I Tellai, The BRIDGE Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Volume 14, Issue 2 March 9, 2012 In this issue: 18th Annual AT Fair Draws Island Residents.................1-2 AT Conference Highlights Quality of Life........................3 GSAT Loan Program Statistics.......................................4 Speech Therapist Helps Students with AT.....................4 Implementation of New IDEA Part C Regs.....................5 Teleaudiology Project Featured on Website ..................5 Project Kariñu: Federal Site Visit....................................6 Interpreters Complete Third Prep Workshop..................8 LEND Trainees Assist Student with MAPs Process.......8 Guam LEND Trainees Attend Sessions with Peers.......9 CORE Grant Community Input.......................................10 Self-Advocates Pump Up for Hawaii Summit................11 Person Centered Planning Takes Preparation..............12 Language Assistance Providers Receive TA................13 Child Caregivers Attend SAC Training .........................14 SAC Sponsors Parent Trainings....................................15 Boys Town - “Hearing Loss 201 & Beyond”..................15 Pacific VIP Students Complete Fall Semester..............16 The PAC 6 Journey Continues.......................................17 Maximizing Student Support...........................................17 CEDDERS Facilitates Wraparound Training..................18 CEDDERS Welcomes New Staff...................................18 Video Interview Now Available ......................................19 Family Support Info Displayed at BX ............................19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS........................20 Page 1-2 18th Annual AT Fair Draws Island Residents On February 25, island residents got more from the Micronesia Mall than its retail stores and eateries. The Mall’s center court offered the island community a one-stop learning opportunity on assistive technology and community programs available to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. As it has for many years, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) selected this venue for its annual assistive technology fair because of the welcoming nature of mall management, the foot traffic it is known to bring in, and the ample space of its center court. In addition, this year’s fair was one event in a year long list of events to commemorate the University of Guam’s 60th Anniversary. The Assistive Technology (AT) Fair was also a way to advertise the annual AT Conference scheduled for March 9, at the Westin Resort in Tumon. The annual Assistive Technology Fair is GSAT’s biggest public awareness event. The tradition is now 18 years strong. The very first fairs were coordinated by Ben Servino who currently serves as the director for the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) and the acting administrator for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Mr. Servino, who was present at Saturday’s Fair, expressed joy in seeing the success of the event continue into 2012. When Mr. Servino left GSAT to pursue studies in the mainland, the annual AT Fairs continued under the leadership of Mike Terlaje. In a 2007 article written by KUAM News, Mr. Terlaje stated, “We have regular groups of individuals who keep coming to us, like senior citizens, some of the healthcare providers and so forth, but this is just one of the reasons behind our Fair. We know that there is a targeted community out there…They may have grandparents, they may have children that need some of these devices, so we bring it out to the community and hopefully we get someone’s attention and they find the service that they are looking for.” The same remains true today. GSAT strives to put services out there and raise the awareness of assistive technology through events like this as there are still many people who are unfamiliar with the supports provided through AT. Colorful balloons and enthusiastic smiles invited folks to visit the 36 displays. GSAT offered live demonstrations of assistive technology devices across three different table stations with each table addressing a theme. This year, GSAT shared low to high tech communication solutions, a variety of learning tools, and solutions for struggles people may face in their everyday lives, such as writing or taking their blood sugar. GSAT wasn’t the only entity to showcase assistive technology. Ross Hearing Aids had a variety of gadgets for individuals with hearing loss, such as amplifying phones and pocket devices. The Guam Public Library put out a display of audio books and a player that they offer their patrons who have visual, learning, or print disabilities. Local support groups like New Vision Guam!, SiñA Self- Advocates in Action, and Autism Community Together (ACT) were present to share their missions with participants. Numerous government agencies were available to offer their service, too. Agencies represented were from the health, education, advocacy, independent living, and employment fields. Private, non-profit organizations, like Catholic Social Services and Sanctuary Inc., were also present. Many in attendance were pleased to learn that accessible shuttle services do exist on island, such as those provided by Vicente Borja’s Access Transport. As any successful event necessitates, GSAT owes the success of this year’s fair to key contributors. GSAT is very appreciative of the Advisory Council AT Fair Planning Committee which dedicated their time and hard work to logistics. Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ (a big thank you) for the manpower and financial contributions of the Tri-Agency on Developmental Disabilities, the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Legal Services Corporation- Disability Law Center and Guam CEDDERS. Further, thanks to the Micronesia Mall for letting the fair come back this year and most especially to all the fine organizations that participated in the event by putting up table displays. A fair would not be a fair without your presence. Thank you, thank you! Photos with captions: (L-R): Patrick Carlos and Dolores Palomo, GSAT staff members, explain the use of a keyboard template to an AT Fair attendee. Guam Early Intervention System staff members (right) show some of their resource materials to an enthusiastic customer. Thilani Pereda, Guam CEDDERS staffer, demonstrates a modified keyboard. The AT Fair was set up at the center court of the Micronesia Mall. Gerard Cruz (left) a member of New Vision Guam!, talks about the assistive technology available for people with visual impairments. Page 3 18th Annual AT Conference Highlights Quality of Life The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) held its 18th Annual AT Conference on Friday, March 9 at the Westin Resort Guam. With the theme, “Living Life! Enhancing our Quality of Life through Assistive Technology,” the event was co-sponsored by Guam CEDDERS, the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council), Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC), Guam Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). More than 180 participants turned out for the yearly event that provided information on an array of topics related to assistive technology, from the newest apps for the iPad to designing an accessible home. Cheryl De Roca talked about the different apps available on mobile devices, such as the iPad, that can assist individuals with disabilities to communicate as well as control the environment around them. Lydia Calvo and Zina Blas spoke about how DISID/DVR can provide assistance to individuals with disabilities seeking self-employment. Denise Mendiola Hertslet shared insight on achieving successful self-employment. Carla Torres, GSAT’s AT Specialist, conducted three sessions related to Assistive Technology. She and members of Self Advocates in Action (SiñA), along with June Dee Cruz from the Guam Center for Independent Living, demonstrated low tech devices for individuals with visual impairments. Renita Taimanao and Alisha Molyneux, staff attorneys from GLSC-DLC, presented on resolving barriers to work with the appropriate assistive technology. Christine Rosario, a technology specialist with the Guam Department of Education, spoke on assistive technology in the school setting. Christine Wolke, Principal & Interior Architect with RIM Architects, shared different options for a barrier-free home. SiñA members provided testimonials on how self-advocacy has affected their lives. They also awarded Gold Star Awards to the Sorenson Media Group and Kloppenburg Enterprises, Inc. This was the second year SiñA has recognized local businesses that have been particularly progressive in accessibility and responsive to the needs of customers with disabilities. Photos with captions: The 18th Annual Assistive Technology Conference drew 184 participants. (L-R): Erlinda Tydingco, Ben Servino, Andrew Tydingco, Ginger Porter, and Jacob Cruz enjoy the camaraderie during the AT Conference. Self-Advocates in Action (SiñA) members shared their positive experiences with the organization. (L-R): Jacob Cruz, Noel Lazaga, Lisa Ogo, Rudy Iglesias, and Evelyn Dueñas. Page 4 GSAT Device Loan Program Statistics 107 Assistive Technology Devices Loaned to 73 Individuals October 1, 2010 -September 30, 2011 107 Devices Loaned by Type 15 - Vision 18 - Hearing 12 - Speech Communication 10 - Learning, Cognition, and Developmental 17 - Mobility, seating, and Positioning 8 - Daily Living 3 - Environmental Adaptations 14 - Computers and Related 10 - Recreation, Sports, and Leisure 73 Device Loans by Type of Borrower 27 - Representatives of Education 23 - Individuals with Disabilities 20 - Family Members, Guardians, & Authorized Representatives 3 - Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 113 Participants during 85 Device Demonstrations Sessions October 1, 2010 -September 30, 2011 113 Participants 66 - Individual with Disabilities 40 - Family Members, Guardians, & Authorized Representatives 6 - Representatives of Education 1 - Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 85 Device Demonstrations by Type 53 - Vision 1 - Hearing 8 - Speech Communication 13 - Learning, Cognition, and Developmental 2 - Daily Living 2 - Computers and Related 6 - Recreation, Sports, and Leisure Speech Therapist Helps Students with Assistive Technology “I am constantly finding ways to help my students and clients through new studies and technologies. I was fortunate to try the iPad 2 with my students. They were able to easily engage with the iPad 2 applications (apps) for communication and learning concepts with a simple touch,” says Daniel Domaol, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech & language pathologist with the Department of Education (DOE). He says, “The visual cues are stimulating and the audio prompts made them excited all the time. This new technology is a must for speech therapists like me. I have the ease of providing simulative, educational, and enjoyable activities to my students. Thanks to the iPad 2 and the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) for opening a way for me to discover this great tool for my students.” Photo with caption: Daniel Domaol, MA, CCC-SLP, speech & language therapist, conducts therapy using the iPad 2. Page 5 Input Sessions Held to Implement New IDEA Part C Regs In September 2011, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Regulations for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities were published in the Federal Register. As part of Guam CEDDERS technical assistance to Department of Education, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), Guam CEDDERS facilitated stakeholder input sessions to review the new 2011 Part C Regulations and make necessary revisions to the Guam Part C State Plan and GEIS Procedural Manual. On February 3, 2012, Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, facilitated the first stakeholder input sessions on Pre-Referral Regulations, Public Awareness Program, Comprehensive Child Find System, and Central Directory revisions attended by 16 GEIS staff. On February 17, the second stakeholder input session was held and focused