I Tellai, The Bridge
Guam CEDDERS Newsletter
December 21, 2012
Volume 15, Issue 1


In this issue:
Self-Advocates Spread Self-Advocacy Fire................1-3
SiñA Chapters Start Up in High School..........................3
Guam EC Learning Goes International........................4-5
Pacific VIP: On-Site TA in American Samoa..................6
McREL Research Alliance At Work.............................6
LEND Trainees Complete Projects.............................7
Illinois UCEDD Staff Meet Territory Reps...................8
Language Interpreters Receive Training...................8
SAC EC Courses Continue..........................................9
PACIFIC Project Delivers RMI On-Site Training..........10
SpEd Directors Receive NASDSE Recognition ...........10
PBIS Initiative Expands into Elementary Schools.....11
TIPS applied at Elementary Level...........................11
Guam CEDDERS Wins White Cane Relay..................12
Fulbright Scholar Lecture Series............................13
PAT Curriculum Adopted for Home Visiting .............14
Parent Café Promotes Parent Supports..................15
GDOE Interpreters Score Well on EIPA.....................15
Advocacy Skill Building Workshop Held..................16
Section 504 Targets Accessibility Improvements.....16
Becoming A Better You Through Advocacy..............17
RTI Work Session Assesses Imp. Status....................18
Educators Learn New Research Instr. Methods........18
GEIS Products Target Non-English Speakers ............19
Calendar of Upcoming Events................................20
TA for Self-Advocate Organization..........................20


Pages 1-3

Self-Advocates Spread the Self-Advocacy Fire
Shortly after the close of “Siña ta Chogue,“ (We Can Do It!) Guam’s first Conference on Self-Advocacy, self-advocates took time to celebrate their successful planning and execution of the event. Seated (L- R): Julie Cruz, Josie Cortez, Jessica Manglona, and Moses Puas. Standing (L-R): Candace Perry, Steph Madarang, MayLynn Fejeran, Barbara Johnson, Odelia Jaime, MolliAnn Campos, Lynn Tydingco, Maria Bontogon, Hikie Lazaga, Roy Rosario, Noel Lazaga, Jake Cruz, Lisa Ogo, and Jean Quitugua.
SiñA: Self-Advocates in Action took another major step in leading the self-advocacy movement by facilitating a well-received self-advocacy conference sponsored by the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council on September 22, 2012. Under the theme of “Siña ta Chogue (We Can Do It),” the conference on Self-Advocacy provided opportunities for persons with disabilities to learn to speak out for themselves. Nearly 90 individuals with disabilities, family members, and allies spent the greater portion of the day focusing on the benefits of speaking up effectively for personal needs. 
SiñA President Lynn Tydingco previously met with allies within the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network, notably the DD Council, Guam CEDDERS, and Protection and Advocacy under Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC), to finalize ideas for formatting the conference agenda. The Tri-Agency support set the stage for a well-developed agenda for the first ever Self-Advocacy Conference. 
After Ms. Tydingco convened the Conference, Rosanne Ada, Executive Director of the Guam DD Council, provided a bit of wisdom within her welcoming remarks. Shortly thereafter, keynote speaker Roland Taimanglo, delivered a riveting account of his experiences as a person with a disability since the age of 15. Mr. Taimanglo spoke to the conferees, providing personal insights on the effects of a disability and motivation to others to emulate the theme of the conference by putting on their “Can Do” hats to move forward on addressing issues that affect their lives. 
With personal advocacy, legislative change, and civil action, Mr. Taimanglo has an impressive self-advocacy and advocacy legacy. His personal advocacy for accessibility in airport restroom facilities in a foreign country has resulted in greater dignity for air travelers with disabilities. His civil action for accessible pedestrian walkways on Guam has spearheaded methodical advancements. His initiation of changes to Guam’s accessible parking act engaged the SiñA membership to clearly define parking access aisles and appropriate usage of accessible spaces. 
Mr. Taimanglo challenged all self-advocates to take an active role in their life choices. By putting on their ‘can do’ hats they can make positive changes for themselves and others. Clearly, his ability to motivate rang true to many conferees who identified his presentation as inspirational and a highlight of the conference. 
Two presentations on the rights of individuals with disabilities followed Mr. Taimanglo. A brief, but effective video prepared by the Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council preceded GLSC-DLC Attorney Matt Wolf, who was introduced by Jacob Cruz. Attorney Wolf provided more detail on Disability Rights prior to the mid-day break. 
After lunch, three more self-advocates took to the podium to talk about the benefits they derived from speaking up for their needs. Evelyn Duenas, self-advocate veteran, described her work in the transportation area and meeting with national transit civil rights leaders who encouraged her to continue the work of speaking up for transit needs. 
After a brief recorded message that underscored the importance of self-advocacy by President Barrack Obama to a group of youth self-advocate leaders, Maria Bontogon, SiñA Youth member, delivered a compelling talk about her growing awareness of rights and learning to speak out on school related services to ensure a proper education. Her positive attitude and urging of others reflected the consistent message expressed by SiñA President Tydingco to spread the self-advocacy fire! 
Molliann Campos, JFK Sophomore and SiñA Youth member, then released her personality fire as she gave a bit of personal history and related how self-advocacy helped her to focus on acceptance of her disability and related challenges. Ms. Campos’ humor and candor was a surefire winner for adding lightheartedness to some serious and provocative issues. 
President Tydingco provided a quick review of how self-advocacy can effect social justice and then turned the final presentation over to Leone Rohr, a vibrant parent and enthusiastic presenter, who shared information on Person- Centered Planning tools to help individuals and families determine their strengths, their goals, and opportunities. 
Ms. Rohr underwent a Person-Centered Planning (PCP) training through a Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education activity facilitated by Guam CEDDERS in December 2011. She experienced success with a few simple PCP tools for two of her children with autism, and has since voluntarily conducted training classes for other parents. Ms. Rohr conducted a personal assessment for President Tydingco and then engaged the audience in a brainstorming session of potential areas for employment or engagement. Although SiñA President Tydingco noted that some of the questions were quite probing, the outcome was worth it! 
The afternoon concluded in a flurry as participants headed out for scheduled transit rides. A solid core of SiñA members, however, stayed back to conduct a debriefing of their eventful day. They had convened a conference, provided eloquent introductions, successfully bridged the agenda offerings, manned the registration table throughout the day, video taped the conference proceedings, provided a roving microphone for audience questions and contributions, ran the PowerPoint presentations, assisted individuals with lunch plates, generated renewed interest in self-advocacy training, and took care of all planning and behind the scenes implementation of the day’s activities. 
It was a great day for SiñA and a great day for advancing the self-advocacy movement!

