I Tellai, The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter March 1, 2013 Volume 15, Issue 2 In this issue: Guam CEDDERS Celebrates 20th Anniversary!.................1 Fulbright Scholar Shares Valuable Lessons.....................2 Fulbright Scholar on K57’s SuperFriends Show...............3 CEDDERS Advisory Council Elects New Officers................3 ADA Conference Feature Mainland Experts....................4 PACIFIC Project Celebrates Accomplishments.................6 Ed. Reps Attend “Thinking Through Collaboration”.........7 Interpreters Evaluate WRIEC Training Series..................8 Guam VI Consultant Visits Continue...............................8 APH for the Blind Officials Visit Guam............................9 Pacific VIP Scholars Hit the Streets..............................10 Video Remote Interpreting Comes to Guam.................11 Child Death Review Council Gains Momentum.............12 Training Focuses on Parent/Child Interactions.............13 EC State Plan Workgroup Firm Up Draft.......................13 HFA Program Provides Home Visiting Tools..................14 ELC Facilitates Nene Bag Presentation.........................14 Early Childhood Courses Continue on Saturdays...........15 GELC Draft Social Marketing Plan Finalized .................15 Guam EHDI Website Gets a Facelift .............................16 Guam EHDI Staff Provides GSI-70 Training....................16 Understanding the Early Intervention Process.............17 WIC Presentation Focuses on Early Brain Dev...............17 Training Raises the Bar of Professionalism for Drivers..18 School Readiness Plan Workgroup Develops Plan.........19 Practicum Student Focuses on Systems Development...19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS.................................20 Guam CEDDERS Celebrates 20th Anniversary! From its humble beginnings as a satellite University Affiliated Program in 1993, becoming an independent center in 1995, to a name change in 2001 to Guam CEDDERS and its current ranking of 22 in terms of budget among 67 Centers nationwide, Guam CEDDERS has certainly come a long way as the center celebrates its 20th Anniversary. To see the Guam CEDDERS 20th Anniversary Booklet which features a timeline outlining the growth and the various programs and projects of the organization through the years, go to www.guamcedders.org. BIBA GUAM CEDDERS! Photo & Images of: Guam CEDDERS Staff; First issue of I Tellai, 1998; First issue of Ta Na’ Sina, 2007 now I Lina’la-ta Page 2 Fulbright Scholar Shares Valuable Lessons Guam recently was treated to a lively and inspiring series of special lectures and appearances on disability-related topics by Yevgeniy Tetyukhin, PhD, a Russian Fulbright Scholar and University Professor in Kazakhstan. Dr. Tetyukhin, better known as “Yev,” is also a disability advocate, wheelchair athlete, and Professor of Languages, Civics, and Multiculturalism. Formerly a part of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan historically views their citizens with disabilities as “invalids” who have no rights and are secluded from society. Persons with disabilities for the most part, were not educated or employed and there were no accessible streets or buildings at the time. At the age of three, Yev was completely paralyzed from polio. With the love, support, and persistence of his parents, Yev was able to overcome many barriers. His father handcrafted homemade crutches for him and eventually Yev gained the use of his upper body and acquired great mobility. His mother was a firm believer that knowledge is power and taught him to read at an early age. They encouraged him to live as “normal a life” as possible. Faced with many challenges, Yev pursued his education. He was committed to educating and empowering other persons with disabilities through self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Yev advocated with the government and his country for persons with disabilities to be included and integrated into the community. The KGB, the Russian secret police agency, disliked Yev and opposed his efforts. Advocacy is a fairly new concept in his country. After 20 years, progress is finally evident. New buildings are now being regulated to be accessible. But Yev resides on the fifth floor of his older apartment building which has no elevators. With the aid of his crutches, he maneuvers up and down five flights of stairs every day. Yev’s inspiring lecture with the Self-Advocates emphasized the importance of accepting and embracing your disability. In addition, acquiring the knowledge and skills of self-advocacy and self-determination will empower persons with disabilities to achieve their goals of inclusion, integration, and independence. During his interview with Lynn and Andrew Tydingco on The SuperFriends Show on Newstalk K57 Radio, there was a revelation that as leaders in Guam’s Self-Advocacy movement, Yev was our counterpart in Kazakhstan. It was also expressed that self-advocacy, the ability to speak and interact with people in an assertive manner, strength and having a great sense of humor are essential to being an awesome Self-Advocate! Photo with caption: Over 70 individuals with disabilities attended Dr. Yevgeniy “Yev” Tetyukhin’s first lecture, held on January 7 at the University of Guam’s Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero School of Business and Public Administration Building. Page 3 Photos with captions: Top photo: Fulbright Scholar on K57’s SuperFriends Show (L-R): Dr. Yevgeniy “Yev” Tetyukhin gets animated with Lynn Tydingco and Andrew Tydingco, Co-Hosts of the “SuperFriends Show” during an interview on Radio Station K57 on January 9. Bottom photo: Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Elects New Officers Erlinda “Lynn” Tydingco (Right) was elected to serve as Chairperson and Bill Fuppul (Not shown) was re-elected as Vice Chairperson of the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council during the Council’s quarterly meeting on February 28. The Guam CEDDERS Work Plan for the next Core Grant Application, which covers the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018, was also approved by the Council during the meeting. Dankulu Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase to Tom Manglona (Left), out-going Chairperson, for your valuable service during your two terms as Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Chairperson, and Congratulations to Lynn and Bill! Page 4 ADA Conference Feature Mainland Experts In an effort to increase public awareness on the importance of physical and programmatic accessibility on our island, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) hosted the Guam Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Conference from January 9-11 at the Hotel Nikko. With over 200 self-advocates, government agency leaders, and ADA Compliance Officers from both the government and private sectors attending, participants developed a better understanding of the ADA laws and how to make programs and workplaces more accessible and ADA compliant. Making this conference extra special were three national experts on the ADA who served as keynote presenters. The speakers included Alberto Ruis Sanchez, attorney, and Deputy Chief of the Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice, in Washington, D.C. and Barbara Judy, President of the National Association of ADA Coordinators (NAADAC), former Director and founder of the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), and ADA Coordinator/504 Compliance Officer at West Virginia University. Ms. Judy is one of the leading authorities on reasonable workplace accommodations. Also presenting was Beth Loy, Principal Consultant and Webmaster for the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor in Morgantown, West Virginia. The main focus of the presentations covered a definition of “disability,” principles of the ADA, what is covered under the law, and the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). The panel of presenters facilitated a positive and interactive discussion with the audience, answering numerous questions and clarifying the laws. Each speaker had a great sense of humor that kept the presentations lively. The DISID Director and panelists were also guests on a special televised episode of The SuperFriends Show on Newstalk K57 and Channel 6. According to Ben Servino, DISID Director, the off-island speakers’ trips to Guam were sponsored by the Governor’s Department of Interior Impact Assistance Grant, the Bank of Guam, and the DISID ADA Compliance staff. Ben indicated that he is working towards the ADA Conference becoming an annual event. Page 5 Full page ad: THE POWER OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY 19th Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Fair, Saturday, March 9, 2013 10 am - 2 pm Center Court, Micronesia Mall Conference, Saturday, March 23, 2013 8 am - 3:30 pm Somnak Ballroom, The Westin Resort To register, for more information, or to request for reasonable accommodations, contact: Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Tel: 735-2490 TTY: 735-2491 Email: gsat@guamcedders.org Conference Saturday, March 23, 2013 8 am - 3:30 pm Somnak Ballroom, The Westin Resort Helping individuals with disabilities live life Guam Developmental Disabilities Council These events are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration (Grant #H224A110053) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Tri-Agency: Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service, and Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center. Page 6 PACIFIC Project Celebrates Accomplishments/Outline Next Steps In partnership with the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) and host-entity Republic of Palau, Ministry of Education, the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC6) Implementing Fully Innovative Change (PACIFIC) Project celebrated the accomplishments of PAC6 and planned with NCSC for the next generation of supports for children with significant cognitive disabilities at the PACIFIC Project Leadership Team Meeting: The PAC6 Journey: The Next Generation of Meaningful Systems of Supports, in Koror, Palau on December 6 & 7, 2012. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together the PACIFIC Project Leadership Team to review individual entity and project outcomes and to identify next steps for continuing the PAC6 journey in support of the critical changes to curriculum, instruction, and assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities requiring an Alternate Assessment Based on Alternate Achievement Standards. The Special Education Directors Coordinators, Curriculum Chiefs, and Assessment Chiefs, and key Special Education staff from the CNMI, FSM, Guam, and Palau attended the 2-day meeting The meeting began with Mr. Emery Wenty, Director of Education Administration, Palau Ministry of Education, opening with welcoming remarks and sharing how the Ministry of Education is working to ensure all students are included in the general curriculum through supports for the Special Education Program. Afterwards, to establish a mindset for the 2-day meeting, a video entitled “Give them a chance”, was presented. This video highlights Luii, a 14-year-old boy in Palau, through a candid interview with his mother, Ti’e. Ti’e shares about the progress Luii has made both at school and at home, since being enrolled in his neighborhood school, and included in the 8th grade general curriculum, after