on referral procedures. A total of 21 GEIS staff attended this session. For more information on the new Part C Regulations, please contact Elaine Eclavea at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org or visit http://idea.ed.gov. Photo with caption: Guam Early Intervention System staff participated in an input session on the new IDEA Part C Regulations in February GEHDI Teleaudiology Project Featured on Website The December issue of I Tellai carried a story about how Guam CEDDERS partnered with the Colorado Children’s Hospital to conduct the first ever tele-audiology evaluation in the Pacific. Because of this groundbreaking approach and the implication for improved accessibility to hearing evaluations for babies in areas considered to be remote, this news story has been featured in several news outlets. Pictured at left is an article featuring Guam’s experience in tele-audiology which appeared on the website: www.babysource.net. Page 6-7 Federal Site Visit Team on Island for Project Kariñu From January 9 – 13, a Site Visit Team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was on Guam to assess Project Kariñu’s progress in developing and implementing an early childhood system of care. The Team was comprised of Ruth Ormsby (Team Leader), Michelle Herman (SAMHSA Federal Project Officer), Becky Ornelas (Technical Assistance Coordinator), and Pat Baker (Parent). The team began their visit with a series of meetings with representatives from Project Kariñu and the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), the Governor and First Lady of Guam, and several members of the Guam Legislature. These meetings helped to familiarize the Site Visit Team with the complex issues that Guam’s families face and to establish the context for Project Kariñu’s work. On Tuesday, January 10, Project Kariñu staff presented an overview of the initiative, showcasing their efforts during their first two years of operation to the Site Visit Team, partnering agencies, and members of the community. As part of this presentation, Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Project Kariñu Evaluator, provided an overview of the demographics and characteristics of children and families being served by Project Kariñu, and shared data collected as part of Guam’s participation in the National Evaluation of all currently funded System of Care communities (see box: Characteristics of Children and Families Being Served by Project Kariñu). Through the rest of the week, the Site Visit Team facilitated discussions with Project Kariñu staff and community stakeholders, including family members, around nine areas of focus: system of care structure; system level planning; services and supports; service records; fiscal management; family-driven care; training and technical assistance, cultural and linguistic competency; public education and social marketing; and evaluation and quality assurance. The purpose of these discussions was to identify successes and challenges in meeting the requirements of the cooperative agreement that provides funding for Project Kariñu and to determine areas in need of further attention. The Site Visit Team also met with families during an informal luncheon to learn more about their needs and experiences in accessing services for their young children. On the third day of the visit, Guam CEDDERS Staff members Brandt and Mariles Benavente, Project Kariñu’s Cultural and Linguistic Competency (CLC) Coordinator, provided overviews of the Evaluation and CLC components of the grant, which Guam CEDDERS manages via subcontracts with DPHSS. Members of the Community Evaluation Advisory Team (CEAT) and the CLC Workgroup participated in these sessions, demonstrating the high level of family and community involvement in these components. A report out was conducted by the Site Visit Team on the final day of their visit, during which they shared their initial observations and recommendations with the community. The Team noted Project Kariñu’s “people power,” meaning the high level of commitment by staff, partnering agencies, families, and other community stakeholders, as a strength of the initiative. Other strengths identified by the Team included: the strategic planning process, the logic model, the Early Learning Council, the Incredible Years Parent Group Leader training, and efforts to establish a cross agency referral and intake form and process. The Evaluation and CLC components also received high marks for their respective work groups and processes. In discussing challenges, the Site Visit Team referenced Guam’s “procurement paralysis” as a significant barrier to building an effective system of care for children and families. The need to put the system of care value of family-driven care into practice and to develop and implement the core system of care skill of wraparound were emphasized by the Team. Project Kariñu has begun to address these noted concerns. A final written report providing a more in-depth assessment and specific recommendations is expected from SAMHSA within the next two months. Text in colored box: Characteristics of Children and Families Being Served by Project Kariñu * Age range: 2 months – 6 years; average age is 3.2 years ( n = 51) * 64.7% male; 35.3% female (n = 51) * Reported Ethnicity: 74.5% Chamorro or Chamorro Mix; 11.8% Chuukese (n = 51) * Agency Involvement at Intake: 49% Primary Health; 43.1% Child Welfare; 15.7% DOE (n = 51) * Of those children involved in Child Welfare, 68.2% are in court ordered out-of-home placements (n = 22) * 30% of caregivers never finished high school or their GED (n = 20) * 60% of children have lived with someone who is depressed (n = 20) Based on data submitted to the CMHS National Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program from June to December 12, 2011. Photos with captions: Photo left: Federal Site Team Members confer with Kariñu stakeholders. Ruth Ormsby (standing), Site Visit Team Leader, presented initial findings from Project Kariñu’s site visit with the community. Page 8 Photos with captions: Educational Interpreters Complete Third Prep Workshop