I Tellai - The Bridge
Guam CEDDERS Newsletter
September 30, 2015

Volume 17, Issue 4

Photo: Individual seated at table reading surrounded by other conference goers.
Caption: Lisa Ogo, GSAT Advisory Council Member, reads the CouncilÕs Resolution on Community Living, Choice, and 
Assistive Technology during the Transition into Community Living Conference held at the Westin Resort Guam 
and on July 31.

Title: GSAT Hosts ÒTransition into Community LivingÓ Conference

At all ages, many individuals with disabilities face physical and social barriers that 
keep them from participating in the social, recreational and economic world around 
them. Some individuals with disabilities may live at home but with little connection in 
their community. It is a basic human and civil right for people with disabilities to have 
equal access for participation in society as called for in the Americans with Disabilities 
Act and as advocated for by the U.S. Supreme CourtÕs 1999 landmark decision in 
Olmstead v. L.C. On this premise, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT), a 
project under Guam CEDDERS, conducted a training that highlighted various supports 
necessary to make this happen. 

On July 31, at the Westin Resort, 130 people participated in this event titled 
ÒTransition into Community Living: An Assistive Technology Training for Individuals 
with Disabilities, Family Members, and Service Providers.Ó The day kicked off with 
Carla Torres, ATP, Assistive Technology and Special Projects Coordinator, presenting on 
GSATÕs long standing commitment to the Guam community to assist individuals with 
disabilities to live productive, independent, and happy lives. GSATÕs Advisory Council 
read their ÒResolution on Community Living, Choice, and Assistive TechnologyÓ which 
helped to set the perspective of the day. 

Ms. Torres led the morning with presentations that included key elements of 
a successful community living transition plan and the various types of assistive 
technology (AT) that could support community living. There was a wealth of AT 
examples shared, categorized into areas of functional needs like safety, mobility, 
personal care, cognition and memory tasks, home management, community and 

Continued on page 2

In this issue:
GSAT Hosts Transition Conference..............................1-2
GSAT Hosts ADA Workshops on Accessibility....................3
ADA Posters Featured at Smithsonian ADA Celebration...3
Center Directors Complete ASQ Booster Training............4
Centers Receive Health Consultant Orientation..............4
Stakeholders Meet on Improvement Strategies.............5
Stakeholders Meet to Improvement Needs....................5
Revised GELGs for Ages Three to Five Unveiled...............6
Cohort 2 Attends Strengths Finder Webinar...................6
Workgroup Updates GELGs Birth to 36 Months...............7
Pacific VIP Reps Meet During Chuuk Site Visit.................7
Parents Participate in CafŽ Conversation.......................8
Project Kari–u Conducts Family Evaluation CafŽ.............8
Trainers Bring the Protective Factors to the Comm.........9
Pohnpei State VIP Receives Braille Books....................10
Pohnpei Teachers Receive EPICS Info...........................10
Pacific VIP Scholars Complete Final Activities...............11
EPICS Rec. Goes to American Samoa & Wash.DC............12
PBIS School Teams Engages in Team Training...............13
No Wrong Door Planning............................................14
Kari–u Promotes Language Access Services.................15
Deaf Jam Fiesta Celebration.......................................16
Director Meets Virgin Islands Counterpart...................17
Alt. Financing & AT Reuse Acquisition Conference.........17
Poster Series Celebrates Anniversary of ADA................18
Orgs. Collaborate on Public Awareness Film ................18
Ginger Porter Makes Her Mark....................................19
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS.................................20
Video Production Focuses on Home Accessibility..........20

Guam CEDDERS logo
UNIVERSITY OF GUAM
Center for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, and Service


Page 2

Title: GSAT Hosts Transition...continued

recreational activity involvement, and communication. The 
participants received copies of the ÒAT in Community Living 
Resource GuideÓ which includes pictures and descriptions of 
various AT in these categories. 

Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS consultant, closed out the 
morning with a presentation on the Department of Public 
Health & Social Services, Division of Senior CitizenÕs No Wrong 
Door (NWD) Initiative. The vision of NWD access to long term 
supports and services is to ensure that all persons of all ages are 
able to access information for the range of supports they need to 
live the life they wish to live. A NWD approach is about building 
a commitment across all formal services, to provide individuals 
with all of the information that might be of use to them at that 
point in time. This approach will enable Guam to support all 
populations, older adults and individuals with disabilities, in the 
environment of their choice. 

