I Tellai- The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Volume 18, Issue 1 December 30, 2015 In this issue: OSEP Pacific Meeting..................................................1-5 NCSC System: Improving Educational Results..................6 Helen Sengebau...........................................................7 Educational Interpreter Position Gains Approval.............7 Four Sister Projects Meet...............................................8 Project Kari–u Appreciation..........................................9 Guam EHDI Quality Improvement Process.....................10 Project Tinituhon & Guam EHDI Outreach Event............10 GRMC Comes Online with Guam EHDI............................10 EPICS Update..............................................................11 NDEAM Conference: Customized Self Employment........11 JFK Teacher Receives Early Childhood Resources............11 Assistive Technology Outreach.....................................12 Creating Accessible Documents....................................13 UOG Students Explore Assistive Technology..................13 Funding Opportunities Await......................................14 Affordable Loans for Assistive Technology....................15 GSAT Helps Family Members Make Decisions about AT...16 AT Demo.....................................................................16 GSAT Advisory Council Meeting....................................17 Training on using AT in the Workplace..........................17 New Guam CEDDERS Products......................................18 Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Conference & Fair.....18 Staff Transitions.........................................................19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS..................................20 Happy New Year..........................................................20 UNIVERSITY OF GUAM Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service OSEP Pacific Meeting Held on Guam Entity team members. On Monday, December 7th, over 60 entity team members from American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, RMI, and ROP engaged in the first day of the week-long OSEP Pacific Meeting at UOG. Guam CEDDERS served as a key collaborator during the December 7-11, 2015 USDOE Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Pacific Meeting held at the University of Guam (UOG) and Hilton Guam Resort & Spa with close to 150 education and early intervention teams from the six Pacific entities of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Republic of Palau (ROP). The teams represented various stakeholders, such as school-level special education and general education school administrators and teachers; district-level chiefs and specialists; parents; early intervention providers; and community and advisory council members. At the request of the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education, the purpose for the five-day OSEP Pacific Meeting was to provide technical assistance to Pacific entities in developing high quality Special Education and Early Intervention State Systemic Improvement Plans (SSIPs) Phase II for submission to OSEP no later than April 1, 2016. In addition, through its differentiated monitoring, OSEP staff provided on-site consultation to address entity-specific issues related to the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) requirements. With OSEP and OSEP-funded national technical assistance centers, Guam CEDDERS supported the preparation and engagement of entity teams during the week-long sessions that included topical and entity-specific sessions held at UOG on December 7, 8, and 11, and the two-day National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) Language and Literacy Learning Collaborative held at the Hilton Resort & Spa on December 9 & 10. Continued on page 2 2 OSEP Pacific Meeting Held on Guam (cont. from page 1) The December 7-11, 2015 activities were designed with the following outcomes: ..December 7, 8, & 11: Through a series of general and entity- specific sessions, entity teams will have the ability to: ¥ develop a high quality SSIP Phase II; ¥ apply fiscal requirements following the OMB uniform guidance, with emphasis on cost principles and requirements for internal controls; ¥ respond to audit issues, including corrective actions from determination letters; ¥ understand OSEPÕs Differentiated Monitoring, inclusive of the Dispute Resolution Self-Assessment application to the Pacific; and ¥ manage grant related requirements, such as reporting 618 data and utilizing data visualization methods. ..December 9 & 10: Through the National Center for Systemic ImprovementÕs (NCSIÕs) two-day Language & Literacy Cross-Entity Learning Collaborative, entity SSIP teams will have the ability to: ¥ identify evidence-based practices for addressing skills required for children to achieve the outcomes identified by each entityÕs SSIP State-Identified Measurable Result (SIMR), with considerations for dual language learners with disabilities; ¥ Identify infrastructure development needs, especially as they relate to