CM Hall, Interpreter Trainer from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center, based at Western Oregon University, conducted the third workshop in a series of workshops held on Dec 28-29 for personnel serving as educational sign language interpreters for the deaf from Guam and Saipan. Five interpreters from the Guam Department of Education along with their program coordinator, and three members from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System participated in the workshop. The workshop series specifically targets preparation to take the performance section of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) which has been adopted by several states as a measure of professional competence. Seated left to right: Bobbie Solberg, CM Hall, Jovita “Fe” Monforte, & Cathy Santos. Standing left to right: Fe Gillins, Monika Duenas, Jeannie Hollis, Melisha San Nicolas, Geraldine Songai, and Connnie Oltiman. Not shown: Connie Estes. LEND Trainees Assist Student with MAPs Process “Making Action Plans,” also known as “MAPs,” is a process employed by families and service providers to help chart out components of a transition plan for students who receive special education services. As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this process and the planning for transition, should begin by the time a student turns 14 years old. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Trainees experienced this process by facilitating a MAPs session with Jeffinie Chiguina, a student at Okkodo High School. With input from her aunt and guardian, Annie Gallimore, Jeffinie’s medical, childhood, and school history were charted, along with her strengths, weaknesses, fears, and dreams. Considering these factors, an action plan was devised to help her achieve her dreams. The “MAP” that was drawn will help guide her next Individualized Education Program meeting which is scheduled for March. Photo with caption: LEND Trainees facilitated a “MAPs” process to help a DOE student develop a plan for her future. (Front Row L-R): Bernadette “Annie” Gallimore, aunt guardian, and Jeffinie Chiguina, student. (Back Row L-R): Cindy Malanum, Carla Torres, Dina Fegurgur, Lynn Okada, and Emma Gatewood. Page 9 Guam LEND Trainees Attend Sessions with Hawaii Peers After spending the first semester meeting “virtually” via video-conferencing, Guam and Hawaii Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Trainees finally met face-to-face during the 2012 Spring Semester Kick-Off Retreat held in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13-15. The purpose of the LEND Project, a collaborative partnership between University of Hawaii Medical School and University of Guam CEDDERS, is to provide training in the area of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities to graduate level students, practicing professionals, and community representatives representing a broad range of backgrounds and disciplines. Trainees from nutrition, social work, dentistry, dental hygiene, clinical and educational psychology, nursing, assistive technology, special education, and speech and language pathology, attended the 32-hour Retreat held at Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Shriners’ Hospital. Sessions were led by various faculty members including Leolinda Parlin, Aileen Hiramitsu, MBA, Ronald Matayoshi, MSW, LSW, and Louise Iwaishi, M.D., Project Director. Topics covered ranged from tips on conducting presentations, Person-Centered Planning, active listening, and group facilitation. Special presentations were conducted by Julie Walsh, Ph.D., University of Hawaii faculty, on “Cultural Practices of the Marshallese Islanders” and by Patricia Taimanglo, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and clinical director at the Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse whose presentation was on “Community Trauma: Impact on the Chamorro People of Guam.” The Guam Trainees also conducted a presentation on their legislative project, a requirement of the LEND program. Since October 2011, the trainees have been involved, through providing research and facilitating focus groups, in an initiative to provide a legislative mandate that will ensure first responders, including police, fire, and medical personnel, are appropriately trained to interact and work with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities or who come from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. After the weekend, the trainees resumed their meetings via video-conferencing. They are scheduled to meet face-to-face again in Honolulu in mid-March for another three-day retreat. The current cohort of five Guam trainees are scheduled to complete the 300-hour LEND program by the end of May. Recruitment for the second cohort will begin in April, with the final selection slated to take place by June. Page 10 Guam CEDDERS Initiates CORE Grant Community Input Guam CEDDERS began the process of gathering input and perspectives for the next five-year Core Grant application during a meeting held at GSAT on February 21. The first of three initiative areas, Consumer Leadership and Systems Change (CLSC), held a lively input session with interested community members from cross disability and discipline areas and a group of Advisory Council members. After an overview of outcomes in Quality Assurance, Transportation, and Emergency Preparedness over the past four years, the ideas of on-going need and direction began to flow, reflecting the need for continued attention to those goal areas and additional input for issues of Aging and Disability, Safety & Prevention (including sexual abuse), emergency medical care for individuals with disabilities, and delivery strategies for training. Recommendations support direction for the expansion of training for parents and extended family members, siblings, and children with disabilities. Transportation education and improved access to information on transit operations continues to be a focus of need. New topical suggestions included travel-training programs for new and current riders. Parking enforcement