being enrolled for 7 years in a self-contained classroom at the Special Education Program Center. She also shares her regrets for not moving him to a more inclusive setting sooner and talks about what more needs to be done in her community for children with disabilities. This is a very moving video, and ended with applause and tears from the participants, as this is what we all advocate for. Rachel Quenemoen, the NCSC Project Director and NCEO Senior Research Fellow, co-facilitated the meeting with June De Leon, PACIFIC Project Director from Guam CEDDERS, to work with the entity leadership to reinforce the importance of curriculum, instruction, and assessment development and implementation for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Other areas of focus included the review of individual and collective PAC6 data and framework established and supported for the development and implementation of the “transition-transformation” plans and the review of NCSC resources and support available to the PAC6 for the implementation of the common core state standards supports for critical curricular, instructional, and professional development. Page 7 Education Reps Attend “Thinking Through Collaboration” Workshop Guam CEDDERS provided coordination support for the Regional Resource Center Program (RRCP) to facilitate a five-day regional training event entitled: Thinking Through Collaboration: A Guide for Educator Effectiveness, for regional education teams from Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and Federated States of Micronesia on February 25-March 1, at the University of Guam. The purpose for the regional event was to provide an intensive training program designed for education teams of general educators and special educators to build their knowledge and skills for collaborating and using a decision-making process for ensuring educational success for all students. This training provided specific strategies for district and school-level implementation and provided team members an opportunity to identify ways to support their teachers’ implementation. Follow-up post-training activities will be required in order to fully train education teams to meaningfully implement the concepts at the school-level. Photos with captions: Top photo: Close to 60 education team members from Guam, CNMI, FSM, and Palau, with the “Thinking Through Collaboration” (TTC) training facilitators from North Central Regional Resource Center and Western Regional Resource Center and technical assistance providers from San Diego State University and Guam CEDDERS, create a BIG “C” to communicate their commitment to the “Thinking Through Collaboration” training strategies, especially the 4 C’s: Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration! Bottom photo: Guam Team engages in a TTC activity. (L-R) Carla Masnayan, FBLG School Principal; Jen Punongbayan, Machananao School Principal; Laura Taisipic, School Program Consultant, Division of Special Education; Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Special Education; and Terese Crisostomo, School Program Consultant, Division of Special Education Page 8 Photos with captions: Interpreters Evaluate WRIEC Training Series At the request of the Western Regional Interpreter Education Center (WRIEC), Guam CEDDERS provided the logistics for Guam-based sign language interpreters to participate in a focus group teleconference on February 6 conducted by Cathy Cogen, Director, National Interpreter Education Center, Northeastern University, Boston. The purpose of the focus group, which also included two sign language interpreters from Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was to obtain evaluation input on the training series provided by WRIEC over the past two years. Participants from Guam included, (clockwise starting at left: Monika Duenas, Darlene Castro, Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS, Fe Gillins, Connie Estes (partially hidden), Evangelis Babauta, and Christine Chargualaf. Not shown: Fe Monforte, DOE School Program Guam VI Consultant Visits Continue Continuing her regular visits to Guam, Donna McNear, Vision Impairment Consultant, provided technical assistance and training to the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education Vision Impairment Program and Guam Early Intervention System on February 18-22. She also was in the region on January 8-22, conducting practicum supervision with the scholars in the Pacific Vision Instruction Program (Pacific VIP) in Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Guam. Shown here meeting with Ms. McNear, second from right, during her February visit were: (L-R): Darlene Taimanglo, VIP Scholar; Fe Monforte, Guam DOE School Program Consultant for the VI Program; Diane Artero, VIP Scholar; and Pat Mantanona, Program Coordinator, Guam Early Intervention System. Page 9 American Printing House for the Blind Officials Visit Guam In collaboration with the University of Guam CEDDERS Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) and the University of Massachusetts Boston Northeast Regional Center on Vision Education (NERCVE), representatives from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) were on Guam to conduct a Product and Service Demonstration to the public and to meet with the APH Leadership/Trustees. Over 60 participants from American Samoa, CNMI, Guam, and Palau attended the training that included general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, program staff, parents of children with visual impairments, and members from New Vision Guam and the Pacific VIP scholars. On January 7, Tuck Tinsley, APH President, presented on APH, its long and interesting history and APH quotas. Bob Brasher, APH Vice President of Advisory Services and