Page 1-3
Photos with captions:
Photo 1: Shortly after the close of “Siña ta Chogue,“ (We Can Do It!) Guam’s first Conference on Self-Advocacy, self-advocates took time to celebrate their successful planning and execution of the event. Seated (L- R): Julie Cruz, Josie Cortez, Jessica Manglona, and Moses Puas. Standing (L-R): Candace Perry, Steph Madarang, MayLynn Fejeran, Barbara Johnson, Odelia Jaime, MolliAnn Campos, Lynn Tydingco, Maria Bontogon, Hikie Lazaga, Roy Rosario, Noel Lazaga, Jake Cruz, Lisa Ogo, and Jean Quitugua.

Photo 2: Conferees enjoyed easy access to presentations and information. Self-advocate planners arranged for interpreter service, PowerPoint presentations, videos, floor level microphone access, and elevated video coverage of speakers who presented from floor level.
Photo 3: Approximately 80 JFK Islanders sat in a presentation by Andrew and Lynn Tydingco, SiñA officers, about the merits of self-advocacy and a student self-advocacy chapter.
Quote on Page 2:
“Make the “Can Do” dream come true. One, you must speak up! Put fa bot (Please), Speak UP! Speak up and speak up to the right people. Your issues are too important to be kept hidden; like mine, they are life altering.”- Roland Taimanglo

Page 3

SiñA Chapters Start Up in High School
SiñA youth chapter after meetings between youth member Maria Bontogon, SiñA President Lynn Tydingco, Principal Beth Perez and Ginger Porter of Guam CEDDERS were held in September. Two new advisors, Jim Healy and Audrey Perez, joined Principal Perez at the First Conference on Self- Advocacy to check out the spark and the fire of self-advocacy. Since then, Ms. Bontogon has been recruiting members. 
On November 5, officers Lynn and Andrew Tydingco met students at JFK high school to kindle the self-advocacy spirit among the JFK Islanders and their teachers. Nearly 25% of the 80 students gathered expressed interest in beginning a new school organization. Keeping the momentum going, they met in December to address the nuts and bolts of by-laws and the election of officers for their organization. 
Both Simon Sanchez and JFK High school organizations will become a student chapter of SiñA, a 501(c)3 organization, providing them with opportunities for fund raising, sponsorship, and grants. Each youth chapter will have projects and business unique to their school setting and student membership. In both organizations, students with disabilities will hold leadership roles. 
SiñA is a member organization of SABE, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, a national self-advocacy organization, that has close ties with the National Youth Leadership Network and the Autism Self-Advocacy Network. This network of organizations holds potential for youth to participate in and become aware of national issues as well as those within their local surroundings. 
SiñA youth have already taken active roles in SiñA ta Kanta, a musical concert held in July, and the recent Self- Advocacy Conference. The door continues to open for broader opportunities for youth to develop confidence and skill in leadership addressing issues important to them.

Photo with caption:
Approximately 80 JFK Islanders sat in a presentation by Andrew and Lynn Tydingco, SiñA officers, about the merits of self-advocacy and a student self-advocacy chapter.