The next speaker, Guam Fire DepartmentÕs Assistant Fire 
Chief Daren Burrier, conducted a presentation on the new 
emergency online registry for individuals with special needs. 
This new tool, expected to be in effect in January 2016, will 
support independent living needs and safety for individuals 
with disabilities. Participants were very excited to learn that the 
emergency response needs of individuals with disabilities will 
finally be addressed. 

Ms. Torres rounded out the afternoon with two more 
presentations on assistive technology. Participants learned 
about the variety of features and numerous apps offered 
through the iPad that can help adults with disabilities 
maintain independence and participation in daily activities. 
They also learned about tools, modifications, and strategies 
to make gardening more accessible as gardening is a leisure 
activity enjoyed by many and a great way to contribute to the 
community.

It often takes several coordinated and different types of 
services and supports to make the transition to community 
living happen for individuals with disabilities. Because the 
knowledge and coordination of these supports and services are 
key, the conference offered a panel presentation of the various 
resources offered in our community. The panel was made up of 
representatives from six different private and public agencies 
including Guma Mami, Guam Legal Services Corporation-
Disability Law Center, Self-Advocates in Action, Health Services 
of the Pacific, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals 
with Disabilities, and Catholic Social Services. The panel 
members shared information on community living services they 
offer and answered questions from the audience. 

This well-attended event was well-received and shows that 
there continues to be a need for more supports to help individuals 
with disabilities make connections in their community and truly 
be included in their communities. 

Photo: Conference participants listen attentively to Daren Burrier, Assistant Fire Chief, as he shares information in line with recent legislation about a new voluntary emergency 
online registry.
Page 3

Title: GSAT Hosts ADA Workshops on Accessibility

As part of a month long celebration of the 25th anniversary 
of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Carla Torres, 
ATP, Assistive Technology and Special Projects Coordinator, 
conducted two workshops on July 23 for Government of Guam 
ADA coordinators. One workshop focused on how to create 
accessible documents. A document is accessible if users with 
disabilities can read and understand all essential information 
that it contains, whether or not they use assistive technology. 
Participants in this workshop learned how to build style and 
structure into a Microsoft Word document and how to create 
tagged PDF documents making digital information accessible 
in a variety of ways by people of all abilities, including people 
with disabilities who may be using assistive technology devices 
such as screen readers and Braille displays. 

The second workshop covered website accessibility. Web 
accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the 
Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people 
with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact 
with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web 
accessibility also benefits others, including older people with 
changing abilities due to aging or those with slow internet 
connection. These workshops were conducted to help increase 
the accessibility of government agencies and the services they 
provide the community. 


Title: Guam CEDDERS Posters Featured at Smithsonian ADA Celebration

Photo: Dr. Heidi San Nicolas (far right), Guam CEDDERS Director, presents Guam CEDDERS posters to representatives from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD). Receiving the posters are: (L-R): Shakia Baskerville, MPH, Presidential Management Fellow, Office of External Affairs, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Shia Byers, Summer Intern, American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD), Andrew Morris, MPH, Policy Analyst, 
Office of the Commissioner, Administration on Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Resource materials developed by Guam CEDDERS and funded by CEDDERSÕ Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities (AIDD) Core Grant were put on display at the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Festival held at the Smithsonian Museum of American History on July 24-26. Copies of the posters, featuring advocates on Guam, were also given to AIDD for display at the AIDD offices in Washington, DC. to celebrate the ADA. 


Title: Child Care Center Directors Complete ASQ Booster Training

Guam CEDDERS conducted ÓAges & Stages Questionaires (ASQ) Booster TrainingÓ on Saturday, July 25 at the University of Guam. Fifteen child care center directors and staff from 11 centers attended the training that covered early childhood developmental monitoring techniques and practices, and working with parents. This training is 
the second in a series made available to child caregivers through the support of Project Tinituhon, GuamÕs Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant facilitated by Guam CEDDERS.