Research, Janie Blome, APH Director of Field Services, and Scott Blome, APH Director of Communications, introduced the wide selection of APH products. In the afternoon, Janie and Bob continued their demonstration of the APH products for the Core and the Expanded Core Curriculum, by asking participants to select a product, learn about the product, demonstrate how to use the product, and then share how they would utilize the product with their student or in their classroom. Participants ended the day with a better understanding of APH and the multitude of products that are available for individuals with visual impairments. APH held a meeting on January 8 for the Leadership/Trustees of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as representatives from the Freely Associated States (FAS) of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. The meeting focused on the APH Statute and Regulations, including the Federal Quota and Requirements, and responsibilities of Ex-Officio Trustees. Though the FAS receives funding from the USDOE Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant, they do not have access to Federal Quota funds, so the focus of discussion was to brainstorm ways to assist the FAS in accessing APH products for their students with visual impairment. The day ended with some possible solutions and plans to continue the dialogue between the Trustee entities and the FAS. Photos with captions: First photo: Representatives from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Ex-Officio Trustees. Left to Right: Janie Blome, APH Director of Field Services; Tuck Tinsley, III, APH President; Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent, Guam Division of Special Education; Tim Thornburg, CNMI PSS Federal Programs Officer; Mary Beth Dean, Pacific VIP Faculty & former APH Trustee; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Scott Blome, APH Director of Communications; June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS; and Bob Brasher, APH Vice President of Advisory Services and Research. Second photo: Lizelle Amirez (left) and Jennifer Buniag (right), Pacific VIP scholars from the CNMI demonstrate the VisioBook: Portable Electronic Magnifier and Distance Viewer during the APH Product and Service Demonstration training. Page 10 Pacific VIP Scholars Hit the Streets during Winter Session The Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) recently concluded its two winter intercession courses for the 19 Regional Scholars, with on-site instruction conducted by six University of Massachusetts Boston faculty members at the University of Guam (UOG) from December 31, 2012- January 11, 2013. The first course, “Methods of Orientation & Mobility (O&M)“ moved the 19 scholars from the familiar surroundings of the UOG campus to downtown Hågatña, to teach the scholars how to teach students with visual impairments to use a cane to cross roadways in the presence of traffic in a semi-business area. This training included instructor monitoring and instructor positioning, and teaching the students to use perpendicular and parallel traffic for alignment. The instructors for this course were UMass O&M faculty Dr. Laura Bozeman, Robert McCulley, and Paula Kosior. The second course, “Assessment for Students with Visual Impairments including those with Additional Disabilities” provided the scholars with opportunities to examine and explore the unique educational needs of children with visual impairments and assessment techniques specifically designed for students with visual impairments in a full array of educational settings. Assessment instruments included Information Reading Inventories (IRI), Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Assessment, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) Assessment Kit, and the Oregon Project. Other activities included having the scholars develop Individualized Education Program goals and objectives based on specific content area lesson plans, and using the “Each One Teach One” strategy to teach their partner chosen words in Braille. On the final day of class, the scholars had to share the “Story Boxes” they created, which included items they either bought or made to illustrate a story for a student with visual impairment. This course was provided through video conference with UMass faculty, Tammy Reisman and on-site instructors Mary Beth Dean and Janice Barron. The Spring 2013 courses began on February 4, with “Instructional Strategies for Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Including those with Additional Disabilities” and “O&M Assessment Methods-Adults.” Photos with captions: Pacific VIP Scholars were taught how to provide Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction to students to learn the skills and concepts needed to travel safely and independently in the community. Scholars share the “Story boxes” they created using a variety of textured materials. Instructor’s Toolkit Each scholar was provided with the following items to begin building their instructional toolkit: iPad2, Mangold Braille Program, Braille labeler, with tape, small work divider trays, non-slip activity pad, and an APH Innovations expandable tote bag. Each entity also received an ENVISION training program that uses stories and activities about Emmy the Emu and other high-interest characters to teach students to use optical devices. Page 11 Video Remote Interpreting Comes to Guam Federal civil rights laws require effective communication with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing which may require use of American Sign Language interpreters. This can be challenging on Guam with a limited number of qualified American Sign Language interpreters. Most of the local interpreters work for the Department of Education and are serving students during the day. Event organizers and public service agencies can attest to the difficulty experienced when trying to obtain an interpreter even with ample planning and notice. With the global community we now live in and the way technology connects us with people around the world, allowing for real-time face to face conversations and instantaneous receipt and delivery of messages, solutions seem boundless. Availing of remote interpreting on Guam is a very good example of how one taps into the innovative and technological world we live in to provide resolution to a prevailing problem. Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a way to access a live American Sign Language interpreter in a distant location. VRI uses devices such as web cameras or videophones and a high speed Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to provide the services of a qualified interpreter, usually located at a call center. For places like Guam where there is a limited availability of sign language interpreters, VRI is a true asset. If you would like to learn more about video remote interpreting, please contact the Guam System for Assistive Technology at 735-2490 or by email to gsat@guamcedders.org. Photo with caption: The GSAT Advisory Council uses video remote interpreting services for the very first time during their January meeting. Page 12 Child Death Review Council Initiative Gains Momentum A child’s death is a shock to any community. Whenever one occurs, questions always arise, questions which usually center around whether the death could have been prevented. A look at the child death count on Guam reveals some alarming statistics. According to the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Maternal Child Health Program, in 2012 there were 41 deaths to children under the age of one. In 2011, there were even more with 44 infants dying. One way to look at this is that there was almost one child death in this age group per week! Another way is to consider that Guam’s infant mortality rate is about twice the U.S. national rate. To address this concern, one of the initiatives that was made a priority of the Guam Early Learning Council (GELC) this past year is the establishment of a Child Death Review (CDR) Council. A CDR Planning Committee was formed in July 2012 to conduct research on this topic and to develop strategies to reduce the disturbing number of child deaths. With the assistance of Louise Iwaishi, MD, Director of the LEND Program at the University of Hawaii, a key contact was made with Teri Covington, MPH, Executive Director of the National Center on Child Death Review and Prevention. An internationally recognized expert in this area, arrangements were made for Ms. Covington to come to Guam in January to provide technical assistance to help the island set up a CDR council which is typically comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that meets to share case information on fatalities in order to prevent other deaths. On January 8, close to 50 participants attended the “Child Death Review Stakeholders Meeting” held at the Westin Resort Guam. Representatives from various agencies on Guam took part in this meeting to learn about the purpose of a CDR, how systems currently function on Guam for child fatalities, and to discuss potential strategies to decrease the numbers. Facilitated by Ms. Covington, information on what a CDR is and is not was made clear to attendees. A panel discussion, with representatives from the office of the medical examiner, police, fire, and Child Protective Services, shared how they carried out their agency’s responsibilities in the event of a death of a child. The meeting closed with recommendations for next steps to establish the Council. The following day, a Roundtable Meeting was held at the Guam Legislature, convened by Senator Dennis Rodriquez, Chairperson of the Committee on Health. The Roundtable Meeting was also attended by Senators Benjamin Cruz, Tony Ada, Frank Aguon, Tommy Morrison, Brant McCreadie, Michael San Nicolas, and Aline Yamashita. Four members of the Youth Congress also attended as well as the Director of Public Health and Social Services, several DPHSS employees, and other members of the community. The overall response was overwhelmingly positive. On January 10th, Ms. Covington presented information on CDRs to the physicians and several nurses of the Guam Memorial Hospital Pediatrics Department. Response there was positive, with one pediatrician expressing interest in participating as the Council evolves. A draft CDR Legislative Bill, initially developed by the Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Trainees continues to be reviewed and edited. The draft is currently with the office of Senator Rodriquez for review with an anticipated formal introduction to the legislative process slated to occur by the end of February. An update on the status of the proposed legislation will be provided in the next issue of I Tellai. Photos with captions: Teri Covington, MPH, Executive Director of the National Center on Child Death Review and Prevention, shares information during the Child Death Review Stakeholders Meeting held on January 8 at the Westin Resort Guam. (L-R) Senators Michael San Nicolas, Tony Ada, Dennis Rodriquez, Frank Aguon, and Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., attended the Legislative Roundtable Meeting on Child Death Review. Also attending the Roundtable were Senators Tommy Morrison, Benjamin Cruz, and Brant McCreadie. Page 13 Community Training Focuses on Parent/Child Interactions Parent trainings on the Hugando Play book, which are aligned with the Guam Early Learning Guidelines, were offered at the DYA, Toto Gardens to parents of children ages Birth-5 