Page 4-5
Guam Early Childhood Learning Goes International!
As a member of the American family, Guam typically looks eastwards towards the mainland for models and systems to emulate in a wide range of island services and supports. Guam Early Childhood (EC) programs certainly follow the U.S. framework, and usually bring consultants from our eastern counterparts, and colleagues to provide training and technical assistance to EC service providers and parents of young children. 
Every so often, however, a very unique prospect occurs where island residents and professionals are treated to an opportunity to hear from experts from a different country. This opportunity involved learning from early childhood consultants from the University of Canterbury, which is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. 
Through the collaborative efforts of the Guam Early Learning Council and the First Lady of Guam’s Rigålu Foundation, three faculty members from the Health Sciences Centre, College of Education, University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, came to Guam during the second week of October to share their knowledge with Guam’s early childhood service providers and families. Dean Sutherland, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Anne van Bysterveldt, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, and Sonja Macfarlane, M.Ed., Lecturer, generously shared their expertise during two events that centered on the theme of “Supporting Language Development for ALL Young Children.” National leaders in their fields of speech and language pathology and special education, they have facilitated and published numerous research studies and are internationally recognized experts in their fields. 
The first event took place on Friday, October 12 at the University of Guam’s Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building from 8am to 3pm and was geared towards service providers. Seventy participants, including speech language pathologists, early intervention teachers and social workers, kindergarten teachers, home visiting paraprofessionals, child protective services workers, early childhood mental health professionals, child care program managers, and university faculty and students attended this session. 
The second event, the Early Childhood Conference, occurred the following day, Saturday, October 13 from 8am to 12pm at the Westin Resort Guam. To kick off the conference, and as a testament to their strong belief and commitment to supporting Early Childhood initiatives, Christine Calvo, the First Lady of Guam, provided welcoming remarks and the Honorable Eddie Calvo, Governor of Guam, delivered opening remarks. First Lady Calvo who serves as Co-chairperson of the Guam Early Learning Council, along with Elaine Eclavea, University of Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, set the tone for the conference by stressing the importance of the first years of a child’s life. Governor Calvo, reinforced this value, highlighting that the people of Guam are the island’s most valuable resource, and that there is no better investment that a family and government can make than in the education, supports, and love for its young children. As indicated by their reception and applause to his remarks, the nearly 200 attendees comprised of parents, grandparents, and child care center staff and directors couldn’t have agreed more with Governor Calvo. 
Topics covered during the Conference included: “Learning Communication and Literacy within a Cultural Context”; “Using Books to Support Children’s Communication & Literacy Development;” and “Getting the Most Out of Your iPad and Other Technology to Support Communication and Literacy.” 
Judging from the responses and evaluations from the participants, the information shared by the “Kiwi Visitors” was well-received. The cultural aspects as framed within the New Zealand Maori indigenous population discussed by Ms. Macfarlane provided many parallels for consideration in service delivery approaches with Guam’s multicultural residents. Dr. van Bysterveldt demonstrated practical teaching strategies for families to reinforce emerging literacy skills. And lastly, Dr. Sutherland, who is the current president of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association, covered numerous aspects of the use of technology, underscoring some pros and cons and shared useful websites and demonstrations of iPad applications. Additionally, several participants of the Saturday event shared their great appreciation that the First Lady and Governor were present for this insightful educational event.

Photos with captions on pages 4-5:
Photo 1: Consultants Anne van Bysterveldt, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Sonja Macfarlane, M.Ed., Lecturer, and Dean Sutherland, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, (right at podium), from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, conducted an opening group presentation following Maori tradition during the training session held for service providers on October 12 at the University of Guam.
Photo 2: Approximately 200 parents, child care givers, and other service providers attended the Early Childhood Conference held on October 13 at the Westin Resort Guam.
Photo 3: Dean Sutherland, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, shared information on iPad Applications available that promote early learning.
Photo 4: The consultants from New Zealand met with Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam, her staff, and Guam CEDDERS staff, to finalize plans for the early childhood events. (Front Row L-R): Anne van Bysterveldt, Ph.D., Dean Sutherland, Ph.D., First Lady Calvo, and Janice Sablan Ada. (Back Row L-R): Terrie Fejarang, Sonja Macfarlane, M.Ed., Terry Naputi, and Pauline Camacho.
Photo 6: The consultants paid a courtesy visit with the Honorable Eddie Baza Calvo, Governor of Guam. (L-R): Vince Leon Guerrero, the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Education, Janice Sablan Ada, Chief of Staff, Office of the First Lady, Sonja Macfarlane, Governor Calvo, Dr. Anne van Bysterveldt, Dr. Dean Sutherland, and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS.

Page 6
Pacific VIP Instructors Provide On-Site TA in American Samoa 
Bob McCulley and Sandy Smith, Pacific Vision Impairment Program (Pacific VIP) UMass faculty, facilitated the Technology and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) lab/ coursework on-site in American Samoa during the week of August 27, 2012. The O&M experiences of the five American Samoa Pacific VIP scholars provided an opportunity for the UMass faculty to incorporate the O&M techniques within an island community, which built awareness on how individuals who are blind travel from one place to another. 
Similar on-site instruction was provided in Guam and is scheduled to take place in Chuuk and Pohnpei. 
Photos with captions:
Photo 1: (L-R): Loretta Luta and Sigalu Epenesa discuss their strategy for literally “taking the next steps” in the neighborhood. 
Photo 2: (L-R): Loretta Luta (back row), Sulugia Fa’atau, and Tailua Apaisa stroll down the neighborhood. 
Photo 3: UMass faculty Bob McCulley (far left) and Sandy Smith (far right) celebrate at the end of the week with the American Samoa scholars and friends. 

McREL Research Alliance At Work
Two photos with the following caption:
At the most recent quarterly meeting, on December 11, 2012, Research Alliance 3 members, including Micronesian migrant learner family members, community opinion leaders, community organization representatives, professionals from the Guam Department of Education, and faculty/administrators from Guam’s institutions of higher education, analyzed different observation tools for the Year 2 study that will be used to gauge English as a Second Language instructional practices in elementary school classrooms.