and education were also discussed. Many of the suggestions mirrored the input provided at the May 26, 2011 Forum on Transportation. Themes in the Emergency Preparedness area reflected a need for systems to practice the application of personal emergency plans and a mechanism to support annual reviews to update plans. Several contributions addressed the concerns about lack of direct engagement in Homeland Security exercises. The input process continues through written comments and prioritization of objectives and activities by the Advisory Council and those attending the input session. During the next quarter, the Health, Wellness, and Prevention Initiative Area will engage in a similar process to further cast the net of capturing community input, to be followed in the last quarter of the fiscal year by the Inclusive Communities Initiative Area. The culmination of this process will result in goals and objectives that are reflective of community need for capacity building, research, and systems change for the next Core grant application. Photo with caption: Tom Manglona (left), CEDDERS Advisory Council Chairperson, emphasizes a point relating to issues of continuing need to a stakeholder group gathered at GSAT on February 21. Page 11 Self-Advocates Pump Up for Hawaii Summit In February, several self-advocates were actively working on a team presentation in preparation for a Self-Advocacy Summit sponsored by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities in Honolulu from March 28 - 29. Comprised of seven self-advocates and five agency representatives, the team brainstormed answers to challenges affecting the state of self-advocacy on Guam. (see box at right) The diverse team, representing autism, youth, and the overarching disability community, were energized and bubbled with creativity and enthusiasm. This team is destined to make Guam proud, and more importantly, will bring back an action plan to further self-advocacy on Guam and provide recommendations for national attention to the state of Self- Advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Photo with caption: Guam representatives for the Self-Advocacy Summit scheduled for March 28 - 29 met on several occasions to work on their presentations. (Front Row L-R): Erlinda Bontogon, parent; Marie Bontogon, youth member; Molliann Campos, youth member; Rosanne Ada, DDC Executive Director; Clinton Mesa, member representing Autism. (Middle Row L-R): Erlinda Tydingco, Self-Advocate and co-facilitator; Carol Cabiles, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC); Elisa Cruz, SILC Chair; Lou Mesa, parent. (Back Row L-R): Hank Parker, GLSC-DLC, Director; Jacob Cruz, Self-Advocate; Andrew Tydingco, Self-Advocate; and Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS co-facilitator. Text in colored boxes: Key Accomplishments 1) Education and putting self-advocacy into practice 2) Mentoring with peers 3) Making a difference in people’s lives 4) Changing old school attitudes 5) Progress towards real jobs for real people 6) The establishment of SiñA: Self-Advocates in Action, an all inclusive 501(c)3 disabilities organization. Challenges Affecting the State of Self-Advocacy 1) Lack of community understanding of disabilities 2) Slow development of post-secondary accommodations 3) Transportation 4) Housing 5) Progress towards real jobs for real people 6) The need to build the skills and numbers of self-advocates Goals and Dreams 1) Assist youth peers to become aware of self-advocacy and help others in need 2) Educating kids about disability circumstances 3) Inclusion and integration in all community affairs; 4) Enhancing self-determination—the ability to make life choices 5) Living as independently as possible, with a reliable stream of funding support. Page 12 Person Centered Planning Takes Preparation Beyond Forms Let’s get personal! Teachers, counselors, and parents now have access to new tools and frameworks for facilitating Person Centered Planning. From December 12 – 16, 2011, 22 individuals from the Guam Department of Education (DOE) met at the Westin Resort Guam to engage in five-days of training designed to help professionals develop competencies needed to facilitate consumer and family-directed career, education, and life planning. With funding from the DOE, Division of Special Education ARRA grant, the interactive forum was led by Patty Cotton, M. Ed., and Pam McPhee, MSW, from the University of New Hampshire. These two trainers deftly crafted experiential learning for participants to 1) design a structure for facilitating planning sessions; 2) apply three mapping tools involving graphic recording; 3) facilitate a brainstorming session and 4) summarize information into a clear plan of action. Follow-up sessions of the effectiveness of the process provides clear evidence of bringing new and meaningful information to the planning table for individuals with disabilities in transition. Leone Rohr, a parent participating in the training, was so inspired by the effectiveness for students, that she has initiated parent and school personnel training to educate them about the value and effectiveness of Person Centered Planning. Photos with captions: Teachers and counselors from the Department of Education joined a parent and Guam CEDDERS professionals, Dr. Nieves Flores and Ginger Porter, in a week long training on “Person Centered Planning: Goals & Facilitation Techniques.” The training was led by Patty Cotton and Pam McPhee from the University of New Hampshire. Parents and school personnel gather for a photo at the conclusion of Person Centered Planning training held on February 2, at the Guam Parent Information Resource Center. Parent Leone Rohr explains person centered planning and leads parents in some basic techniques used. This was a parent organized and parent-led training held at the Guam Parent Information Resource Center office. The training was a spin-off event of the Person Centered Planning training led by Patty Cotton and Pam McPhee, University of New Hampshire. Page 13 Language Assistance Service Providers Receive Training Recently Project Kariñu, Guam’s