systemic change and continuous improvement for the implementation phase of their SSIP; ¥ incorporate stakeholder involvement in their SSIP Phase II development and implementation; and refine their logic model for implementation and evaluation plan development, ensuring connection between their SSIP Phase I Theory of Action and their SSIP Phase II Implementation and Evaluation Plans. OSEP Pacific Meeting Key Partners For additional information regarding key partners from the OSEP Pacific Meeting, visit their websites listed below: Acronym Partner Website ECTA Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center www.ectacenter.org CIID Center for the Integration of IDEA Data https://ciidta.grads360.org/#program DaSy IDEA Center for Early Childhood Data Systems www.dasycenter.org Guam CEDDERS University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service www.guamcedders.org IDC IDEA Data Center https://ideadata.org NASDSE National Association of State Directors of Special Education www.nasdse.org NCSI National Center for Systemic Improvement https://ncsi.wested.org USDOE-OSEP U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs http://www2.ed.gov/about/ offices/list/osers/osep/ 3 OSEP Pacific Meeting (cont. from page 2) (Standing) Yolanda Gabriel, Guam Assistant Superintendent, Division of Special Education, introduces GuamÕs team members during the first day of the OSEP Pacific Meeting. (Standing) Arthur Albert, FSM Chief of Special Services Division, shares lessons learned from FSMÕs SSIP Phase I development. (Standing) Paulo SalaveÕa, American Samoa Interim Assistant Director for Special Education, expresses a warm Talofa! to all during the first day of the OSEP Pacific Meeting. (Standing) Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Special Education Director, introduces CNMIÕs team members during the first day of the OSEP Pacific Meeting. (Standing) Helen Sengebau, ROP Special Education Coordinator, shares lessons learned from ROPÕs SSIP Phase I and Phase II development. (Standing) Frank Horiuchi, RMI Special Education Director, shares RMIÕs SSIP State- Identified Measurable Results (SIMR) and Phase I development. 4 OSEP Pacific Meeting (cont. from page 3) CNMI Team members take a ÒshakaÓ photo with the Honorable Eddie Calvo, Governor of Guam. L-R: Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Special Education Director; Robin Palacios, CNMI Early Intervention Coordinator; Guam Governor Eddie Calvo; Nora Pangelinan, CNMI Data Manager; and Peter Mendiola, CNMI Early Intervention Provider. On behalf of the CNMI Commissioner of Education, participating CNMI team members present a certificate of appreciation to GuamÕs Superintendent of Education for his DepartmentÕs donation to the CNMI Public School system recovery efforts from the August 2015 devastation from Typhoon Soudelor. This special presentation was held during the December 10 lunch activities. L-R: Robin Palacios, CNMI Early Intervention Coordinator; Yvonne Pangelinan, CNMI Associate Commissioner for Student and Support Services; Guam Superintendent Jon Fernandez; Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Special Education Director; and Jackie Quitugua, CNMI Associate Commissioner for Curriculum and Instruction. 5 OSEP Pacific Meeting (cont. from page 4) On behalf of the Pacific Directors of Special Education, Arthur Albert (speaking), FSM Chief of Special Services Division, expresses appreciation of the technical support provided by OSEP and the OSEP-funded Centers during the week-long Pacific meeting from December 7-11. L-R: Guam-Yolanda Gabriel; American Samoa-Paulo SalaveÕa; Arthur Albert; CNMI-Suzanne Lizama; RMI-Frank Horuichi; and ROP-Helen Sengebau. USDOE OSEP staff and OSEP-funded National Center consultants take time to converse with the Governor of Guam, Honorable Eddie Calvo and Guam Senator Nerissa Underwood during the December 9th evening reception hosted by the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education at the Government House. Pictured L-R: Charles Kniseley, OSEP; Luis Romero, IDC; Evelyn Shaw, ECTA; Jane Nell Luster, CIID; Genee Norbert, OSEP; Kristin Reedy, NCSI; Senator Nerissa Underwood; Governor Eddie Calvo; Yolanda Gabriel, Guam DOE, Division of Special Education; Taletha Derrington, NCSI/DaSy; Bill Huennekens, CIID; Anthea Brady, CIID; and Cesar DÕAgord, NCSI. June De Leon (standing right), Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, reviews the engagement process for the week-long OSEP Pacific Meeting on Monday, December 7th. 6 NCSC AA-AAS System: Improving Educational Results on Guam and in CNMI During the October 29 session, Thelma Cing (speaking), CNMI Special Education Teacher, shares how she uses the NCSC instructional resources in the classroom. During the November 24 session, Guam school personnel review GuamÕs Spring 2015 NCSC AA-AAS results. Pictured Front Row (L-R): CL Taitano Elementary Team: Cathleen Peter and Shawlon Abuon, Special Education Teachers; and Liguan Elementary Team: Edrienne Hernandez, Special Education Teacher; Rebecca Villagomez, Curriculum Coordinator; and Anthony Cepeda, Principal. Guam CEDDERS