Title: Child Care Centers Receive Health Care Consultant Orientation

Guam CEDDERS, in partnership with the Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) facilitated the ÒChild Care Health Consultant OrientationÓ for child care centers on Wednesday, July 29, at the University of Guam. Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant and Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, 
facilitated a presentation during the event. The orientation provided information about health and safety for centers and the children they serve. Project Tinituhon, GuamÕs Early Childhood Comprehensive System and DPHSS Child Care Development Fund Program, Bureau of Social Services Administration, and Maternal Child Health Program 
co-sponsored the event.


Title: GMHA Staff Meet with Guam EHDI on QI Strategies

Members of the ÒInitial Screening Quality Improvement TeamÓ met on August 12th to discuss effective strategies to improve Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Loss to Follow-Up rates. Seated clockwise starting from bottom left: Alyson Ward, National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM); Valerie Meno, 
RN, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA); Ruth Sabangan, RN, GMHA; Avelina Opena, RN, Nursing Supervisor, GMHA; Terrie Fejarang, Guam EHDI; Elaine Eclavea, Guam EHDI Consultant; and Joseph Mendiola, Guam EHDI Data Coordinator.


Title: Guam EHDI Stakeholders Meet to Address Quality Improvement

Alyson Ward (standing), Quality Improvement Advisor from the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), provided technical assistance on strategies for effective Quality Improvement for the Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program on August 10-12. Staff from the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Guam Regional Medical City, Guam Early Intervention System, and the Department of Education (DOE)Audiology unit joined Guam EHDI for this quality improvement activity.


Title: Revised Guam Early Learning Guidelines: Ages 3 to 5 Unveiled

On Monday, July 27, Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, facilitated a discussion on the revisions to the ÒGuam Early Learning Guidelines (GELGs) Ages Three to FiveÓ 
with providers from Project Bisita I Familia, Project Kari– u, and Guam LAUNCH at the Westin Resort Guam. The GELGs were updated through the support of Project Tinituhon 
and Project Bisita I Familia and will be used during home visits with families, by early childhood providers in the child care centers, and parents. These guidelines are also 
being used by the newly established Guam Department of Education Prechool Pilot Program. 

Title: Cohort 2 Attends Strengths Finder Webinar

On July 17, Sharron Corle (on screen), Maternal Child Health Consultant, facilitated a webinar on Strengths Based Leadership for the Cohort 2 Leadership Team. Cohort 2 is a team comprised of early childhood program administrators, staff, and parents that are receiving training and technical assistance 
on how to improve health and education services, access, and integration on Guam. Cohort 2 is a Department of Public Health & Social Services initiative in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, Department of Education, Office of the Governor and Office of the First Lady. (L-R): Jeffrey Pinaula, Vera Blaz, Pauline Camacho, Elizabeth Calvo, Jolene Dagame, Bonnie Brandt, Margarita Gay, Julyne Manglona, Terry Aguon, Elaine Eclavea, Maggie Bell, Tammy Bamba, Joe Montague, and Linda Rodriguez.


Title: Workgroup Updates Guam ELGs Birth to 36 Months

With funding support from Project Tinituhon and Project Bisita I Familia, Guam CEDDERS facilitated the process to update the ÒGuam Early Learning Guidelines: Birth to 36 
MonthsÓ first published in 2007. Members of the Early Childhood Care and Education Strategic Management Team met on July 17, August 13, and October 12 to provide 
guidance for the update. Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant, spearheaded the written revisions. Participating in the first meeting shown in the above 
photo are: (L-R): Linda Rodriquez, Terrie Fejarang, Vera Blaz, Joseph Montague, Kat Bayson, Ramon Castro, Maggie Bell, and Mary Kidd. Input was also received from Maggie 
Huffer, Director of the Adventures in Learning Child Care Center, and Ama Underwood, a former child care center director.


Title: Pacific VIP Reps Meet with Agencies During Chuuk Site Visit

A meeting was held on August 19, attended by representatives of Chuuk State Special Education and Department of Public Health, to discuss collaborative activities related 
to vision impairments in Chuuk. Attending the meeting were (Clockwise starting at bottom left) : Ansina Kony, Special Education Coordinator; Donna McNear, Pacific Vision 
Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) Consultant; Callie Brusegaard (partially hidden), UMASS Boston doctoral student; Kathy Mori, Chuuk Early Hearing Detection and Intervention 
Project Coordinator; Chelsea Mori, Pacific VIP Scholar and Chuuk State VI Instructor; Awreen Paul, Department of Public Health; Dr. Anamarie Yomai, Public Health Physician; 
and Jason Reiong, Pacific VIP Scholar and Chuuk High School Principal. Not shown: Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director.