Early Childhood System of Care, teamed up with Guam CEDDERS and the Guam Office of Minority Health under the Bureau of Community Health Services, DPHSS to jointly sponsor a training event focused on enhancing language assistance services (LAS) on Guam. The training, “Linguistic Competence in Behavioral Health Settings: Training on Language Assistance,” was held on January 24 - 27 at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Tumon, and featured Dr. DJ Ida, Executive Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA). Dr. Ida is known nationally for her work in helping to include mental health as an integral focus in the discussions over health disparities. Dr. Ida was assisted in the training by Dr. Lilli Perez, who is the mental health specialist working with Project Kariñu. Several guest speakers were featured Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President, who emphasized the importance of paying attention to “the connection between the human condition and the experiences and history” that helps to shape the individuals. Dr. Neal Palafox from the University of Hawaii’s School of Medicine and the Principal Investigator for the Center for Disease Control-Pacific Center of Excellence to Eliminate Disparities, spoke of the importance of health literacy as a predictor of an individual’s health status. “Language,” according to Dr. Palafox, “is only part of being literate. One needs to be proficient in health concepts as well.” Dr. Debra Cabrera, member of the Advisory Commission for Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) established by President Barack Obama, described the work of the Commission as a forum for and a voice for Asian Americans Pacific Islanders. “No community member should be invisible to its community….all community members need to be able to be at the table of discussion and participation.” An additional presentation during this training event was that of the Guam Humanities Council (GHC) Project, “The Micronesian Question, Issues of Migration, Identity and Belonging on Guam.” This segment of the training featured youth participants in the Micronesian Question Project. They shared reflections and hosted a Poster-Panel Display about their experiences growing up in Guam as Micronesian youth. The last three days of the training was facilitated by Dr. Ida and focused on improving the skills and knowledge of language assistance service providers, particularly in the behavioral health arena. The training focused on the complexities of cross-cultural communication and the multiple roles that interpreters play when providing services, including those of cultural broker and advocate, which go beyond merely providing verbatim interpretation and clarification of terms. Dr. Ida stressed the need for interpreters to be able to seamlessly flow between these roles depending on the needs of the client and situation. Through interactive activities and role play scenarios, participants increased their understanding and comfort in applying the information provided and had the opportunity to explore common challenges encountered when interpreting and to identify possible solutions. Woven into the training event were exercises to draw out ethnic or cultural expressions of behavioral health concepts and to identify linguistic expressions of commonly used mental health terms. Post-training activities will include a compilation of the cultural responses as well as additional coordination of future training with Dr. Ida and Dr. Perez to facilitate additional “in-depth” discussions of behavioral health concepts translated in various languages represented in Guam. Photos with captions: Language Assistance Service (LAS) providers who participated in the recent LAS training are shown with Dr. DJ Ida (seated second from left). Participants engaged in a small group activity to create visual and cultural representations of behavioral health concepts. Page 14 Child Caregivers Attend SAC Training The State Advisory Council Grant, in collaboration with Project Tinituhon, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System, has been busy with several exciting activities and events during this past quarter. As a continuation to the coursework started in October 2011, an additional section of “Working with Young Children – Part A” was offered in January which 29 child caregivers and foster parents completed. “Part B” of this course, covering special needs, guidance, planning, observation, and assessment, was also offered and completed by 14 participants. A series of free parent trainings titled, “Young Brains Can’t Wait” has been offered to parents of young children in the villages of Agat and Toto. These trainings focus on easy, simple, and inexpensive strategies to nurture the growth and development of young children and will continue during the next twelve months. These activities are being conducted to promote “school readiness” in our young children. If we really think about it, school readiness begins at birth. A child’s development encompasses five developmental domains—gross motor, fine motor, social emotional, language and literacy, and cognitive. Parents and caregivers begin to nurture with these domains at birth. A child with strong social emotional skills and positive attitudes toward learning will be able to begin school ready to learn. Photos with captions: Ama Underwood (left), former Childcare center director, was the instructor for “Working with Young Children - Part A” in January. Participants ham it up at the completion of the 15-contact hour course on January 24. Vera Blaz (back row, far right), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, was the instructor for “Working with Young Children - Part B” also held in January. Page 15 Photos with captions: SAC Sponsors Parent Training The State Advisory Council Grant and Project Tinituhon sponsored free parent training for parents of young children in the village of Agat. With a theme of “Young Brains Can’t Wait!” the training focused on simple and inexpensive strategies to nurture their children’s growth in the developmental