continues to provide technical support to Guam Department of Education and CNMI Public School System in their efforts to improve educational results for students with significant cognitive disabilities requiring an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA- AAS). Since 2010, Guam and CNMI have been active members of the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) Project, a USDOE Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)-funded project led by five centers and 24 states, inclusive of Guam and CNMI as members of the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC6). The overall NCSC Project goal is to ensure that students with significant cognitive disabilities achieve increasingly higher academic outcomes and leave high school ready for post-secondary options. The Spring 2015 NCSC AA-AAS was developed to ensure that all students with significant cognitive disabilities are able to participate in an assessment that is a measure of what they know and can do in relation to grade-level State Content Standards. The NCSC AA-AAS is a component of a system of curriculum, instruction, and professional development that allows students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to access grade-level content aligned to State Content Standards. (For more information about NCSC, visit www.ncscpartners.org) June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, has served as the NCSC liaison to Guam and CNMI. Recently, Ms. De Leon facilitated a session on Saipan on October 29 with over 50 CNMI school administrators and special education teachers and two sessions on Guam on November 23 and 24 with over 50 Guam school administrators, special education teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum coordinators, and consulting resource teachers. The sessions included a review of their respective entityÕs Spring 2015 NCSC AA-AAS participation and performance results and data interpretation based on the NCSC Score Interpretation Guide. In addition, the NCSC curriculum, instructional, and professional development resources were reviewed to support teachers improve academic instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities requiring an AA- AAS. At the end of each session, participants were introduced to MSAA, the new acronym to remember. What does MSAA stand for? MSAA is the Multi-State Alternate Assessment consortium that will continue the NCSC work in the interest of students with significant cognitive disabilities. The 2015-2016 school year marks the transition year from the NCSC Project to the MSAA consortium. The MSAA, led by Arizona State, is comprised of 10 NCSC states and entities, inclusive of Guam and CNMI, that have come together to further the NCSC AA-AAS development and implementation work, inclusive of the administration of the Spring 2016 AA-AAS and the availability of instructional resources for improving the academic instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities requiring an AA-AAS. 7 Helen Sengebau Receives Humanitarian Award The Pacific family attending the October 6th NASDSE Awards Ceremony joins Helen Sengebau after receiving the 2015 R. Elwood Pace Humanitarian Award. L-R: Arthur Albert, FSM Chief of Special Services Division; Yolanda Gabriel, Guam Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Division; Terese Crisostomo, Guam Part B Data Manager and Special Projects Coordinator; Helen Sengebau, Republic of Palau Special Education Coordinator and recipient of the 2015 NASDSE Award; Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Special Education Director; Nora Pangelinan, CNMI Part B Data Manager; and June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. Standing in back is Bill East, NASDSE Executive Director. Guam CEDDERS congratulates Helen Sengebau, Special Education Coordinator, Republic of Palau, for receiving the 2015 National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) R. Elwood Pace Humanitarian Award on October 6th during the Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony at the 77th NASDSE Annual Conference and Business Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The R. Elwood Pace Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who engages in service or actions of a humanitarian nature that exceed what one normally expects of a person in the discharge of his or her professional duties. The actions of a qualified candidate reflect a genuine concern for the human condition. The award requires that the nominee engage in consistent humanitarian behavior over an extended period of time. Helen was surprised by a congratulatory video shared during the October 6th presentation from her Director, a parent of a child with a disability, a former student, her sister whom she raised, and a cheer from her staff. The video congratulatory remarks exemplified why Helen was selected by the NASDSE Board of Directors to receive the award. As communicated through the video, not only does Helen advocate for the inclusion of children with disabilities in schools and the community, she has taken on many family responsibilities, including raising her