Title: Parents Participate in CafŽ Conversation

Project Kari–u, Project Bisita, and Project LAUNCH facilitated a Parent CafŽ on August 21 at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa. The Parent CafŽ is a conversation process that 
encourages parents to talk about what they do in their lives and their families to build the protective factors. When parents and providers are more intentional about living 
the protective factors the overall outcome are strong families, optimal child development, and reduced child maltreatment and abuse. 

Title: Project Kari–u Conducts Family Evaluation CafŽ

Bonnie Brandt (standing), Training Associate for Guam CEDDERS and Lead Evaluator for Project Kari–u provided an overview of the Project Kari–u Family Evaluation CafŽ that was held on Saturday, August 29, at the Westin Resort Guam. Thirty-one parents and family members participated in the event.


Title: Strengthening Familiesª Trainers Bring Protective Factors to Village Mayors & Staff

Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, early childhood providers conducted a training for village mayors and their key staff on ÒProtective Factors for Strengthening FamiliesÓ on 
September 14 at the Leo Palace Hotel, Yona.

Representatives from six mayorsÕ offices from around the 
island met on September 14 at Leo Palace Resort to learn more 
about the Strengthening Familiesª(SF) Protective Factors. 
GuamÕs certified trainers from Guam CEDDERS, Department of 
Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Project Kari–u, Guam 
Identifies FamiliesÕ Terrific Strengths (G.I.F.T.S.) Organization, 
Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) - 
I FamaguÕon-ta and icareguam facilitated a four-hour 
introductory training on the protective factors. The purpose of 
the training was to: 

¥ provide information on the Strengthening Familiesª 
Protective Factors Framework that helps keep families 
strong and prevent child abuse and neglect; 
¥ assist particpants to understand what it means to work 
with families in a strength-based way; and 
¥ gather information on services and support for young 
children birth to eight years of age and their families.


The SF framework was designed to assist professionals 
who work with children and families in promoting the optimal 
development of all children while protecting vulnerable children 
from maltreatment. Protective Factors are characteristics that 
make a parent, child, or family more likely to thrive and less likely 
to experience negative outcomes. SF focuses on five protective 
factors. These five factors were chosen through careful research 
about children and families. Protective factors are not only 
important for families; they can also be used to build interactions 
with people and systems that families encounter in their day-to-
day lives. 

The trainers spent two hours defining and discussing 
the five protective factors which are parent resilience, social 
connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, 
concrete support in times of need, and social and emotional 
competence of children. 

Representatives from early childhood programs were also 
invited to provide the mayorsÕ office staff information about the 
purpose and eligibility for their respective programs. Programs 
that participated included Department of Education - Guam 
Early Intervention System and Early Childhood Special Education 
Preschool, DPHSS - Project Kari–u, Project Bisita I Familia, Guam 
LAUNCH, and Bureau of Social Services Administration, Women, 
Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, and Immunization 
Program; and GBHWC I FamaguÕon-ta and icareguam. 

Title: Pohnpei State Vision Instruction Program Receives Donated Braille Books


The Pohnpei State Department of Education, Special Education Program, received a contribution of braille books for young children through the donation of Sheila Amato and her volunteers from West Virginia. This donation was made through the networking contact of Donna McNear, Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) Consultant 
and UMASS-Boston adjunct instructor. Pictured receiving the books on August 21, are: (L-R): Roddy Robert, Vision Instruction Teacher; Karlina Henry, Special Education Coordinator; Joseph Villazon, Director of Education; and Johnatan Zared, Pakein Elementary School Principal. Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, delivered 
the books during her Pacific VIP site visit to Pohnpei.