domains. Nineteen moms and twenty-two children attended the event that took place on February 4th. Boys Town - “Hearing Loss 201 & Beyond” Guam CEDDERS, in collaboration with the Department of Education - Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), and the Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) project, co-sponsored a three-day professional development training with the Center for Deafness from Boys Town National Research Hospital. The training was conducted via Polycom - video conferencing and was a continuation of the first webinar that was titled, “Hearing Loss 101.” Cathy Carotta, Ph.D, and her colleagues at Boys Town National Research Hospital were the lead trainers for this year’s continuation training, “Hearing Loss 201 & Beyond.” The training was held on February 1 - 3, at the University of Guam. A total of 27 participants attended the training, which included staff from GEIS, ECSE and the Guam EHDI project. This year’s training focused on such topics as Family-Centered Intervention & Auditory Skills Integration, Creating Holding Environments, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Augmentative/Alternative Communication, and Functional Auditory Skills Assessment. At the end of April 2012, Boys Town will continue their technical assistance to Guam by providing a site visit which will include coaching, mentoring, and hearing testing. Page 16 Pacific VIP Students Complete Fall Semester The Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) recently concluded its fall semester with on-site instruction conducted by six visiting University of Massachusetts Boston faculty members at the University of Guam from December 29, 2011 – January 7, 2012. Twenty graduate students from American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam participated in instructional seminars which focused on braille literacy, Nemeth braille code, abacus skills, and teaching orientation and mobility (O&M) skills. During the fall semester, scholars participated in online courses in “Visual Functioning” and “Braille II,” which concluded with an intense final exam on Guam to test their competency in reading and translating braille. All passed the exam. Scholars reconvened for the spring semester on January 30, 2012 with online courses in “Implications of Low Vision” and “Physical and Functional Aspects of Visual Impairment.” Pacific VIP utilizes 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. At the end of the four-year program, scholars will earn a Master of Education in Vision Studies degree, plus dual credentials in Teacher of Visual Impairments (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) from UMass Boston with the goal of working with students with visual impairments in their respective island communities. Photos with captions: Pacific VIP graduate students (standing) take a short break to pose with UMass Boston and UOG faculty (sitting L-R) Darick Wright M.A., Laura Bozeman, Ph.D., Paula Kosior, M.Ed., Connie Guerrero, M.Ed. (Guam CEDDERS), Sandy Smith, M.Ed., C.A.E.S., Wendy L. Buckley, M.Ed., Robert McCulley, M.Ed. Pacific VIP scholars took turns presenting a summary of teaching strategies for students who are blind. Page 17 Photos with captions: The PAC 6 Journey Continues Guam CEDDERS PACIFIC Project, in partnership with the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) presented a three-day workshop on “Strengthening Local Supports for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Requiring an Alternate Assessments based on Alternate Achievement Standards (AA-AAS).” “The Journey Continues” was the theme of the PAC 6 Cadres 2 & 3 Regional Training that took place on February 29 to March 2 at the University of Guam. Maximizing Student Support Guam CEDDERS supported the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education, in conducting a one-day training session on January 26 for division and school personnel, who provide case management and/or direct services for children and youth with disabilities. The session, entitled “Maximizing Supports for Students and Schools,” provided an opportunity for participants to review the special education process; to share what’s working and what’s not working; and to identify supports needed at all levels. Facilitated by Division School Program Consultants (SPCs) and Unit Supervisors, the session included guided practice on each step of the special education process and allowed for discussions on how to improve the service delivery system. As a result, technical assistance and training priorities were identified to improve educational results for children and youth with disabilities. Photo with caption: Personnel from the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education work through activities which featured a review of the Special Education process and the supports needed to maximize student potential. Page 18 Guam CEDDERS Facilitates Wraparound Training As part of the training and technical assistance work in collaboration with Project Kariñu, Guam CEDDERS facilitated wraparound training for project staff and stakeholders on February 27-March 2. Patricia Miles and Gayle Wiler were brought in to provide “hand-over-hand” training. Ms. Miles is from Gresham, Oregon and has been involved in a variety of community development and human service enterprises including starting a battered women’s shelter, running a youth employment program, directing a residential treatment center that turned to doing community-based work, and managing the start-up of a large scale implementation of wraparound in Columbus, Ohio. Ms. Wiler currently runs a residential program at Hawthorne-Sycamore Family Services in Pasadena, California and assists, trains, and supports families through the wraparound process. She first came into the wraparound arena from personal experiences with her son. “Wraparound” is a process used to support families by bringing a group of people together as a team for planning and delivering supportive services that build on family strengths and meeting the most important needs to accomplish the outcome of