years old. Parents received information, resources, and tools to help enhance their children’s development, growth, and learning. More parent trainings will be offered at various locations around the island through May. Early Childhood State Plan Workgroup Firm Up Draft Members of the Guam Early Learning Council State Plan Workgroup discuss ideas to update the Guam Early Childhood State Plan. Members include representatives from the DPHSS Child Care & Development Fund, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, DOE Head Start, and Guam CEDDERS. Page 14 HFA Program Provides Home Visiting Tools Project Bisita I Familia, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, invited early childhood serving agencies to attend the “Healthy Families America (HFA) ‘Integrated Strategies for Home Visiting” Seminar December 3-6, 2012 at the Outrigger Guam Resort. Participants included representatives from Department of Public Health & Social Services-Project Kariñu and Bureau of Social Services Administration Family Services Section, and Department of Education-Head Start. Topics of discussion included why home visiting works, HFA program goals, guideposts for home visiting, action tools to use with families during home visits, and how to set goals. Participants were able to practice using the action tools with each other as well as set personal goals to demonstrate the use of the goal plan. Photo with caption: (Left photo): Satya Kline, Healthy Families America trainer, facilitates a discussion during the December training with Project Bisita’s collaborating partners. (Right photo): Several participants from the December HFA training pose on the last day with trainer Satya Kline. Left to right kneeling: Ernie Mendez and JR Quinata of Project Kariñu; Left to right standing: Gerri Roberto (BOSSA), Lolita Leon Guerrero (PK), Julie Quinene (BOSSA), Satya Kline (HFA trainer), Vera Blaz (Project Bisita Training & TA Coordinator/Guam CEDDERS), Cindy Chugrad (BOSSA), Jenei Aguon and Rita Quitugua (BOSSA). Not shown: Carmen Quenga (Head Start), Barbara Materne and Doris Yokoi (Project Bisita). Photo with caption: Early Learning Council Facilitates Nene Bag Presentation Through the collaborative efforts of the Guam Early Learning Council (GELC), the First Lady of Guam’s Rigalu Foundation, Guam Department of Education, Guam Early Intervention System, Guam CEDDERS, 500 “Nene Bags” were presented to the Maternity Ward Staff of the Guam Memorial Hospital. The bags, which contain informational brochures on child growth and development, Guam Early Intervention System services, strategies to nurture child growth, and the Guam Early Learning Guidelines for Children Birth to 36 Months, to be disseminated to mothers of newborns when leaving the hospital. Above Photo: Seated, (L-R): Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam and Co-chairperson of the GELC; Joseph Varga, GMH Administrator. Back Row: GMH volunteers and staff with Elaine Eclavea, GELC Co-chair and Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator (behind the First Lady), and Terry Naputi, Guam CEDDERS staff, far right. Page 15 Early Childhood Courses Continue on Saturdays The Guam Early Learning Council (GELC), through the support of the State Advisory Council grant, continued to offer free early childhood education classes to child care providers, foster parents, and interested individuals. In January, two classes were offered, Working With Young Children – Part B and Children with Special Needs – Part C. If you are interested in registering for an Early Childhood class, please see the Guam CEDDERS website calendar for the schedule of classes being offered. For more information, call Terry Naputi at 735-2363 or email terry.naputi@guamcedders.org. Photos with captions: Ten students pose with instructor Charlie Harper (far left) after the completion of the Children With Special Needs – Part C early childhood course. The Working With Young Children – Part B class’s instructor Marie Wusstig (third from left) and students pose at the end of their class. As part of the class work in Working With Young Children – Part B, an activity was conducted to understand the characteristics of children with special needs. GELC Draft Social Marketing Plan Finalized Guam Early Learning Council Developing a comprehensive, coordinated, and systematic plan to increase public awareness on a wide range of topics addressing issues related to the early childhood years is the mission of the Guam Early Childhood Social Marketing Plan (SMP) Workgroup. Although this Workgroup has been meeting during the last year, it recently stepped up its efforts to finalize a draft plan based on the updated Draft Early Childhood State Plan. Members of the Workgroup include: (clockwise starting at top right): Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Renaysha Pangelinan, Guam CEDDERS Social Work Practicum Student; Cindy Chugrad, Child Protective Services representative; Kat Bayson, Guam Early Intervention System Special Projects Coordinator; June Perez, (partially hidden), Guam Memorial Hospital representative; and Jeff Pinaula, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate. Photo with caption: Strategies to increase Public Awareness of Early Childhood issues were discussed during the SMP meeting held on February 13th. Page 16 Guam EHDI Website Gets a Facelift The Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (Guam EHDI) project has re-designed the project website. The website is now more parent-friendly with social media links and more resources for parents. The website provides contacts for various health services and resources both on and off-island. An updated informational video about the universal newborn hearing screening on Guam is also featured