Title: Pohnpei Teachers Receive EPICS Info

Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, shared information on the EPICS Project. EPICS stands for ÒEducating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech-Language Pathology.Ó Attending the meeting on August 21 were (L-R): Joysleen Daniel, Pohnpei Special Education Staff and graduate of Project FoÕna; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS; 
Maureen Villagomez, Special Education Teacher; Maiulynn Gallen, Special Education Teacher; Roddy Roberts, Vision Instruction Teacher; and Karlina Henry, Special 
Education Coordinator.

Title: Pacific VIP Scholars Complete Final Activities

(L-R): Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Silugia FaÕatau, Pacific VIP Scholar; Paulo Salavea, American Samoa Interim Assistant Director for Special 
Education; Amy Epati, Pacific VIP Scholar, and June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, met on August 5 to finalize steps for completing activities of the Pacific 
Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP). Scholars not shown: Sigalu Espensa, Loretta Luta, Tailua Apaisa.

Guam CEDDERSÕ Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP) staff conducted an on-site visit to American Samoa on August 4-7 to meet with the Director of Education, Interim Assistant Director for Special Education, Program Directors, and Pacific VIP scholars to discuss the completion of project activities, including evaluation activities. Other regional activities, such as the San Jose State University (SJSU) EPICS Project, which stands for ÒEducating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Language PathologyÓ were also discussed Guam CEDDERS is partnering with SJSU to facilitate this Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) personnel preparation grant in the Pacific region.(L-R): Terrie Fejarang and June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Directors, pose for a photo with Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, American Samoa Director of Education, and Paulo SalaveÕa, American Samoa Interim Assistant Director for Special Education, on August 5 after discussing the status of Pacific VIP activities.

Title: EPICS Recruitment Goes to American Samoa & Washington DC

Guam CEDDERS representatives met with officials from the American Samoa Department of Education to share information on recruitment for the EPICS Program. Applications relating to EPICS, which stands for ÒEducating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Language PathologyÓ were due on August 31. Seated (L-R): June De Leon & Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Directors and Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, American Samoa Director of Education. Standing: (L-R): Silagi Potasi-Faiivae, Special Education Teacher; Sala Godinet, Special Education Teacher; Foa Kapesi, Special Education Teacher; David Gabriel, Assessment Officer; and Paulo Salavea, Special 
Education Interim Assistant Director.

Dr. Gloria Weddington (left), San Jose State University Project EPICS Liaison, met with Frank Horiuchi (right), Special Education Director, Ministry of Education, Republic of the Marshall Islands, on July 30 after the OSEP Leadership Conference. Dr. Weddington was providing information onthe EPICS Project, which stands for ÒEducating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Language Pathology.Ó 

Title: PBIS School Teams Engage in Team Training

Guam CEDDERS facilitated a workshop attended by teams from various schools to sustain the Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) initiative in Guam Department of Education schools on August 26. Shown here are the PBIS teams from V.A. Benavente Middle School (top photo) discussed the factors that sustains PBIS while Adacao 
Elementary (bottom photo) are shown completing their PBIS Histomap.

In collaboration with the Guam Department of Education Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coaches, 
Guam CEDDERS facilitated a beginning of the year training for school climate cadre (SCC) team members from 26 elementary schools, eight middle schools, one high school, and representatives from the Guam Department of Youth Affairs correctional and educational program. The training was held on August 24 & 25 for elementary schools and on August 26 for secondary schools at the 
Westin Resort. 

The first part of the training focused on the basic foundations of PBIS and the enablers and barriers to the sustainability of PBIS based on research. The second half of the training provided teams with information on the ÒTeam-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) process.Ó The TIPS process promotes the use of data-based decision making, action planning, and monitoring and evaluating interventions implemented to improve school climate. The training provided participants the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through simulation of a school behavior team meeting with pre-and post self-assessment of the meeting process. 

This training was made possible through a subcontract from the Guam Department of Education through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education Title V Consolidated Grant.

Title: No Wrong Door Planning Project Steams Ahead

No Wrong Door System stakeholders met on July 24 to explore the potential for 
enhanced participation of Medicaid for Finance and Sustainability. (L-R): DISID 
Director Benito Servino, Kathy Bayona of DSC and Reina Sanchez from Guam 
Behavioral Health and Wellness Center gain insights from Teresa Bondoc of 
Medicaid.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services 
(DPHSS), Division of Senior Citizens No Wrong Door (NWD) 
project gathered steam this summer, generating information 
for planning efforts. Fifteen stakeholders joined together at 
Catholic Social Service Conference Room on July 24 to embrace 
the opportunity to provide planning input for the NWD Three-
Year Plan by identifying system gaps in long-term services and 
supports in the Guam community. Project activities, facilitated 
by Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS consultant, generated a 
diverse and rich list of gaps in services and supports. 