younger sisters and supporting the family to maintain the cultural traditions as Palauans. Mesulang, Helen, for your passion, perseverance, and dedication to your family and children with disabilities and their families in the Republic of Palau. Educational Interpreter Position Gains Board Approval Guam DOE personnel who currently serve in the Educational Interpreter position role are shown here after completing the performance section of the Educational Interpreter Assessment (EIPA) in 2012 administered by CM Hall from the Western Region Interpreter Education Center (WRIEC). (L-R): Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program sign language interpreters Darlene Castro, Monika Duenas, Fe Gillins, Connie Estes, CM Hall, Evangelis Babauta, and Jeannie Hollis. Not shown: Christine Chargualaf. After a long and arduous effort, the position descriptions for Educational Interpreter I, II, & III were approved by unanimous vote by the Guam Education Policy Board (GEPB) on December 16. There are still a few steps that need to occur before the final approval and recruitment to fill these positions take place, but the timeline for implementation is set within this next quarter. Stay tuned to the March issue of I Tellai for the Òfinal updateÓ on this initiative. 8 Four Sister Projects Meet for Strategic Planning Staff from the Four Sisters (Project Tinituhon, Kari–u, Bisita, and Guam LAUNCH) pose for a photo at the completion of the Strategic Planning Retreat held on September 23 at the Outrigger Guam Resort. On Wednesday, September 23, staff from Project Tinituhon and the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Ð Project Bisita I Familia, Project Kari–u, and Guam LAUNCH held a strategic planning session. Each of these projects serves GuamÕs young children. They share many common goals and have adopted the Guam Early Learning CouncilÕs vision that ÒAll of GuamÕs children will have healthy minds, bodies, and spirits as the foundation for lifelong success.Ó The goal of this planning session was to develop a shared understanding of DPHSSÕs early childhood initiatives and Project Tinituhon and identify next steps for continued building of the DPHSS early childhood service delivery system. Some of the tasks of the day included: ¥ Clarification of the target populations and focus of each project; ¥ Review of the service delivery flow for each program; ¥ Identification of strategies to enhance access for children and families and eliminate duplication of services; ¥ Reflection on the Pyramid Model and early childhood practices currently in use; ¥ Identification of next steps for workforce development and implementation; and ¥ Review of the status of the DPHSS ChildLink data systems. While participants looked at the minutiae of each program, they also looked at the bigger picture of how these programs can work together to decrease or eliminate service duplication. Dubbed the ÒFour Sisters,Ó these programs aim to continue to collaborate to ensure continued services for our young children and their families. Project Kari–uÕs service delivery team provide input while Dr. Lilli Perez records the information during an activity on September 23 at the Outrigger Guam Resort. 9 Project Kari–u Appreciation Event Celebrates Systems Building Stakeholders involved with Project Kari–u since itÕs inception and through itÕs current phase gathered for a photo during the ÒRecognizing, Regrouping, Regrouping, and Rejuvenating: Families, Friends, and Collaborators of Project Kari–uÓ appreciation event on September 25th at the Outrigger Guam Resort. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) a six-year Cooperative Agreement for Project Kari–u. The goal of this system of change initiative is to develop and implement an early childhood system of care for children birth to five years with social, emotional, and behavioral needs and those young children who are at imminent risk for developing these disorders. To address specific requirements of the Cooperative Agreement, DPHSS partnered with Guam CEDDERS. In January 2010, Guam CEDDERS entered into a six-year Memorandum of Agreement with DPHSS to design and implement the evaluation component for Project Kari–u. Guam CEDDERS also was contracted to facilitate staff training, technical assistance, and cultural and linguistic competency. To commemorate the accomplishments of Project Kari–u, 65 stakeholders, past and present, including family members, friends, agency partners, and providers, were brought together on September 25 to attend a celebration entitled, ÒRecognizing, Regrouping, and Revitalizing Ð Family, Friends, and Collaborators of Project Kari–u.