on the new website. The video highlights the importance of hearing screening in newborns, completing the hearing screening process all the way through diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss. The informational video will be played in community clinics to raise awareness for the project, and will be a source for parents to learn more about hearing screening. You can check out the new website at www.guamehdi.org. Guam EHDI Staff Provides GSI-70 Training Guam Early Intervention System Service Coordinators and Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Family Supporters participated in training on the use of the GSI-70 and the Natus Algo 3i hearing screening equipment on December 26th. Training was conducted by Vicky Ritter, Screener/Facilitator for the Guam EHDI project. The purpose of the training was to reduce the loss to follow-up of infants that need to complete the hearing screening process by increasing the availability as well as to increase the competency of screeners providing hearing screening services to families. Training, conducted at Dean Circle House 21, at the University of Guam, included hands-on experience in conducting hearing screening using both types of equipment. Page 17 Understanding the Early Intervention Process The Guam Department of Education - Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), and Guam CEDDERS have partnered together to facilitate a series of four parent training sessions targeting parents who have children receiving early intervention services. The GEIS parent trainings have been an annual event for the past few years and cover Early Intervention topics such as referral, parent rights, early childhood outcomes, and transitioning into preschool or other programs. This year’s parent trainings started in January and will continue with one training session a month, ending in April. The next parent training scheduled for March 20 will be on “Measuring Outcomes in Early Intervention Services: Understanding How Children and Families Benefit from Early Intervention.” The last parent training scheduled for April 4 will help parents prepare to transition their child into preschool or other programs. If you are a parent with a child receiving early intervention services with GEIS and would like to attend the parent training on March 20 and/or April 4 please contact Guam CEDDERS at 735-2466 or SpEd Parent Services at 300-1322. WIC Presentation Focuses on Early Brain Development Guam CEDDERS staff facilitating activities under the State Advisory Council Grant and the Guam Early Learning Council conducted a presentation on February 22 during the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program staff development day. Twenty-five WIC staff members attended the presentation which focused on child brain development and the importance of nurturing growth and development in young children. Page 18 Training Raises the Bar of Professionalism for Transit Drivers At the completion of transportation training on February 9, 2013, seven new operators had gained knowledge on the professionalism required to deliver transportation services to the public. They joined eight other seasoned drivers to develop awareness and sensitivity for senior citizens and riders who have disabilities, understand the requirements of the ADA and the local transit policies, improve their communication and customer service skills, become proficient in wheelchair and passenger securement, and add to their skill in emergency evacuation and handling of blood borne pathogens. At the completion of 16 hours of Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) training over a period of four weekends, these fifteen operators expect to gain national certification from Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) for competence in passenger service and safety. Training was delivered by Guam CEDDERS professional staff, Ginger Porter, with assistance from paratransit rider Evelyn Duenas and input from self-advocate Lynn Tydingco. Ms. Porter is a CTAA Certified Trainer for the PASS curriculum. From the evaluations of the trainees’ experience, it is clear that they valued the hands on experiences and meeting some of the riders with disabilities. They have continued interest in building expertise in emergency evacuation, assisting individuals with disabilities, and having access to updated information coming from the transportation and disability fields. Bravo to this group of trainees who are raising the bar of professionalism in transporting passengers with disabilities. Photo with caption: At the completion of hands-on practice to provide guides, secure a wheelchair and passenger, and conduct a drag evacuation, 13 of 15 CTAA PASS trainees gather for a photo. Standing (L-R): Ignacio “Ike” Mendiola, Andrew Mantanona, Ray Apellido, Remy Cruz, Alvin Denusta, Jeremy Cruz, Danny Mundo, Danny Stonesifer, and Greg Quitaro. Seated (L-R): Mack Pedro, Evelyn Duenas, Inconansion “Connie” Tyquiengco, Jesse Reyes, and Robert Auyauan. Page 19 School Readiness Workgroup Develops Plan As part of the Guam Early Learning Council initiatives, stakeholders have been meeting to develop a Guam School Readiness Plan that clearly states what is recommended to help prepare all children to be successful in school. Attending the February 27 meeting were (L-R): Cecilia Crisostomo, Mercy Heights Nursery and Kindergarten, representing the Archdiocese of Agana; Dr. Felicity Grandjean, Guam CEDDERS Post Doctoral Fellow and facilitator of the Workgroup; Cathy Schroeder, Head Start Director; Mary McKay, Director, International Montessori School; Jacia Shimizu, LBJ Kindergarten Teacher; Janet Camacho, My School Child Care Center; and Eloise Sanchez, Guam Department of Education Early Childhood School Program Consultant. Not Shown: Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. Practicum Student Focuses on Systems Development Guam CEDDERS is currently serving as a practicum site for a University of Guam student for the Spring 2013 Semester. Renaysha Pangelinan, a junior majoring in Social Work, will be completing 165 on-site hours during this placement that focuses on community and systems development. Welcome Renaysha! Photo with caption: Renaysha Pangelinan, Social Work Practicum Student joins Guam CEDDERS during the Spring 2013 semester. 