Participants explored their personal choice of priority areas 
to address change and then were asked to gain consensus as a 
group. Their prioritized focus areas to initiate Systems Change 
were: 1) access to adequate and coordinated services along 
the continuum of care; 2) cross-training and development of 
awareness across services; 3) removal of the silo operational 
structure of agencies; 4) improvement in the consistency of 
direct support services, and 5) improvement in funding.

This was an interesting comparison to gaps expressed 
during Intake and Referral input sessions by the NWD partner 
agencies: Department of Integrated Services for Individuals 
with Disabilities (DISID), Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness 
Center, Division of Senior Citizens and Medicaid. On the 
working side of the issues, other gaps emerged during their 
sessions: shortages of qualified staff, lack of management 
information systems (MIS), inefficient features of existing MIS, 
and insufficient emergency service options. The information in 
total will guide the decisions for a more robust and shared MIS 
that will more fully insure that individuals seeking information 
for long-term services and supports can trust that the responses 
to their inquiries will be streamlined and that the information 
and referrals will be coordinated and consistent through a 
person-centered counseling experience.

On Friday, July 31, a summary orientation of the NWD 
system, which included data from the NWD Survey of Long-
term Services and Supports, was presented to 130 participants 
of the Transition into Community Living conference, with an 
invitation to join the NWD Work Groups as a stakeholder. This 
outreach of information was addressed to an array of health 
and rehabilitation representatives, family members, employers, 
educators, and individuals with disabilities. From this group, 
nine additional people were added to the NWD Work Groups. 
Individuals reached out to join the stakeholder work groups 
addressing 1) Operations, 2) Marketing, 3) Person-Centered 
training and 4) Resources. They will join the volunteers from 
the Stakeholder Planning Input session to contribute, monitor, 
and evaluate the progress of the NWD initiative during the 
evolutionary implementation of a NWD system. 

The NWD Work Groups are created to provide 
recommendations to the Key Partners on NWD components after 
having explored resources, promising practices, community 
input and generating plans for local and mutually agreeable 
consideration. Key elements include Management Information 
Systems, Common Intake Tools, Assessment and Eligibility 
Determinations, Training in Person-Centered Principles, 
Resource Data Base, Marketing, Finance and Sustainability, and 
Expansion. During implementation phases, these groups will 
act as monitors and evaluators of the system. 

Project partners met in August to reframe the timelines of 
the planning grant in response to an opportunity to extend the 
grant period. During these sessions, reviews and updates were 
conducted, partners identified representatives for Work Groups, 
tasks were distributed, and regular monthly meetings were 
established. With the onset of September, most work groups 
will commence activity and partners will explore enhanced 
Medicaid strategies as a possible new source of revenue to 
sustain and expand the NWD services. The Partners will also 
get their first review of a draft plan for Operations and MIS 
for guidance, discussion and determination of activities and 
3-year timelines. The goal is to develop a strong foundation of 
information to incorporate in the 3-Year Implementation Plan by 
April/May of 2016. 

If you are interested in participating in NWD Workgroups, or 
for updates and more information on this project, please contact 
joleen.almandres@dphss.guam.gov.


Title: Project Kari–u Promotes Awareness of Language Access Services

Source: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 13166 in 2000 requiring meaningful access to services; and the National Enhanced CLAS Standards for Health and Health Services.
American with Disabilities Act Title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) requiring effective communication with people who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities (Òcommunication disabilitiesÓ).
 
Photo of Language Access Poster

Accessing critical information, services, and supports may 
be a challenge for many people who are new to a community, 
especially when coming from a different culture and language 
base. This is particularly true in GuamÕs multi-cultural 
environment. 

Facilitating Language Access Services (LAS) has been a goal 
under Guam CEDDERSÕ contract with Project Kari–u, Department 
of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS). The timeline 
below outlines the key events and activities in addressing this 
challenge.