Page 7
LEND Trainees Complete Projects
The Maternal Child Health Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MCH LEND) radiates intensity and seriousness. If one were to ask its trainees, they would certainly agree. But, as the pictures above attest, MCH LEND is also a whole lot of fun! 
The early childhood experts of the current MCH LEND cohort, Vera Blaz and Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D., both from Guam CEDDERS, presented on the importance of promoting activities to strengthen children’s growth and development. The whole group then applied this knowledge in an early childhood setting. Partnering with the Lots of Learning Daycare in Sinajana, this team of trainees put their skills into action. 
In keeping with the daycare’s theme for the month, “Workers, Tools, and Uniforms,” Vera and Felicity transformed into bakers. They got the kids moving and thinking as they played with baker’s tools and rolled and cut out play-doh into shapes and imaginary cookies. 
The trio that rounds out the current MCH LEND cohort of five, Carol Cabiles, a program coordinator for Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center, Eva Losbanes, a public health nurse and Diana Santos, a social worker at the Department of Public Health & Social Services, took Vera and Felicity’s lead. They delivered a lesson on fire safety with great energy and enthusiasm as the kids stopped, dropped, and rolled into barrels of laughter. They incorporated sign language in their opening song and throughout the lesson to include a child with hearing loss. Moreover, they integrated the use of fine motor skills by having the kids make firefighting headbands. 
The MCH LEND trainees were very successful in their task to plan and implement a developmentally appropriate activity in an early childhood setting. They had as much fun as the kids did, too. 
One of the missions of MCH LEND is to provide a dynamic program experience to prepare trainees for leadership roles to improve supports and services for children with special health care needs and their families. In line with this mission, the LEND cohort was tasked with another assignment to complete a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt lasted about five hours, with one trainee designated to use a wheelchair for the experience as they visited various service providers. 
The trainees got a good taste of how difficult it can be for families to find and access services on island. Moreover, many of the places they visited were not ADA compliant. They experienced first-hand how difficult it was for their peer in the wheelchair to navigate in and around the community. When the group stopped by a favorite restaurant to grab lunch, it appeared that they were not readily received nor happily welcomed. The place was crowded and the host made indications that the wheelchair could not be accommodated. Not wanting to go anywhere else and eager to make their point, the group did get seated. 
The trainees expressed how eye-opening the experience was and how much more sensitive they have become to the issues faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. The trainees have one more semester left to complete the LEND program. Biba MCH LEND! Biba!
Photos with captions:
Photo 1: The early childhood experts of the current MCH LEND cohort, Vera Blaz and Felicity Grandjean, both from Guam CEDDERS, demonstrate various baking tools as they carry out a developmental activity at a daycare.
Photo 2: Venturing out on a scavenger hunt around the island in search of services for children and families with special health care needs, Vera Blaz carefully pushes Carol Cabiles using a wheelchair as Eva Losbanes looks on.

Page 8
Photo with caption:
Illinois UCEDD Staff Meet Territory Reps
Amie Lulinski and Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D., staff members from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Institute on Disabilities and Human Development (IDHD) invited representatives from the territories to meet briefly on December 4 during the Annual Association for University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference held at the Washington Hilton. The Chicago UCEDD is working on a project to collect data from the territories relating to services and supports for long term care for individuals with developmental disabilities. This data will then be included in the Annual “State of the States (and Territories) in Developmental Disabilities Report” which includes national trends in intellectual/developmental disabilities, fiscal effort in the states and territories, out-of-home placements, public and private institutions and community services and supports. Above Photo: ( L-R): Front row: Amie Lulinski, Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D., Ilia Torres, and Terrie Fejarang. Back row (L-R): Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Ricardo Figueroa-Gonzalez, Annie Alonzo, Ph.D., and Tafaimamao (Tafa) Tupuola.

Language Interpreters Receive Training
On December 3, 2012, the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Project held an orientation-training session for individuals who have experience in interpreting for non-English language speakers. The training was held at the Westin Resort Guam with Six individuals accepting the invitation to participate in the training. Two participants were interpreter/translators of the Tagalog Filipino language, and four were interpreter/translators of the Chuukese language. Their experiences ranged from paid services for the Guam judiciary system or Department of Education, Special Education Division, to voluntary free services for fellow ethnic/cultural members needing assistance in dealing with medical/health and social programs. 
The trainers were Maria Luisa Benavente, Cultural and Linguistic Coordinator for Project Kariñu, Victoria Ritter, Guam EHDI Screening/Facilitator, and Margaret Blaz, Ph.D., Follow Up Coordinator, Guam EHDI Project. Mrs. Benavente’s presentation was on “Language Assistance Services: An Overview.” The function of the Guam EHDI Project, its special Teleaudiology activity, and the impact of hearing loss on speech-language communication skills development, were presented by the Mrs. Ritter and Dr. Blaz. 
An enthusiastic question-and-answer period followed each presentation. All the participants expressed interest in formal, in-depth training in the future to hone their proficiency and competency as interpreter/translators. Moreover, they all expressed interest in being members of a “pool of interpreter/translators.” The pool then can be tapped for a variety of services, from the preparation of informational documents, to assisting non-English language speakers optimally access medical/health, educational, social, legal, and other services available in the community. Such training is being planned to take place in the near future.

Page 9
SAC Courses Continue to Meet Training Needs
Early childhood courses continued to be offered regularly through the support of the State Advisory Council Grant (SAC), facilitated by Guam CEDDERS. All interested child care providers, foster parents, and interested individuals in the community are welcomed to attend. Three classes were offered in September: Working with Young Children – Part C, Children With Special Needs – Part A, and Creative Arts for Young Children – Part A (visual arts). The calendar on the Guam CEDDERS website includes an up-to-date listing of upcoming courses.

Photos with captions:
Photo 1: Fourteen participants recently participated in the first offering of “Children with Special Needs – Part A” taught by Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. This 15-contact hour module served as an introduction to a three-part series focusing on this population. Participants included child caregivers, elementary teachers, and interested parents. Front Row (L-R): Jane Bacani, Analiza Herrera, Maria Eden Binuya, Satrin Phanchy, Jayvina Chimwetiw. Second Row: Hiroko Maeda, Kumiko Christy Fukata, Epifania Grefaldon, Ruby-Lynn Felisan, Rosalinda Mendiola, Sharon Buyot, Terrie Fejarang, Instructor. Back Row (L-R): Marsa Meter, Jenavie Guerrero, Joseph Schmidt.
Photo 2: This group of child care providers, parents, and interested individuals completed the first Creative Arts class that met in September. This course focused on Visual Arts.
Photo 3: Project Bisita staff completed the series of Working with Young Children classes (Parts A, B, and C).