Ó During the event, participants reviewed the progress and accomplishments during Kari–uÕs five years of service delivery across various work groups. Facilitators presented highlights of each of the work groups including: Family Involvement, Social Marketing, Cultural and Linguistic Competency, Training and Technical Assistance, and the Community Evaluation Advisory Team. Jolene Dagame made a special presentation of her son and familyÕs journey through Project Kari–u. Ms. Dagame is a parent, volunteer, and intern with Project Kari–u, and this yearÕs System of Care Goodwill Ambassador for Early Childhood. Several other participants shared some of their experiences and highlights of being a part of Project Kari–u, as well as suggestions for continued services. Project Kari–u also won the Government of Guam ÒMagPRO Award for Program of the Year for a Large AgencyÓ in December. Families, friends, and collaborator of Project Kari–u listen to Dr. Suzanne KaneshiroÕs opening remarks on September 25th. 10 Guam EHDI Implements Quality Improvement Process GUAM EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION The Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Project has been conducting Quality Improvement (QI) activities to focus efforts in reducing Lost to Follow-up/Documentation (LTFU/D) at all stages of the hearing screening process. An initial two-day meeting was held in August to brief collaborative partners on the QI process, and to form different QI teams for 1) Initial Hearing Screening, 2) Outpatient Rescreen, 3) High Risk Rescreen, and 4) Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation (DAE)/ Early Intervention (EI). Each team has been meeting monthly, conducting Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles to create target goals and develop strategies in reducing LTFU/D to reach those targets. Major accomplishments were achieved by all four QI teams. The Initial Screening QI team has been successful in getting additional information transmitted from the Electronic Health Record at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority to Guam ChildLink Ð EHDI, Guam EHDIÕs data tracking and surveillance system, and LTFU/D rates continue to be 1% or less at initial screen. The outpatient rescreen and high risk rescreen QI teams were able to develop new strategies in locating families in order to bring them in for rescreen appointments. The DAE/EI QI team developed a strategy to provide toolkits to all families at the time they are informed their infant needs a DAE. These toolkits include information on early childhood development, as well as tips for parents on how to prepare for a successful DAE. All four QI teams will continue to meet, and use data trends to create additional strategies to ensure LTFU/D levels across the hearing continuum continue to decline. Tinituhon & Guam EHDI Participate in Outreach Event Terry Naputi, (left) Guam CEDDERS Research Associate, shares parent resources on child development during the outreach event on October 17, 2015 at the Micronesia Mall . One of the activities of Project Tinituhon (GuamÕs Early Childhood Comprehensive System Grant) is the production of resources on child development. For more information or resources on child development, contact Guam CEDDERS at 735-2466. Guam Regional Medical City Comes Online with Guam EHDI Guam EHDI met with Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) to discuss collaboration efforts between GRMC and the Guam EHDI Project. (L-R): Lianna Cronin, GRMC Supervisor, Health Information Management, Glenda Leon Guerrero, Nurse Manager, Maternal-Child Nursing Services; Clare Alfonso, Registered Nurse, Maternal-Child Nursing Services; JJ Mendiola, Guam EHDI Data Coordinator; Terrie Fejarang, Guam EHDI Project Director; and Monte Handley, GRMC Director, Health Information Management. 11 Project EPICS Update From over a hundred inquiries during the summer, 24 applications were submitted for participation in Project EPICS, (Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech-Language Pathology). These 24 were enrolled in the introduction course that started in August and will end later this month. As of late December, there are 20 active students. Final interviews for support took place during the week between Christmas and New Year. Selectees will be announced in early January. EPICS is a U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) personnel preparation project awarded to San Jose State University in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS. The goal of the project is to train graduate-level speech-language pathologists to work to meet the critical need in this high need area in the Pacific Basin entities including American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. NDEAM Conference: Customized Self Employment Training A resource panel consisting of agency representatives at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Conference on October 29-30, 2015 provided information on services that they offer to entrepreneurs. Panelists included: (L-R) Denise Mendiola Hertslet, Executive Director, Pacific Island Microcredit Institute; Fred Granillo, Training Program Coordinator, Small Business Development Center; Carla Torres, MEd, ATP Assistive Technology & Special Projects Program Coordinator, Guam System for Assistive Technology; and Lydia Calvo, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID). JFK Teacher Receives Early Childhood Resources John Hernandez, (right) a teacher in the Health Department at John F. Kennedy High School, met with Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, on November 5 to discuss early childhood services and supports and receive resources. After conducting a pilot class, Mr. Hernandez recently spearheaded the approval process to teach a health course titled, ÒPrenatal to Infancy Wellness: Nutrition and Healthcare.