRSA, and John Eichwald, CDC, provided updates from their agencies. Karl White (NCHAM) and Yusnita Weirather from University of Hawaii and the Pacific NCHAM liaison, assisted with organizing the meeting. The meeting included updates from the family organization Hands and Voices, an overview of data integration issues provided by NAPHSIS, Tele-EHDI opportunities with the Bill Daniels Center for Children’s Hearing, and technology applications for rural and developing areas presented by Solar Ear. During the 10th Annual EHDI meeting held on Feb. 21-22, Jean Johnson, Ph.D., of the Hawaii Center on Disabilities, was honored as the recipient of the Antonia Brancia Maxon Award, the National EHDI Award for Excellence. Dr. Johnson has published numerous articles and has spearheaded many efforts in the Pacific. Dr. Johnson also has assisted several of the Pacific jurisdictions in establishing EHDI programs and has been a long time audiologist and early intervention specialist, first on Guam and then in Hawaii. Congratulations to Dr. Johnson! New Public Awareness Products Guam CEDDERS recently produced two new brochures and a poster to promote the Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program (Guam EHDI), available in hard copy upon request by calling 735-2466. The publications are also available to download on the Guam EHDI website at www.guamehdi.org. Page 9 Pohnpei Early Childhood Education: Setting a New Direction Pohnpei State’s Early Childhood Education staff under the leadership of Emrick Lebehn, Chief of the Division of Early Childhood Education (ECE), participated in a three-day strategic planning session to develop a framework of how early childhood services and supports will be provided to young children three to five years of age and their families. The Compact of Free Association between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States provided for U.S. economic assistance, including eligibility for certain U.S. federal programs, such as Head Start. From 1986 to 2004, Pohnpei State received federal funds to administer the Head Start program. In 2003, the compact was renegotiated and signed by the FSM congress in May 2004. As part of the agreement, certain federal programs including Head Start, were phased out and funding was funneled into a Supplemental Education Grant (SEG). On January 3-6, 2011, Guam CEDDERS facilitated stakeholder input sessions with 24 participants from the Pohnpei ECE Program, special education, National Department of Education representatives and parents of young children to gather input for the design of Pohnpei State’s ECE standard operating procedures for young children. The following vision was created during these sessions: Pohnpei ECE Vision… We understand the difference between the world that is and the world that can be. Our vision is to create a world in which all children are happy, healthy, loved, nurtured, and safe. Where all parents are supported and respected and all children are provided opportunities for active learning and success. In addition to creating the vision and mission, stakeholders developed strategic action plans. For more information, please contact Elaine Eclavea at 735-2466 or elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. Photo with caption: Participants from Pohnpei DOE discuss and develop strategic action plans for the Early Childhood Education program. Page 10 Kariñu Update: Family Leadership Celebrated, Logic Model Completed February was Family Leadership Month and in celebration, Project Kariñu, Guam Identifies Families Terrific Strengths (G.I.F.T.S.), and I Famagu’on-ta co-sponsored a family recognition event on February 25. Family members and youth who have contributed to the system of care movement on Guam were invited to a special dinner and informal recognition ceremony. Participants included family and youth representatives from the Guam System of Care Council, Project Kariñu Strategic Planning Workgroups, Project Kariñu Logic Model Workgroup, Guam Positive Parents Together (GPPT), G.I.F.T.S., I Famagu’on-ta’s Youth Evaluation Team, I Famagu’on-ta Family Partners, and the Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) as well as families and youth who have presented to the Guam Legislature in support of I Famagu’on-ta and during system of care conferences and events over the past nine years. Planning for this event was a collaborative effort that included the co-sponsors and Guam CEDDERS staff, Bonnie Brandt, Mariles Benavente, and Bernadette Shisler. Families and youth were recognized with a certificate of appreciation acknowledging their contribution to the planning and implementation of a system of care approach to meeting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children and youth on Guam. In April of last year, Project Kariñu’s Logic Model Workgroup was tasked with developing a theory of change and logic model to guide the development of Guam’s early childhood system of care for young children and their families. A theory of change is the beliefs that a community has about what children and their families need and what strategies will be effective to meet those