Page 10
PACIFIC Project Delivers RMI On-site Training
The PACIFIC Project staff conducted an on-site visit to Majuro, RMI during the week of October 16-19, 2012 to conduct training with teachers and administrators on Communication Supports for Instruction and Assessment. Top Right Photo: Eleven schools sent teams to attend the four-day training designed to increase their knowledge and skills for identifying appropriate communication supports and facilitating access to the general curriculum through integrated environments for improving literacy outcomes.

Photos with captions:
Top Left Photo: Guam CEDDERS staff had an entrance meeting with Dr. Hilda Heine, RMI Minister of Education, and Minister of Education staff. Front (L-R): Kanchi Hosia, Assistant Secretary of Early Childhood and Elementary Education; Dr. Hilda Heine, Minister of Education; Ramona Albert, Special Education Specialist. Back (L-R): June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS; Ruthiran Lokeijak, Special Education Director; Frank Horiuchi, Special Education Specialist; Stanley Heine, Assistant Secretary of Policy and Planning; Bedinin Joseph, Curriculum Specialist; Gary Ueno, Secretary of Education. Not shown: Jonas Macapinlac, Guam CEDDERS.

Pacific SpEd Directors Receive NASDSE Recognition
Pacific friends gather to congratulate Helen Sengebau and Suzanne Lizama for receiving the 5-year service recognition from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). (Front: L-R) June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Yolanda Gabriel, Guam Assistant Superintendent, Special Education (SpEd); Helen Sengebau, Palau SpEd Coordinator; Suzanne Lizama, CNMI SpEd Director. (Back: L-R) John Bugulrow, Yap State SpEd Coordinator; Ruthiran Lokeijak, RMI SpEd Director; Marbe Martin, Kosrae State SpEd Coordinator; Arthur Albert, FSM SpEd Director and NASDSE Board member.

Page 11
PBIS Initiative Expands into Elementary Schools
Through a subcontract with the Guam Department of Education, Student Support Services, Guam CEDDERS facilitated two one-day trainings on the basic foundation of implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in 26 elementary schools. The training was provided by Dr. Scott Ross, an assistant professor from Utah State University and a national presenter on PBIS. 
Held on September 6 & 7, 2012 at the Westin Resort Guam, Day One provided training for schools in the Lagu and Luchan regions, while Day Two focused on schools from the Haya and Kattan regions. Participants from each school included members of the school’s School Climate Cadre (SCC). This was the second training provided to the elementary schools on the initial implementation of PBIS. The topics of the training included the development and/or refinement of the school’s school wide expectations, developing lesson plans to teach the expectations, monitoring and implementing low cost or free reinforcement systems, and identifying appropriate consequences for inappropriate behaviors. 
Funding support for this activity was provided by a American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant.
Photo with caption:
Dr. Scott Ross (standing), Assistant Professor from Utah State University, interacts with elementary school climate cadre members on the implementation of Positive Behavior Support Team on September 6 & 7, 2012.

Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) Applied at Elementary Level
As a follow-up to the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports training conducted for elementary school climate cadre (SCC) team members, Guam CEDDERS facilitated training on the Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) on October 11 and 12, 2012 at the Westin Resort Guam. Two one-day training sessions were provided to the respective schools in their regions. The training was provided by Celeste Dickey, Senior Research Assistant, Educational & Community Supports, College of Education, at the University of Oregon. Ms. Dickey is no stranger to Guam as she had provided training to the middle schools in previous years. 
The training for SCC team members focused on use of the School Wide Information System (SWIS) or other discipline referral data system to inform decisions and identify interventions for problem behaviors. Specific training topics included conducting effective and efficient team meetings, developing precise problem statements, and identifying appropriate interventions to decrease problem behaviors.
Photo with caption:
Celeste Dickey (standing), Senior Research Assistant, Educational & Community Supports, College of Education, University of Oregon, provides training to elementary school climate cadre members on Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) process.

Page 12
Guam CEDDERS Wins White Cane Relay!
An early morning walk took on new meaning for members of teams participating in the Second Annual White Cane Safety Day Relay, an activity closing out October’s focus on educating the community on the use of white canes by persons with vision loss. This year, the Guam CEDDERS team prevailed over other teams in the challenge to navigate the mile long course, using only the 10–2 tap guide of a white cane to complete the relay course in 53 minutes, 47 seconds. RIM Architects closed in 51 seconds behind, followed by DISID, last year’s champion team. 
Methodical practice over speed often created better outcomes for teams. A few participants became disoriented and needed verbal cues to regain orientation to the clockwise path around the Paseo Stadium. Pacific VIP (Vision Instruction Project) scholars, sponsor FHP-Takecare, and transit provider Kloppenburg Enterprises Inc. finished in successive order. Participating transit drivers gained a new awareness of the needs of their customers. As some team members related, it was an eye-opening experience, generating respect for those who independently navigate with a white cane.
Photos with captions:
Photo 1: SiñA members presented the White Cane Relay winning Guam CEDDERS team with a plaque and a BIG Number 1! (L-R): Josie Cortez, SiñA Member; Lynn Tydingco, SiñA President; Sean Lizama, Guam CEDDERS; Julie Cruz, SiñA Member; Keith Villaluna, Guam CEDDERS; Candice Perry, SiñA Member; Evelyn Duenas (seated), SiñA Member; Vicky Ritter, Guam CEDDERS; Dr. Felicity Grandjean, Guam CEDDERS; and Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS. Guam CEDDERS Team Members not shown: Jeff Pinaula, JJ Mendiola, and Dr. Nieves Flores.
Photo 2: JJ Mendiola (right), Guam CEDDERS Team Member, and Ben Servino (center), DISID Director, tap their way to the finish line.