Ó Students in the class include pregnant teens and new mothers. Resources shared include the ÒGuam Early Learning Guidelines,Ó ÒNeni Directory,Ó ÒBuilding Young Brains,Ó and various posters and early childhood videos produced by Guam CEDDERS. 12 AT Outreach Goes International & Across Disciplines Students from Jeju University in Jeju City, South Korea, hold up various assistive technology devices during a visit to the GSAT Center on August 15 & 29, 2014 while on a two week English Adventure Program hosted by the University of Guam Professional and International Programs. Carla Torres, Assistive Technology & Special Projects Program Coordinator, conducts a presentation on assistive technology for the Community Health Nursing (NU- 412-01) course on October 26, 2015, at the School of Nursing. In attendance were instructor Karen Cruz, RN, and 27 senior level students. The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) conducts outreach to a variety of disciplines and interest groups each year. GSAT, with the help of its Advisory Council, targets assistive technology (AT) outreach to specific populations where an AT need has been identified. Sometimes outreach events are small, more intimate, and requested by members of the community themselves. Other times, folks make their way to GSAT upon referral from another agency or as part of a class assignment or required job training. One thing is certain for all outreach efforts conducted by GSAT Ð participants will know about the services GSAT offers the community and learn about the value assistive technology can have on increasing independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. One of the more frequent groups that come through GSATÕs assistive technology center for an informational presentation and hands-on demonstrations is college classes. Specifically, these are general education, special education, early childhood education, nursing, social work, human resources management, and American Sign Language classes from the University of Guam (UOG) and the Guam Community College (GCC). Sometimes, GSATÕs Program Coordinator will conduct presentations in the college classrooms. For the majority of the students that visit GSAT on class assignment, it is the first time they are hearing about GSAT and the resources it offers the community. Many of the students are aware of technology for people with disabilities such as wheelchairs for those with mobility impairments. However, many are not aware of the variety and range of AT that exists. They are surprised that AT can be devised if not already commercially available for virtually any challenge one may experience in life. One device that seems to always fascinate the students is the Colorino, a tiny device that speaks colors and detects light. ÒHow is it possible?Ó they ask. ÒWhy do people who are blind need to know colors, and why would they need to identify light?Ó they wonder. Discussions are often rich as students seize the opportunity to think about challenges posed by disabilities and more importantly, how these challenges can be overcome. Throughout the years, GSAT has had international visitors, too. In August 2014, two groups of students from Jeju University in Jeju City, South Korea, visited the GSAT Center. These groups of students were here for a two week English Adventure Program hosted by the Professional and International Programs office of UOG. As part of their special education training, Dr. Richard Fee brought the students to the center to get an overview of assistive technology and learn about GSAT services. They were amazed at the different technology available to help individuals with disabilities. A delegation of government officials from the Province of La Union, Philippines, visited the Center in January 2014. They requested an orientation to GSATÕs services and available equipment. One of the provincial officials founded a regional disability group and serves as the Department Head of the Social Welfare and Development. The Provincial Administrator (equivalent to Guam GovernorÕs Chief of Staff) was also a part of the delegation. They expressed a desire to have a similar center available in their community and wanted to know how GSAT was funded and how devices were identified and procured. Assistive technology can be the deciding factor in oneÕs independence and quality of life. Because of the huge impact it can have for individuals with disabilities, GSAT wants every island resident to know about AT and the services it offers the community. With this mission for island-wide outreach, GSAT continues its efforts to provide public awareness, information dissemination, and trainings. 