needs. The visual depiction of the theory of change is called a logic model. The theory of change and logic model provide the “road map” for Project Kariñu and is the basis for strategic planning, service planning, and evaluation activities. Guam CEDDERS took the lead in facilitating the Logic Model Workgroup. The process of developing Project Kariñu’s logic model very much reflected a system of care approach in which collaboration, consensus building, and family voice were key factors in the success of the Workgroup. Meeting on a monthly basis for 10 months, representatives from the Guam Early Learning Council, the Guam System of Care Council, non-profit organizations (G.I.F.T.S. and GPPT), the Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Guam Department of Education, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, private day care providers, and families of children with special needs, freely shared their ideas, learned from each other, and reached consensus about the vision, mission, goals, strategies, and outcomes for Project Kariñu. In February, the Workgroup finalized the theory of change and content for the logic model and submitted its final draft to the Project Kariñu Management Team and Project Officer. The University of South Florida is creating a final version of the logic model and will be working with Workgroup members to create a narrated slide presentation of the process the Workgroup used to develop its theory of change and an explanation of the various components of the logic model. Interpreters Prep For EIPA School personnel working in Deaf/Hard of Hearing Programs in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands completed a three-day workshop on “Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Preparation” held on December 27-29 at the University of Guam CEDDERS GSAT Center. The workshop, the first in a three-part series in preparation to take this assessment which is used to determine the skill level of sign language interpreters in K-12 settings, was conducted by CM Hall, Ed.M., NIC Advanced, EIPA Ed K:12, Project Coordinator from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center (WRIEC), in collaboration with the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education, and Guam CEDDERS. Front Row (L-R): Monika Duenas, Darlene Castro, Fe Gillins, Marilou Ang, Jeannie Hollis, CM Hall, Balbina Solberg, Connie Olaitiman, Melisha San Nicolas, and Geralding Songao. Back Row (L-R): Evangelis Babauta, Jr., Connie Estes, Christine Chargualaf, Cathy Santos, Elisa Muna, and Donna Flores. Page 11 VI Program Receive TA To help strengthen its services and supports, the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education’s Vision Impaired (VI) Program and the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) engaged the services of Donna McNear, Vision Impairment consultant. Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, Ms. McNear was on Guam from November 29 through December 6 and again on February 21 through March 2 to provide technical assistance and training in this area. No stranger to the region, Ms. McNear has been providing consultative services to Guam and the region for the past 10 years. Activities for the school-aged students included school site visits while young children birth to three years were seen in their homes and during a visit to a child care center. Meetings were then held at the GSAT Center to engage in “reflective dialogue” to consider strategies, resources, and next steps to support children with low vision or who are blind in both programs. To keep the consultation momentum going, the continuation of accessing the expertise of Ms. McNear via regular video conferencing meetings is being explored. Photos with caption: Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) staff received technical assistance in the area of vision impairments from Donna McNear, consultant, during the week of February 22 - March 1. Sitting (L-R): Grace Loyola, Melinda Treltas, Donna McNear, Vilma Gray. Standing (L-R): Sangie Susuico, Beauty Letewasyal, Tisha Castro, Janet Green, Gloriana Guerrero, Sherry Cruz. (L-R): Consultant Donna McNear crouches down to get a better view as she provides tips to Sherry Cruz, GEIS Teacher, while on a site visit at a child care center. Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education, Vision Impairment Program Teachers and staff also received technical assistance from consultant Donna McNear. (L-R): Kathy Millhoff, Sonya Aguon, Donna McNear, Cathy Emmi. Page 12 Project Menhålom: Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) Training Guam CEDDERS facilitated site visits to middle schools and a one-day training for middle school climate cadre (SCC) team members on January 19-20 on Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports. The workshop was conducted by Celeste Dickey, Educational and Community Supports Applications Training Coordinator, at the Senior Research Assistant Center, University of Oregon. The site visits conducted on January 20 included an observation of actual SCC meetings conducted at Jose Rios and Agueda Johnston middle