Page 13
Full page advertisement:
University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service Presents a series of lectures by visiting Russian Fulbright Scholar currently a University Professor in Kazakhstan: Disability Advocate, Wheelchair Athlete, and Professor of Languages, Civics, and Multiculturalism Yevgeniy Tetyukhin, Ph.D. 
Topics:
Who Am I: Understanding Disability, Advocacy, and Diversity MONDAY, January 7, 2013, 3:00 - 5:00PM University of Guam School of Business & Public Administration, Room 111 Target Audience: Self-Advocates and Youth Self-Advocates 
K57 SuperFriends: A Special Interview TUESDAY, January 8, 2013, 12:00PM - 1:00PM Location: K57 Target Audience: General Public 
Leadership Development for Youth with Disabilities: Your Role as a Mentor TUESDAY, January 8, 2013, 3:00PM - 4:30PM University of Guam School of Business & Public Administration, Multi-Purpose Room, Room 129 Target Audience: Teachers, Administrators, and Advisors
Kazakhstan Perspective on Multiculturalism and Diversity WEDNESDAY, January 9, 2013, 10:00AM - 12:00PM University of Guam School of Business & Public Administration, IT&E Lecture Hall, Room 131 Target Audience: University Community 
For more information call 735-2477

Page 14
“Parents as Teachers” Curriculum Adopted for Home Visiting
Department of Public Health & Social Services’ Project Bisita I Familia, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, brought trainers Janet Naish and Robin Roberts to Guam from November 14 through 16, 2012. Ms. Naish and Ms. Roberts trained 34 home visiting team and early childhood providers from the Department of Public Health and Social Services - Bureau of Social Services Administration and Project Kariñu; Department of Education Guam Early Intervention System, Early Childhood Special Education Preschool, Head Start, the former Parent Information Resource Center, and child care centers. This three-day training introduced participants to the “Parents as Teachers” curriculum that will be used with the Project Bisita I Familia Home Visiting Program. Coursework centered around three main areas of emphasis: 
* Parent-Child Interaction – enhancing child development and supporting the development of positive parenting behaviors; 
* Development-Centered Parenting – understanding parents’ perspectives and facilitating parenting decisions around developmental topics; and 
* Family Well-Being – recognizing the impact of the family system on child development and partnering with parents to strengthen protective factors. 
The participants left the training well-equipped to teach parents about their child’s development as well as focus on the needs of the family.
Photos with captions:
Photo 1: Parents As Teachers (PAT) workshop participants pose with trainers Robin Roberts and Janet Naish (center) at the end of the three-day training.
Photo 2: During the PAT Participants take part in an activity during training.
Photo 3: Rayanna Peredo (left) and her son Caliray Salas (middle) participate in a home visit demonstration with trainer Robin Roberts (right).

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Parent Café Training Promotes Parent Supports
Guam Family Support 360°, in collaboration with Project Tinituhon, the State Advisory Council Grant, and with support from the Guam Foster Family Association, Guam DOE - Division of Special Education Parent Services, Project Kariñu, and Guam’s Positive Parents Together facilitated a Parent Café Support Group on September 15, 2012 at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. The Parent Café is part of the Strengthening Families Guam movement that is being spearheaded by Project Tinituhon with support from many of Guam’s Early Childhood Agencies and Parent Support Groups. 
Parent Cafés are support groups that promote a safe environment for all parents to come and share their experiences, be encouraged, and make connections to not only strengthening themselves and their families, but their community as well. The conversations that happen at the Parent Cafés are based on questions that build on the five Protective Factors (http://www.cssp.org/reform/ strengthening-families) which help build family strengths and a family environment that promotes optimal child and youth development. 
For more information on how you can be a part of a Parent Café or Strengthening Families Guam please contact Guam CEDDERS at 735-2466.
Photo with caption:
Parent Cafe Participants & Hosts at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel, Sponsored by Guam Family Support 360 Grant and Facilitated by Project Tinituhon & the State Advisory Council Grant, with support from Guam Foster Families Association; Guam DOE - Division of Special Education, Parent Services; Project Kariñu; and Guam’s Positive Parents Together.

GDOE Interpreters Score Well on EIPA
After participating in several workshops over the past two years through supports from the Guam Department of Education Division of Special Education Deaf/ Hard of Hearing Program and facilitated by Guam CEDDERS and CM Hall (front, center in black) from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center (WRIEC), seven sign language interpreters from the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education, Deaf/ Hard of Hearing Program recently received positive results based on their performance on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). Interpreters who completed the assessment included: Front row (L-R): Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program sign language interpreters Fe Gillins, CM Hall, Jeannie Hollis. Back row (L-R): Darlene Castro, Monika Duenas, Connie Estes, and Evangelis Babauta. Not shown: Christine Chargualaf. 
Congratulations Interpreters!