13 Creating Accessible Documents Training Carla Torres, Assistive Technology and Special Projects Program Coordinator, provided training to staff of the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on November 20, 2015. The training demonstrated how to create accessible text documents using Microsoft Word and how to create accessible and tagged PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Pro. This training was conducted at the request of the SBDCÕs Director Casey Jeszenka in an effort to ensure accessible documents are available to individuals with disabilities. UOG Students Explore Assistive Technology Left Photo: A Scavenger Hunt assignment was given to the seven students enrolled in UOGÕs ED443, Assistive Technology class. Their assignment was to familiarize themselves with GSAT, its vast array of technology, and an opportunity for Òhands-onÓ exploration of its lending library. The students were given multiple scenarios/circumstances in which they needed to identify a minimum of two assistive technology devices, ranging from low to high tech that would assist in providing sufficient support in those areas. In the photo above (L-R), Ann Flores, Anntonette Quiambao, and Gabriel Posadas, came in to GSAT on November 13, 2015, to complete their scavenger hunt. Right Photo: Gabriel Posadas, a student from the University of GuamÕs UOGÕs ED443- Assistive Technology class, explores features of a software program designed to help students with learning disabilities who struggle with reading and writing. 14 Funding Opportunities For AT More often than not, funding for important, life- impacting things like assistive technology or home modifications to create accessibility for the recent onset of a physical disability can be hard to come by. The Guam System for Assistive Technology, better known in the community as ÒGSAT,Ó offers the community financial assistance in the form of low interest personal loans to help with these very causes. For individuals with disabilities and their family members seeking funding for assistive technology, accessible vehicles, and home modifications, the Guam Options for Alternative Loans- Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) Loan Program is a great option to consider. GOAL-AT is a federally funded program that provides affordable financial loans to persons with disabilities and/or authorized representatives for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services and for home modifications aimed at increasing accessibility to the home. Interest rates on these loans are 2.125%. When insurance coverage is not available or when personal finances are tight, GOAL-AT is there to help. When one wants an opportunity to establish credit or needs help in rebuilding a negative credit history, the GOAL-AT Loan Program can also help do just that. Many people with disabilities today are turning to the flexibility of self-employment and entrepreneurship to meet both their career aspirations and financial goals. GSAT offers another financial loan program with the same low interest rate of 2.125% for individuals with disabilities who aspire to become self-employed. This program, called the Get Guam Teleworking Loan Program (GGT), can provide funding assistance for equipment and supplies needed to run a business. Information and applications for the GOAL-AT and GGT loan programs may be found on the GSAT website at www.gsatcedders.org, at the Bank of Guam locations (GOAL-AT only), or you can call the GSAT office at 735-2490/1. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, the GSAT staff will gladly answer your questions and guide you in the loan application process. (See advertisement on page 15.) Electronic Magnifier Wheelchair Speech Communication Device The GOAL-AT and GGT Loan Programs can help people with disabilities acquire needed assistive technology. 15 Affordable Loans for Assistive Technology! Collage of photos of individuals with disabilities using Assistive Technology. Guam Options for Alternative Loans - Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) Get Guam Tele-Working (GGT) A GOAL-AT loan can help pay forÉ ¥ Hearing Aids & Listening Devices ¥ Wheelchairs or Scooters ¥ Home modifications ¥ Lifts and vehicle modifications ¥ Computers, computer software, and accessories ¥ Communication devices ¥ Devices to aid in learning, recreational, and daily living activities ¥ And moreÉ.. 2.125*% APR with flexible payments* Are you a person with a disability who aspires to be your own boss and run your own business? A GGT loan can help cover: Equipment, supplies, and inventory related to the operation of the business. 2.125*% APR with flexible payments* For more information on these loan programs or for an application, contact GSAT at 735-2490/1, email gsat@guamcedders.org or visit our website: www.gsatcedders.org *Conditions apply. 