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, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D., Jeff Pinaula, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Victoria Ritter, 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 MAR 13 * Mar 2 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Response to Intervention (RTI) Team Meeting, GSAT, 9am-1pm * Mar 3 Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month Mass Celebration, 9:30am-10:30am, Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica, Agana. Call 735-9127 for more information. * Mar 4 DD Awareness Month Proclamation Signing, 10:30am-11am, Governor’s Office Large conference room, Adelup. Call 735-9127 for more information. * Mar 6, 7 Guam Department of Education, School Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Training, 8am-12pm. Guam Department of Education Division Training 12:30-3:30pm, Westin Resort Guam. * Mar 8 DD Awareness Month, Legislative Awareness Reception, 9am-12pm, Guam Legislature, Agana. Call 735-9127 for more information. * Mar 8-29 Child Development-Preschool, On-line; 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, 10:00am-2:00pm, Micronesia Mall, Center Court. Call 735-2490/1 for more information. * Mar 12 SuperFriends Radio Show, Guest: Ad Hoc DD Awareness Committee. 12pm-1pm, K57 Talk radio. * Mar 12 Guam Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting, 9am-12pm, UOG CLASS Research Conference room. * Mar 18,19 Naomi Younggren, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant On-site visit with Guam Dept. of Education, Division of Special Education, Early Childhood PreSchool. For more information please call 735-2438. * Mar 19-21 Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Related Services Training, Venue TBA,1:30-3:30pm * Mar 20 Guam Early Intervention System Training Series: Understanding the Early Intervention Process, “Measuring Outcomes in Early Intervention Services: Understanding How Children and Families Benefit from Early Intervention,” 5:30pm-8:00am. Outrigger Resort. Call 735- 2466 or SPED Parent Services at 300-1322 for more information. For special accommodations, please contact SPED Parent Services at 300-1322 at least five (5) working days prior to the training date. * Mar 20-22 Naomi Younggren, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant On-site visit with Guam Dept. of Education, Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System. For more information please call 735-2438. * Mar 23 19th Annual GSAT Conference, 8:00am - 3:00pm, Westin Resort Guam. Call 735-2490/1 for more information. * Mar 26 DD Awareness Month, Self-Advocacy Activity, 11am-2pm, Agana Shopping Center. Call 735-9127 for more information. * Mar 25-27 Project Tinituhon “Strengthening Families” Training, 8:00am-5:00pm. Call 735-2438 for more information. * Mar 26 Guam Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities (GAPSD) Orientation, TBA, 8am-4pm. * Mar 29 Guam EHDI Community of Learners (COL) Webinar, Guam time: 6:00am-7:30am. Call 735-2466 for more information. * Mar 30 DD Awareness Month, Family Fun Day Picnic, 9am-4pm, Adelup Beach Park. Call 735-9127 for more information. * Mar 30 SiñA New Officer Orientation and Training, GSAT Hs 19 Dean’s Circle, UOG, 8:00am-12:00pm. Call 735-2478 for more information. * Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 20 Self-Advocacy Workshop Series, 10am-2:30pm, Hs. 19 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2478 for more information. APR-MAY 13 * Apr 3,4 (Tentative) Project Tinituhon “Strategic Management Team” 2-Day Work Session Meeting, “Strengthen Our Links: Guam’s Early Childhood System of Care”, 8:30am-3:30pm, Venue TBA. For more information please call 735-2466. * Apr 9 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Meeting, GSAT House #19 Dean’s Circle, UOG, 2:00-3:00pm. Call 735-2490 for more information. * Apr 13,20,27 Children with Special Needs-Part C, 8:00am-1:00pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. * Apr 16 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, GSAT House #19 Dean’s Circle, UOG, 3:30-5:00pm. Call 735-2490 for more information. * Apr 17 GOAL-AT/GGT General Membership Meeting, 12:00pm-1:30pm, GSAT House #19 Dean’s Circle, UOG, 3:30-5:00pm. Call 735-2490 for more information. * Apr 20,27 Guam Early Intervention System Training Series: Understanding the Early Intervention Process, “What Happens After Early Intervention - Be Ready for the Transition,” 8:00am-11:30am. Call 735-2466 or SPED Parent Services at 300-1322 for more information. For special accommodations, please contact SPED Parent Services at 300-1322 at least five (5) working days prior to the training date. * May 4,11,18 Children with Special Needs-Part A, 8:00am-1:00pm. Call 735-2363 for more information. * May 20 Guam EHDI 3rd Quarterly Advisory meeting, Venue TBA, 11:30am-1:30pm. Call 735-2466 for more information. * May 25, Jun 1, Jun 15 Self-Advocacy Workshop Series, 10am-2:30pm, Hs. 19 Dean’s Circle, UOG. Call 735-2478 for more information. Ad: 20 Years, 1993-2013, University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service Booklet Now Available on the Guam CEDDERS Website! www.guamcedders.org