Page 16
Advanced Advocacy Skill Building Workshop Held
The Guam Department of Education - Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, sponsored a three-day workshop on October 15-17 for parents of children with a disability titled “Parent Advocacy and Leadership.” This year’s Parent Leadership workshop was facilitated by Susan Henderson, MBA, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) in Berkley, CA. Ms. Henderson, the Executive Director of DREDF since 1997, brought her expertise of over 20 years of experience in the disabilities field to help train and build the advocacy skills of Guam’s parents. 
Over 20 parents from the different child serving agencies, GEIS, Project Kariñu, DOE Division of Special Education Preschool Program, and the Department of Public Health & Social Services participated in the three-day training.
Photo with caption:
The Advanced Advocacy Skill Building Workshop, conducted by Susan Henderson (sitting bottom left) Executive Director of Disabilities Rights Education and Defense Fund (dredf.org), was sponsored by the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education - Guam Early Intervention System and facilitated by Guam CEDDERS on October 15 - 17, 2012, at the Outrigger Guam Resort. 

Section 504 Workshop Targets Accessibility Improvements 
The Guam Department of Education - Division of Special Education, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, sponsored a one-day workshop on Section 504, the Americans with Disability Act Amendments Act, and Students with Disabilities Parent Center Curricula for Parent Center Directors and Staff. The workshop was held at the Outrigger Guam Resort on October 18, 2012. 
The focus of this one-day training was to learn: 
* About the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), 
* How the ADAAA relates to eligibility for 504 plans, and 
* The core content of the 504/ADAAA training curricula which covers topics from early childhood to young adulthood. 
Susan Henderson, MBA, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) in Berkley, CA facilitated this training, which was held in conjunction with the Advanced Advocacy Skill Building Parent training held on October 15-17.

Page 17
Becoming A Better You Through Advocacy By Maria Bontogon
We all know life is not a success-only a journey. But are you someone willing to plunge into the unknown if necessary to live and breathe whatever you are aiming for to be a winner? When challenges arise, a winner doesn’t tend to just go through the motions. Instead… will passionately invest in advocacy to create a sustained atmosphere of success. With advocacy skills, it’s kind of like you’re equipped with a “survival kit”– armed and ready to make your rights and goals a reality! Challenges might still be ahead, but many self-advocates attained success and proud to say I’m one of them. I was chosen as one of the participants to attend in Hawaii’s Pacific Rim International (PACRIM) conference and Self-Advocacy Summit in March 2012. From there, I gained increased sensitivity and awareness about disability and diversity issues from the various types of advocates. Suddenly, I recognized the significance and value of self-advocacy! Things started there. After the trip, I worked on an essay as a reflection on what I have learned and submitted it to Ms. Ginger Porter. Although it needed some editing, it became my first contribution to the newsletter I’Linalata (Our Life)– which gave birth to my first article! Then, Lynn and Andrew invited us to their Super Friends radio show on K57 to discuss the advocacy experience we had. 
The advocacy workshop I attended in April 2012 led by Self- Advocates in Action (SiñA) President and Vice-president Lynn and Andrew Tydingco, and adviser Ms. Ginger Porter strengthened my self- empowerment, knowledge, and skills. Next thing I knew, I’m already a member of this non-profit advocacy organization. 
In July 2012, SiñA launched a concert – SiñA ta Kanta to help raise money for the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) conference. We showcased our talents like ukelele and piano playing, singing, and dancing. Before the concert, I was interviewed for a PDN article to help raise awareness about it. Then I talked about my advocacy story again in the Super Friends radio show. It’s a show creating optimism for people with special needs. Eager to illustrate the passion and power of advocacy, I wrote two more articles titled: “You Made SiñA ta Kanta Happen” and ”Advocacy Leads to Bookshare.org”– published in I’Linalata. One of my passions is hitting books, so I joined bookshare’s international reading contest where I won 2nd place out of 245 participants submitting over 775 entries. This inspired me to create yet another article–“Bookshare’s Express Summer Reading Contest” published in GLSC’s newsletter. 
Unsurprisingly handy, I was able to use advocacy in solving my class schedule issues during the start of the school year and on some other school situations as well… it’s awesome! Youth advocacy chapters are on-going in schools through SiñA’s effort to spread advocacy. Molliann Campos and I were selected to lead in our respective schools. No doubt, it will create a unique positive impact…new directions for school youth. Also recently, SiñA held an advocacy consumer conference at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. Self-advocates like me shared our advocacy stories. 
Just imagine all the advocacy efforts that took place. I survived and thrived using advocacy…so can you! It is an important ally…one way to fight apathy in this world. Don’t you agree?
Photo with caption:
Maria Bontogon, a Simon Sanchez High School junior, shared her successes with self-advocacy during IEP meetings, followed by a challenge to others to step forward to direct change in their lives.

Page 18
RTI Work Session Assesses Implementation Status
A work session was facilitated by Guam CEDDERS for eight school teams participating in the Response to Intervention (RTI) initiative. The session was held on November 6, 2012 at the UOG School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) and focused on assessing the current status of the implementation of RTI, as well as moving on creating Tiers 2 and 3 supports for students needing targeted which was intensive supports. This is the third year for the initiative spearheaded through funding from the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education. The first year (2010-2011) focused on building consensus and the second year (2011-2012) focused on the initial implementation of universal screening and class-wide interventions based on the results of the screening.
Photo with caption:
Eight Department of Education School Teams received feedback and additional technical assistance on the current assessment of Response to Intervention (RTI) implementation during training held at the University of Guam.