schools. Ms. Dickey provided recommendations to the respective teams on conducting effective SCC meetings. On January 21, training was conducted by Ms. Dickey on the Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) process as well as a refresher to navigating the School Wide Information System (SWIS). There were approximately 65 individuals representing all the middle schools as well as the alternative school. Teams were provided with SCC meeting tools as well as strategies for problem-solving discipline problems. Each team was given a CD with resources to support the SCC activities as well as problem-solving tools. On Saturday, Ms. Dickey met with the VA Benavente Middle school principal to provide feedback on a video of the school’s SCC meeting in addition to being treated to a whirlwind tour of the island. Photos with caption: Celeste Dickey (standing far right), School Wide Information System (SWIS) Consultant and Dr. Nieves Flores (standing second from right), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, review the SWIS data with L.P. Untalan School Climate Cadre (SCC) Team members. Celeste Dickey, Educational and Community Supports (ECS) Applications Training Coordinator, Senior Research Assistant Center On Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports, University of Oregon, is shown demonstrating the use of the PBIS Team Meeting Minutes and Problem-Solving Action Plan Form. Page 13 Menhålom: PBIS Goes Home In collaboration with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Project Menhålom staff and the Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC), Guam CEDDERS Training Associates Bonnie Brandt, Cheryl De Roca, and Nieves Flores, Ed.D., conducted a four-hour training on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for parents of middle school students. The training was held on February 19 at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Ph.D., Superintendent of Education, provided opening remarks to the parents by emphasizing the importance of parent involvement at all levels but especially at the middle school level. In addition to parents, other GDOE personnel in attendance included Arlene Unpingco, Deputy Superintendent for Education and Community Supports, Christopher Anderson, Acting Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Jessica Camacho, Project Director for Project Menhålom, Trexia Dingcong, Project Menhalom District Coordinator, and Lindsey Dwiggins, Project Menhalom District Coach. Unlike the previous training held in November 2009, the parents for this year’s session were personally invited by school personnel. Parents received information on Project Menhålom, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Partnership in Character Education grant awarded to the Guam Department of Education in addition to an overview of the implementation of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) framework in the middle schools. The parents were provided a Parent Behavior Support Toolkit adapted from “Parenting Tools for Positive Behavior Change” developed by the Separated Parenting Access & Resource Center. Prior to introducing the toolkit, a session on positive vs. negative parenting as well as the use of coercion as a negative strategy with children was provided to the parents. The kit included the following four tools: (1) Staying close; (2) Positive consequences; (3) Ignoring junk behavior; and lastly, (4) Setting expectations. The first or “staying close” tool emphasized the use of appropriate body language and tone of voice. This includes but is not limited to effective communication such as active listening and showing empathy. The second tool focused on the use of positive consequences and “catching kids being good” rather than always giving attention to the inappropriate behaviors. The third tool emphasized that parents should ignore “junk” behavior. “Junk” behavior is described as “behaviors that are typical for children of a certain age.” These include but are not limited to whining, rolling the eyes, mumbling under the breath, etc. Parents were provided a strategy on how to ignore these behaviors. The fourth and final tool for the workshop was setting expectations. During this part of the workshop, parents were provided the opportunity to develop their own behavioral matrix that identified expectations and behaviors in the various settings in the home. The training concluded with Pauline Camacho, Guam Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) Director, providing information on the Home-School Connection. In addition to the presentation, PIRC was instrumental in providing a tote bag for parents to store their resources and training materials. Photo with caption: Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Ph.D. (L), Superintendent of the Guam Department of Education and Bonnie Brandt (R), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, chat before the start of the “PBIS in the Home Workshop” for middle school parents. Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, Dr. Nieves Flores (R) and John Rousan (L), language interpreter, smiles in agreement as Bertha Diamond (Middle), parent, reads what their group had developed during an activity. Page 14 Guam Reps Attend 2011 NSDC Conference/Site Visit As part of the Department of Education’s Division of Special Education American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) activity related to the “Low Performing Schools” initiative, Guam Department of Education (GDOE) representatives, Robert Malay, principal of Machananao Elementary School, Terese Crisostomo, special education school program consultant, and Guam CEDDERS Training Associate Nieves Flores, Ed.D., attended the 42nd National Staff Development Council (NSDC) Annual Conference from Dec. 4-8, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the conference, Mr. Malay and Dr. Flores attended a pre-conference session entitled “Developing High Impact Action Plans for Every Level of Learning” presented by Dr. Douglas Reeves, founder of the Leading and Learning Center and twice named to the Harvard Distinguished Authors Series. The pre-conference as well as the annual conference sessions attended by the Guam participants focused on planning, delivery, implementation, and evaluation of job-embedded professional learning experiences. Some BIG IDEAS from the conference included: • Inspect what you expect. • Praise the falls as much as the perfect landings. • Celebrate success! • Transformation takes time. • It’s people and practices not programs that matters. In conjunction with attendance at this conference, the Guam team also conducted a site visit to the Brown International School (BIS) in Denver, Colorado. Brown International School is considered a “Turnaround School” as a result of improved student learning results over a period of time. BIS started its turnaround journey at the start of the 2005-2006 school year with a new principal and approximately 75% of its teachers fresh out of teacher preparation programs. As part of its improvement process, BIS achieves it mission through “Implementation of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s Primary Years Programme.” This is a program designed for children aged three to 12 that focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside. As an IB World School, Brown is a part of an international organization that offers high quality programs of international education to a worldwide community of schools. IB’s three programs for ECE through high school students help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Brown is one of fewer than 500 schools worldwide to be an authorized IB “World School in the Primary Years Programme.” The themes throughout the site visit were the use of data to informal instructional decisions and job-embedded professional learning experiences. A strong message was to conduct on-going progress monitoring of students’ performance, analysis of results on a consistent basis, and the use of problem-solving strategies. Photos with caption: GDOE and Guam CEDDERS staff conducted a site visit to Brown International School (Turnaround School) in Denver, Colorado. Left to Right: Robert Malay, principal of Machananano, Terese Crisostomo, DOE Special Education School Program Consultant, Suzanne Loughran, principal of Brown International School, and Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate. Robert Malay (right), principal of Machananao Elementary School, and Dr. Nieves Flores (middle), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, are shown here with Dr. Douglas Reeves (left), presenter for the pre-conference full-day session at the 2011 National Staff Development Council Annual Conference. Page 15 FS360° Engages With Community Guam Family Support 360° for Military Families (GFS360°) is engaged in several projects in the Guam community. The primary function of the project is to support military families with a child with a disability and help them to navigate the military and community resources. GFS360° employs a “peer support” strategy by pairing up navigators and trained volunteers with families who need help learning to use the military systems and resources. GFS360° teaches families to use the medical, education, base, and Guam community systems. During home visits, staff work with families to develop family-centered military family support plans. Support plan goals are promoted when GFS360° links families with needed services within the military and Guam communities and offers support opportunities for siblings and parents. In 2011, GFS360° offered several parent support group and volunteer opportunities to military families with children with disabilities. GFS360° has held two parent support group meetings at the Andersen swimming pool since January 2011. GFS360° expects to offer two more at the Navy Base Guam pool before the end of March. Known as a “Support Splash,” these meetings offer parents a chance to share their struggles with others who are experiencing similar stressors. Support Splashes also provide a fun opportunity to build relationships among staff, volunteers, and clients. On January 5, Guam DOE counselors invited GFS360° Family Support Specialist Lisa Jensen to speak at the monthly counselors