The poster at right was produced, through the efforts 
of Guam CEDDERS and Project Kari–u, to promote public 
awareness of consumer rights to free interpreter services when 
accessing public services. Members of the Council on Language 
Access Services provided key input into the development of this 
poster.

Photo: Language Access Services on Guam Timeline

Title: Deaf Jam Fiesta Celebration

Over 100 guests including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, have other disabilities, their family members, members of the community and service providers 
attended the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta on July 11 at the Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach. The event was coordinated by Melissa Cayton, a resident of Oregon with 
Guam ties, who was on-island to produce and film a video featuring the deaf community of Guam. Shown in the photo above are: Melissa Cayton (at the microphone), the 
main organizer, welcomed the participants of the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta event on July 11. Standing around Melissa were Photo :(L-R): Kirsten Bamba, Sign Language Interpreter, Ben 
Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID); Rosanne Ada, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, and 
Governor Eddie Calvo. Not shown: Andrew Tydingco, master of ceremonies and Vice President, Si–A.


Photo: Kaleb Suzuki (in dark blue shirt) joins in during the audience participation segment 
of the cultural presentation at the Deaf Jam Fiesta. His parents, (at right with phone 
cameras) proudly record his dance moves.

Photo: (L-R): Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, Leone Rohr, Guam 
CEDDERS Advisory Council Member, and Joyce Flores, Guam Early Hearing 
Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Program Advisory Council member, pose 
by the Guam EHDI display table during the 2015 Deaf Jam Fiesta event held at the 
Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach on July 11.



Title: Guam CEDDERS Director Meets Virgin Islands Counterpart


Heidi San Nicolas, PhD., Guam CEDDERS Director, met with Yegin Habtes, Ph.D., University of the Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
(UVI UCEDD) Director and UVI UCEDD Provost, Camille McKayle, on August 3 during a visit to the UVI UCEDD.

Title: Alternative Financing Program & AT Reuse Conference

Terrie Fejarang (left), Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, met Rob Groenendaal (right), Project Officer, Administration for Community Living during the the 
ÒAlternative Financing Program and Assistive Technology Reuse Acquisition ConferenceÓ held on August 31 to September 1 in Washington, D.C. 


Poster Series Celebrates Anniversary of ADA


To help commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Guam CEDDERS 
produced a 10-poster series featuring successful individuals with disabiltiies. Shown above are three of the posters. To view the full 
set, please visit the Guam CEDDERS website at www.guamcedders.org.

Title: Organizations Collaborate on Communication Film 


Guam CEDDERS, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center, and 
Si–A: Self-Advocates in Action recently collaborated to produce a video on communicating with individuals with disabilities entitled: Ta Fan A Comprendi: Communicating with People with Disabilities. Ta Fan A 
Comprendi, which means Òto understand each otherÓ in Chamorro features scenes to facilitate communication with 
individuals with disabilities. 

The video, which is still in production, will be used as a training and education tool 
to help the general public communicate better with individuals with disabilities. 

Photo: Left to right: Kirsten Bamba, Sign Language Interpreter, Erlinda Tydingco, Si–A President, Barbara Johnson, Self-advocate, David De Leon, Production assistant, Glen Paulino, Caregiver, Moses Puas (seated), Self-Advocate, Andrew Tydingco, Si–A Vice President, James Davis, Videographer, take time out from shooting scenes at the Micronesia Mall on July 1. 


Title: Ginger Porter Makes Her Mark

Photo: Left photo: Ginger Porter, a 14-year Guam CEDDERS veteran, served as Consumer Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator, Faculty, and finally as a consultant. Right photo: Guam Self-Advocates proudly represented the island at the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) Self-Advocacy Summit held in 
Honolulu, Hawaii on March 28, 2012. Ginger Porter (standing third from right) served as a mentor to GuamÕs delegation.

After having served in various capacities while at Guam 
CEDDERS, Ginger Porter completed her work with the 
organization on September 30. Ginger served as the Consumer 
Leadership and Systems Change Initiative Area Coordinator, 
Faculty, and as a consultant. 