Educators Learn New Research Based Instruction Methods
Guam CEDDERS, through a “Doing What Works” Institute of Higher Education (IHE) grant from WestEd, facilitated a course on one of the Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guides entitled, “Developing Effective Fractions Instruction for Kindergartners through 8th Grade.” The course was taught by Dr. Alicia Aguon, a UOG associate professor with the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). 
The course focused on the recommendations of the practice guide that has evidence of improving student achievement. One of the outcomes of the grant is to bridge the gap between research and practice.
Photos with caption:
Guam Department of Education teachers work through activities during a course on Developing Effective Fractions Instruction for Kindergartners through 8th Grade.

Page 19
GEIS Products Target Chuukese, Tagalog, and Pohnpeian Speakers
Through a contract with the Department of Education, Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with GEIS, developed and translated several public awareness products into Chuukese, Tagalog, and Pohnpeian. The products include brochures and posters focusing on GEIS services, developmental milestones, what to do if parents have concerns about their child’s development and post cards and fact sheets listing developmental milestones and strategies to promote growth and development in the various domains. 
For more information on these products and the Guam Early Intervention System, please log onto www.gdoe.net/geis.

Acknowledgements:
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: Vera Blaz, Maria Bontogon, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D., Jeff Pinaula, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, and Carla Torres. 
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.

Page 20
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
DEC 12
Dec 3 Guam EHDI 2nd Quarterly Advisory Meeting ,11:30am - 2:00pm, venue TBA. Call 735-2466 for more information. 
Dec 3 Language Interpreters Orientation, 8:30am - 11am, Venue TBA. Call 735-2466 for more information. 
Dec 3-6 Healthy Families America Integrated Strategies for Home Visiting Seminar, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Venue TBD. Call 735-2414 for more information. 
Dec 12-13 Elementary PBIS Follow-up Training, 8am - 2:30pm, Venue TBD. Call 735-2561 for more information. 
Dec 13 CEDDERS Advisory Council meeting, 10:30am - 2:00pm, Westin Resort Guam. Call 735-2481/0 for more information. 
Dec 15 Governor’s Summit on Educator Effectiveness, 9am-2pm, Westin Resort Guam. Call 735-2561 for more information. 
Dec 27 GEIS Service Coordinators and Guam EHDI Family Supporters Hearing Screening Equipment Training, 9am -12pm, House 21 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2433 for more information. 
Dec 28 GSI-70 Competency Training, 2-5pm, Southern Public Health. Call 735-2433 for more information. 
Dec 31-Jan 12 Pacific VIP Winter Intercession, UOG.

JAN-MAR 13
Jan 7-8 American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Product & Service Demonstration, 9am-5pm, UOG, School of Business Building, Room 129. Call 735-2494 for more information. 
Jan 8 Child Death Review Stakeholders Meeting, 8:30am-12pm, Westin Guam Resort. Call 735-2489 for more information. 
Jan 8 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Meeting, 2-3pm, GSAT House #19. Call 735-2490 for more information. 
Jan 8 Conference & Fair Committee Meeting, 3-4:30pm, GSAT House #19. Call 735-2490 for more information. 
Jan 9-10 EdFacts Data Submission Follow-Up for Pacific Entities. UOG, School of Business & Public Admin. Room 129. Call 735-2494 for more information. 
Jan 10 Model for Improvement (MFI) Training, 8:30 -11:30 am, House 21 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2433 for more information. 
Jan 11-Feb 1 Child Development – Infant, On-line Course. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Jan 15 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:30-5pm, GSAT House #19. Call 735-2490 for more information. 
Jan 19 Community Transportation Association, Passenger Service & Safety Training (CTAA/PASS), 8am - 12pm, GSAT, House 19 Dean’s Circle, UOG Campus. Call 735-2478 for more information. 
Jan 26 CTAA/PASS, 8am -12pm, GSAT, House 19 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2478 for more information. 
Jan 21-25 Palau TA visit. 
Jan 31 Model for Improvement Training, 8:30 -11:30am, House 21 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2433 for more information. 
Feb 2 CTAA/PASS, 8am - 12pm, GSAT Training Center, House 19 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2478 for more information. 
Feb 5-7 FSM National SPP/APR Committee Meeting, Pohnpei, FSM. 
Feb 8-Mar 1 Child Development – Toddler, On-line Course. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Feb 9 CTAA/PASS, 8am - 12pm, GSAT Training Center, House 19 Dean’s Circle. Call 735-2478 for more information. 
Feb 9, 16, 23 Children with Special Needs – Part A, 8am-1pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Feb 9, 16, 23 Working with Young Children – Part C, 1am-6pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Feb 9, 16, 23 Child Development – Toddler, February 9, 16, 23, 8am-1pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Mar 8-29 Child Development – Preschool, On-line Course. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Mar 9, 16, 23 Children with Special Needs – Part B. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Mar 9, 16, 23 Creative Arts for Young Children - Part C (Dramatic Arts), 8am-1pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. 
Mar 9 19th Annual GSAT Fair, 10am - 2pm, Micronesia Mall, Center Court. Call 735-2490/1 for more information. 
Mar 23 19th Annual GSAT Conference, 8am - 3pm, Venue TBA. Call 735-2490/1 for more information.

Photo with caption:
Guam CEDDERS Provides TA for Self-Advocate Organization
Self-Advocates in Action, better known as SiñA, sponsored a 5k Power Walk on November 17 in Hagatña. Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, provides technical assistance to this 501 (3)c non-profit organization whose membership is comprised of individuals with disabilities.

Text in box:
GUAM CEDDERS WANTS YOUR INPUT! 
Guam CEDDERS is currently soliciting community input on focus area priorities for the new Five-Year Core Grant to be submitted for funding in early 2013. 
Please fill out the online survey at: www.guamcedders.org 
Look under Quick Links!