meeting. Many GDOE schools have a population of military students who may need services from GFS360°.Counselors were given guidance about how to access services. Currently, a military child sibling group is being formed at Wettengel Elementary School with counselor Estela Caleta and several Guard families. On February 10 and 11, the Military Child Education Coalition presented a two-day conference on the importance of helping children build resilience. Ms. Jensen attended and brought back some valuable information from the workshop, titled “Transitions.” Lastly, on February 25, GFS360° held a quarterly Advisory Committee meeting. Stakeholders attended and offered guidance and feedback on activities and on GFS360°’s website: www.guamfamilysupport.org. GFS360° will be conducting a breakout session at the annual Social Work Conference, hosted by the National Association of Social Workers Guam Chapter, on March 23-25. Photos with caption: A Guam Family Support 360° for Military Families volunteer gives a swimming lesson to a young participant during a recent Support Splash event. Denise Ola, Family Support Navigator, explains the use of the Special Care Organizational Record (SCOR) for Children to military parents and advisory committee members during the Guam Family Support 360° for Military Families Advisory Committee Meeting on February 25. Page 16 Monitoring Activities Extend to Peleliu Welcome to Peleliu, the Land of Enchantment! Peleliu is one of the islands in the Republic of Palau where travel to and from the island is on a motor boat that takes from 45 minutes to an hour from Koror, the main island of the Republic of Palau. This land of enchantment is home to about 300 Palauans, including the first President of the Republic of Palau, Haruo I. Remeliik. Peleliu has one public elementary school which includes 84 children, first through eight grade, of which six receive special education services. On November 29 and 30, 2010, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, had the privilege of supporting the on-site monitoring visit conducted at Peleliu Elementary School. The on-site monitoring visit is a component of the MOE general supervision system of integrated monitoring activities to assess the compliance and improved performance of special education and related services provided for children with disabilities. Ms. De Leon observed the interactions and review process of the monitoring team, comprised of Helen Sengebau, MOE Special Education Coordinator, Nora Renguul, MOE Local Monitor, and Jennifer Ngwal, MOE Consulting Resource Teacher, with the school principal, teachers, and parents of the school. The on-site monitoring activities included file reviews and interviews with the principal, special education teachers, general education teachers, and parents of children receiving special education services. The purpose for the reviews and interviews was to assess the effectiveness, including procedural compliance, of the special education services provided at the school. In addition, observations of the students in the classroom provided the monitoring team a sense of the actual practices occurring that follow each child’s IEP and more importantly, positively impact the education results of each child receiving special education services. Thank you Peleliu Elementary School for your warm hospitality and your community and family approach to providing educational services for all students! Photos with caption: Juline and daughter Ayana, first grader, were interviewed about special education services during the recent monitoring visit. Juline shared how Ayana is benefitting from special education services at Peleliu Elementary School. Ayana follows along while the teacher reads a passage from the text during a social studies lesson in her first grade general education class. MOE Monitoring Team takes a photo break with the Peleliu Elementary School Administrator, Faculty, and staff during the visit. Front row, L-R: Olympia Mabel – GenEd Teacher, Gwenthyan Williams-SpEd Teacher, Anemary Sambal-SpEd Teacher, Erley Salii-Librarian , Lynn Smau-GenEd Teacher, Second row, L-R: Jennifer Ngwal – SpEd CRT District 3, Ngereblunt Arurang- Principal, Vivian Shmull-GenEd Teacher, Back row, L-R: Helen Sengebau-SpEd Program Coordinator, Nora Renguul-Local Monitor/Data Manager, Annette Ucherkemur-GenEd Teacher. Page 17 Training and TA Delivered on Transit Issues Transit passenger assistance training, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible vehicles, policy development, and cuts in service are the hot topics on the Guam CEDDERS transportation agenda for January – March 2011. Forty-four operators are completing their annual refresher training in March and an additional 11 new operators will be certified by Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) for Passenger Service and Safety. The Guam CEDDERS Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area has also been active with the Guam Regional Transit Authority Board. In February, the board underscored their commitment to full accessibility with buses being placed into service. In March, the reality of an underfunded budget brought the need to cut services for the remainder of the year. Guam CEDDERS played an important role in preserving equal access to the proposed reduction in hours and service. Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, also took the lead in a review of policies affecting operations and provided technical assistance for the first round of policy discussions. The working sessions, which began on February 28, focused on an ADA issue of telephone hold times as well as passenger hygiene, expressive behaviors, and customer/dispatcher relations. Working sessions are expected to continue through the next few months. Photos with caption: (L-R): Operators Antonino Nalicat, Greg Taitague, Isabel Pangelinan, Scheduler, Teddy Saguilla, Operator, Mike Garrido, Supervisor and Shawn Wolford and Dan Cruz, Operators, completed their required four-hour annual passenger assistance refresher training on February 22. In addition to timed testing for competence in wheelchair and passenger securement, they reviewed strategies to manage problem passengers and difficult situations and discussed ADA guidelines for Origin to Destination service. Antonino Nalicat (L), demonstrates his skills in wheelchair securement and the proper placement of lap and shoulder securement belts while communicating with Mike Garrido (R), who role plays the part of a wheelchair passenger. All operators receiving annual passenger assistance refresher training during the month of March were evaluated for competence in four point securement of wheelchairs, a national standard of safety. Page 18 SPEAK OUT. BE HEARD. “We at Guam CEDDERS believe the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) should support full participation for people with disabilities in the community. People with disabilities want to live, work, and recreate in the community. We encourage the ADD to put resources into community supports and services, NOT into institutions.” The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, is collecting information from people with disabilities, families, and professionals about how the Administration should support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Besides holding in-person forums across the country (Envisioning the Future Forums), ADD has been collecting recommendations online. You are invited to submit your testimony under one of the following four topical areas to ADD: Topics Childhood (0-21 years) How do we ensure that each child with a developmental disability will live a healthy and happy life in a loving family home; fully participate in all of the experiences of childhood in inclusive, welcoming communities; be empowered to advocate for themselves; and successfully graduate from school prepared for college or a career of their choosing? Adulthood (21-60 years) In the future, what will be the most important contributing factors to ensuring that adults with developmental disabilities achieve equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency and full participation as valued members of inclusive, integrated communities? Which critical issues must be prioritized - access to healthcare, employment, supports and services, technology, housing, transportation, other issues? Aging (60-end of life) Aging concerns affect us all. The number of adults with developmental disabilities age 60 years and older is projected to nearly double from 642,000 (2000) to 1.2 million (2030). What can we do to empower older individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in their own homes with a high quality of life, to maintain independence and good health for as long as possible, and to enjoy community and family relationships through the end of life? Supports from families, caregivers, professionals and other allies Over 75% of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities live with families, often with aging parents. Direct support workers usually earn very low wages. Families and caregivers often struggle to access any level of formal support at all. How can we address the future caregiving and support challenges of communities, families, and the allies who care about people with developmental disabilities? The website for submitting testimony is: http://www.envision2010.net/comment_submit.php. If you need assistance or do not have internet access, please contact Guam CEDDERS at 735-2477 and we will provide access and supports. Page 19 Pacific CIMAP Outcomes Shared at Sydney VI Conference Arthur Albert, Chief of Special Services Division, National Department of Education, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), presented “Avyllia’s Hope: Effective Partnerships for Possibilities in Pacific Island Communities” during the 2011 Biennial Conference of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI) held the week of January 16, in Sydney, Australia. Avyllia’s Hope tells the story of one family’s experience with possibilities in Pohnpei, FSM that, in many respects, represents the desire of other families who want the “possibilities” to be available and accessible on their island. It is a story about how partnerships with families, the