Some of GingerÕs key projects involved facilitating training 
and technical assistance in the areas of employment, transit 
safety, and self advocacy. She led the development and course 
delivery of the Disabilities Studies class series and began 
the process of having this course considered for adoption 
as an option to meet a general education requirement at the 
University of Guam. She served as a mentor to self-advocacy 
organizations and was the facilitator in the implementation of 
GuamÕs pilot project on Individualized Budgeting. And she was 
the lead facilitator, in collaboration with self-advocates, on the 
ÒUpdate from Advocates on GuamÕs Disability AgendaÓ report 
and forum held last December.

GingerÕs work at Guam CEDDERS started in 2001 after her 
long career as a pioneer Special Education teacher for the 
Guam Department of Education, and as a faculty member and 
subsequently a Dean at Guam Community College. 

Dangkulu na si YuÕos maÕase, Ginger, for your hard work 
devoted to improving the quality of life for people with 
disabilities and their families. You have laid a strong foundation 
and framework upon which the next generation of advocates of 
individuals with disabilities can build.


University of Guam
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, & Service
(Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter
Guam CEDDERS

Office of Academic & Student Affairs
University of Guam, UOG Station
Mangilao, Guam 96923
Phone: (671) 735.2480/1
Fax: (671) 734.5709
TTY: (671) 734.6531
Email: heidi.sannicolas@guamcedders.org
I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS.
Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D.
Editors: Terrie Fejarang, June De Leon, & Ginger Porter
Layout & Design: Sean Lizama 

This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions 
from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: 
Mariles Benavente, Vera Blaz, Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, 
Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Terry Naputi, 
Jeff Pinaula, Ginger Porter.

Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio
tapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request.

Please contact Margaret Johnson at (671) 735.2477 (v), 
(671) 735.6531 (TTY), or (671) 734.5709 (fax) for more 
information.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer


CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 9 Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Advisory Council Meeting, 3pm-5:30pm GBHWC, Tamuning
Oct 15 Project Bisita CQI Program Level Meeting, 8:30am-9:30am, House 22 and 23, Dean Circle, UOG
Oct 17 Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Fair, 10am-3pm, Micronesia Mall, Center Court
Oct 22-23 CNMI Technical Assistance Visit
Oct 24 Head Start Parent Conference, 8am-2pmm Pacific Star Resort Guam
Oct 26 Guam EHDI Outpatient QI Team Meeting, 10am-12pm, Guam CEDDERS House 22 and 23, Dean Circle, UOG
Oct 27 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:30pm-5pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle, UOG
Oct 28-29 CNMI Technical Assistance Visit
Oct 29-30 Self-Employment Conference, 9am-5pm, The Westin Resort Guam
OCT 15 Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service

NOV-DEC 15
Nov 4-6 Palau Technical Assistance Visit
Nov 5-6 CNMI Technical Assistance Visit
Nov 10 Project Tinituhon Strategic Management Team Meeting, 8am-4pm, The Westin Resort, Guam
Nov 13 Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Advisory Council Meeting, 3pm-5:30pm GBHWC, Tamuning
Nov 13 Territories Meeting with Administration on Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and 
Developmental Disabilities, Washington, D.C.
Nov 17 Project Bisita Advisory Committee Meeting, 9am-11am, Dededo, Lagu Resource Center
Nov 19 Territories Meeting with Association of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Washington, D.C.
Dec 1 ELC Quarterly Meetings, 9a-12pm, Venue to be announced
Dec 4 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 3:30pm-5pm, GSAT, House 19, DeanÕs Circle
Dec 14 Guam EHDI Advisory Council Meeting, 11:30am-1:30pm, Venue to be announced
Dec 7-11 Regional Pacific Meeting with OSEP, including the 2-day National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) Language and Literacy Learning Collaborative, TBA
Dec 18 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, TBA


For more information on any of these events, please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org

Title: Video Production Focuses on Home Accessibility

Guam CEDDERS recently produced a video entitled, ÒVisitabilityÓ to promote accessibility in private homes. The three main components of visitability are: 1) a Òzero-stepÓ entrance to the home; 2) hallways and doorways at least 32 inches wide; and 3) having an accessible bathroom on the first floor. 

To view the video, please visit the Guam CEDDERS website at www.guamcedders.org.