keeping families together safely. The wraparound process consists of four processes—the Engagement & Team Preparation, Initial Plan Development, Implementation, and Transition. The consultants focused their intensive training on the four phases of the wraparound process, completing the training by applying the process to real case families currently enrolled in Project Kariñu. Also as part of their visit, on March 1, Ms. Miles and Ms. Wiler provided an overview of the wraparound process to families and community partners. With 40 participants at this event, attendees included families and representatives from Head Start, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA), and other community partners. Photos with captions: Patricia Miles, consultant, makes a point during the Wraparound training for Project Kariñu held on March 1. (L-R): Patrica Miles, consultant, Cheryl DeRoca, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, and Gayle Wiler, consultant pose during the Wraparound training for Project Kariñu. Guam CEDDERS Welcomes New Staff Two new professionals have recently joined Guam CEDDERS. Margaret G. Blaz, Ph.D., works with the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) project as the Follow-up Coordinator. Margaret comes to Guam CEDDERS with an extensive background as a speech-language pathologist in Guam and Saipan. Audegyne “AJ” Thomas-Douyon has a Masters in Counseling and Psychology and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is an Army veteran and has been an Air Force Spouse for the last 12 years. AJ has been working with children and families since 2004. She loves working with veterans and making a difference in others’ lives. She plans on obtaining her Doctorate in Psychology and working with veterans in the future. Page 19 Video Interview Now Available One of the on-going Guam CEDDERS projects is to produce a series of videos that highlight self-advocates and their families. Guam CEDDERS is pleased to announce that “Eric: Family Advocate Profile,” the second video in the series, has just been released. This 30-minute interview features Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., a senator in the 31st Guam Legislature and a lifelong educator. She has been a University of Guam Professor, and was a former Deputy Superintendent of the Guam Department of Education. First and foremost, though, she is a mother. She candidly shares her experiences and views on raising a child with autism in this video interview which paints a raw, compelling, at times humorous, and emotionally moving story, while providing some advice to families, teachers, and to the community at large. View videos produced by Guam CEDDERS online at www.guamcedders.org. Photo with caption: Family Support Info Displayed at BX Shandra Carr, Family Navigator with the Guam Family Support 360 Project, points out project brochures that are prominently displayed at the Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) Exchange. Acknowledgement: University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Affairs University of Guam, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: (671) 735?2480/1 Fax: (671) 734?5709 TTY: (671) 734?6531 Email: heidi.sannicolas@guamcedders.org I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS. Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D. Editors: Terrie Fejarang, June De Leon, & Ginger Porter Layout & Design: Sean Lizama This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Mariles Benavente, Vera Blaz, Bonnie Brandt, Shandra Carr, June De Leon, Cheryl De Roca, Elaine Eclavea, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Dolores Palomo, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Carla Torres, Keith Villaluna. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio tapes) 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 APR-MAY 12 Apr 4 Parent Support Group, 9:30am, Family Support 360 Center, House 30 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2560 for more information. Apr 7 “Understanding the Early Intervention Process Parent Training,Transition from Part C to Part B”, 8am-11:30am, Guam Marriott Report & Spa. Call 735-2466 or 300-1322 for more information. Apr 10-11 Guam Early Learning Council Strategic Planning and TA visit with Elliot Regenstein, JD. Call 735-2363 for more information. Apr 11 Parent Support Group, 9:30am, Family Support 360 Center, House 30 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2560 for more information. Apr 12 Guam Early Childhood Summit, Westin Resort Guam, 9:30am - 1pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. Apr 14 Autism Awareness Fair, 10am - 2pm, Agana Shopping Center, Center Court. Call 472-5952 for more information. Apr 14, 21, & 28 Guam SAC “Working With Young Children – Part B,” 8am - 2pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. Apr 14, 21, & 28 Guam SAC “Child Guidance & Discipline – Part A,” 8am - 2pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. Apr 14, 21 & May 5 Self-Advocacy Workshop Series. Call Ginger Porter at 735-2478 for more information. Apr 17 GSAT Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30-5:00pm, GSAT House #19 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2490/1 for more information. Apr 18 Parent Support Group, 9:30am, Family Support 360 Center, House 30 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2560 for more information. Apr 20 Parent Support Group, 9:30am, Family Support 360 Center, House 30 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2560 for more information. Apr 28 “Understanding the Early Intervention Process Parent Training, Early Childhood Outcomes,” 8am-11:30am, Guam Marriott Report & Spa. Call 735-2466 or 300-1322 for more information. Photo with caption: 18th Annual AT Conference Highlights Quality of Life Marlon Molinos, past Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Chairperson (seated) gets information from Autism Community Together members during the 18th Annual Assistive Technology Conference held at the Westin Guam Resort. See page 3 for the complete story and more photos.