educational system, technical expertise, and resource support can make the impossible possible. Avyllia’s Hope is an example of how a U.S. federal grant, the Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP), had a positive impact on the efforts put forth to improve educational services for children who are blind in Pacific island communities. Pacific CIMAP was administered by Guam CEDDERS in the six (6) Pacific Basin entities. On behalf of your Pacific family, Kalahngan (Thank You), Arthur, for sharing the impact of Pacific CIMAP with our international colleagues and friends in special education! Photo with caption: Arthur Albert, a former Guam CEDDERS trainee, proudly displays his certificate from the SPEVI committee for recognizing him as a speaker in the conference. Advertisement: 2011 GSAT Conference & Fair March 18 & 19 AT: Making it Work for Business A Focus on Employment and Accessibility AT Conference on March 18, 8:00am-3:00pm at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa AT Fair on March 19, 10:00am-3:00pm at the Micronesia To register, for more information, or to request for reasonable accommodations, contact: Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)Tel: 735-2490 TTY: 735-2491 Email: gsat@guamcedders.org This conference is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Tri-Agency: Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service, and Guam Legal Services Corporation. Acknowledgment & Contact Information: University of Guam, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Address: 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: Vera Blaz, Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Cheryl De Roca, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Connie Guerrero, Lisa Jensen, Joseph Mendiola, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., 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 20 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS Mar 11 Mar 1-31 “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” Mar 4 Self-Advocates Support Hearing on Ben Servino Appointment Mar 4 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30pm-5:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG Mar 5,11,12,15 “CTAA PASS Training” GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2369 for more information or 735-2478 to leave a message. Mar 7-11 Yap State Technical Assistance Visit Mar 8 UOG Charter Day Mar 8 & 15 CSEFFEL Workshop, 8:00am-5:00pm, Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. Mar 12 Tri-Agency Bowling Bash, 10:00am-1:00pm, Century Lanes. Mar 15 ACCESS Radio Show begins, Noon, K57 AM Mar 16 GSAT GOAL AT/GGT General Meeting. Call 735-2490/1 for more information. Mar 16 Secondary Transition O’Leary Follow-up Training #4, JFK High School. Mar 16-19 Chuuk State Technical Assistance Visit Mar 17Project Menhålom Monthly TA Session, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Mar 18 GSAT Conference “AT:Making it Work for Business, A Focus on Employment and Accessibility” 8:00am-3:00pm, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. For more information call 735-2490. Mar 19 GSAT Fair “AT:Making it Work for Business, A Focus on Employment and Accessibility”, 10:00am-3:00pm, Micronesia Mall. For more information call 735-2490. Mar 23-25 National Association for Social Workers Conference Guam Chapter, (3 Guam CEDDERS Presentations) - Holiday Resort & Spa. Mar 26 “Special Education Parent Conference,” 9:00am-2:00pm, Marriott Resort & Spa. Call 735-2561 for more information. Mar 28 & 29 “Annual Passenger Assistance Refresher Training”, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Mar 30-Apr 2 Palau Technical Assistance Visit Apr-Jun 11 Apr 4-5 “PEPNet Workshop” Call 735-2477 for more information. Apr 6 PACIFIC Project Leadership Team Meeting, Guam. Apr 6-7Response to Intervention Site Visit, Tigard, Oregon. Apr 9 “Autism Awareness Fair” 10:00am-3:00pm, Agana Shopping Center. Apr 9 Self-Advocacy Training,” 8:00am-12:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2369 for more information. Apr 16 “Self-Advocacy Training,” continues, 8:00am-12:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2369 for more information. Apr 18-20 “Sign Language Interpreters Workshop” 8:00am-4:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. Apr 18-23 “PAC RIM Conference” Honolulu Conference Center (5 Guam CEDDERS Presentations). Apr 30 “Self-Advocacy Training,” continues, 8:00am-2:00pm, Holiday Resort & Spa. May 1-31 “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month” May 4 -6 National Evaluation System of Care Assessment Site Visit May 7Interactive Parent Conference “The Power of Play,” 9:00am-11:00am, Guam Sports Complex, Dededo. May 19-20 Menhålom SCC Training, Westin Guam. May 23-27“Incredible Years Training” 8:00-5:00pm, Location TBA. May 28 Islandwide Healthy Development Fair and Community Education Event, 10:00am-4:00pm, UOG. May 29 UOG Graduation Jun 3 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30pm-5:00pm, GSAT House 19, Dean’s Circle, UOG. For the latest updates on Guam CEDDERS news & events, visit our website at: www.guamcedders.org