16 GSAT Helps Family Members Make AT Decisions Carla Torres, Assistive Technology and Special Project Program Coordinator, conducts a demonstration of the Garaventa Stair Trac on September 18 for Lee Edquilane, a resident of Hagatna. Mr. Edquilane came to GSAT to check out options to help his mother, who is a wheelchair user, safely navigate over stairs. AT Demo Conducted On September 24, 2015, Carla Torres (left), GSAT Program Coordinator, and Roy Rosario (far right), GSAT Advisory Council member, provide Maria Pineda (center) a demonstration of the Eye-Pal ROL portable scanner and reader. Roy shared his positive experiences with the Eye-Pal ROL and the various ways he uses it to access printed materials and maintain independence in his life. 17 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting The GSAT Advisory Council held its general membership meeting on October 27, 2015. During this meeting, new officers were elected. The new officers and members of the council can be seen in the photo above. They are (Left to Right): Lou Mesa, Member at Large; Lee Perez, community member; Raymond Sayas, Guam Development Disabilities Council representative; Dawn Maka, Secretary; Roy Rosario, Member at Large; Lisa Ogo, Member at Large; Jennifer Vicente, Guam Legal Services Corporation- Disability Law Center representative; (seated) Josephine Cortez, community member; Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology program coordinator, Chairperson; Rudy Ignacio, Vice Chairperson, and Barbara Johnson. GSAT Holds Training on AT in the Workplace Various community members, including service providers, employers, and individuals with disabilities, listen to Carla Torres (standing), GSAT program coordinator talk about ÒUtilizing Assistive Technology in the Workplace.Ó As part of the activities to commemorate ÒNational Disability Employment Awareness Month,Ó Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology and Special Projects Coordinator, conducted a presentation on ÒAssistive Technology Utilization in the WorkplaceÓ on October 8, 2015. Attendees included individuals with disabilities, family members, and personnel from the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID). 18 New Guam CEDDERS Products Guam Early Learning Guidelines Birth to 36 Months Cover Project Kari–u Evaluation Report November 2015 Cover SAVE THE DATE: 22nd Annual GSAT Assistive Technology CONFERENCE & FAIR CONFERENCE: March 4, 2016, 8AM- 4PM Venue: Pacific Star Hotel FAIR: March 19, 2016, 10am - 2pm Venue: Micronesia Mall Center Court 19 Staff Transitions Sean Lizama, Disability Media Specialist Dolores Palomo, AT Center Assistant The ÒGuam CEDDERS TeamÓ is comprised of individuals with a range of skills, abilities, knowledge, and talents. There are those that are Òthe front of the roomÓ types -- folks who generally lead and facilitate an activity. And then there are those who support the facilitators from Òthe back of the room.Ó Sean Lizama, Guam CEDDERS Disability Media Specialist over the past five years, operated mostly from the latter framework. He designed the products that aim to bring more awareness and information about the topics addressed related to the Guam CEDDERS mission, Òto create pathways to improve and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.Ó He ensured that our products met established standards for accessibility. Dolores ÒDeeÓ Palomo, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Center Assistant, also worked from the back of the house. She performed a range of duties over the 11 years that she has been with the organization. Multi-talented and a quick-learner, Dee has been instrumental in providing supports for the annual Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Conferences and Fairs. A techie at heart, Dee often figured out how to operate new AT devices acquired by the Center which she in turn used to assist in demonstrating AT for GSAT clientele. She spearheaded the processing of applications for support from the two GSAT loan programs. She was also appreciated for playing a key role in organizing numerous fundraisers for the CEDDERS Christmas parties and is well-known for her remarkable singing abilities. SeanÕs tenure with Guam CEDDERS came to an end in late November. This move was made to fulfill his long-term desire to teach in his main discipline of visual communication at Guam Community College where he will be teaching at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Deciding to join a relativeÕs thriving business team, DeeÕs move took place at the end of the year. Thank you for your work to improve the qualify of life for people with disabilities and their families, Sean and Dee. Best of luck to you! 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. Layout & Design: Sherry Guerrero This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Vera Blaz, Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, JJ Mendiola, Terry Naputi, Jeff Pinaula, Carla Torres, and Keith Villaluna. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Coleen Dela Cruz 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 20 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS JAN 16 Jan 8 Children with Special Needs Conference, 8:00am-5:00pm, Holiday Resort Jan 8 GEIS APR Core Team Meeting, 8:00am-12:00pm, Guam CEDDERS, House 18, Dean Circle Jan 8 GEIS SSIP Family Support Work Group, 1:00pm-3:00pm, GEIS Office, Tiyan Guam Jan 11 Part B and C On-Site Technical Assistance visit with Donna McNear Jan 12 GSAT Conference and Fair Committee Meeting, 2:00pm-3:30pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Jan 12 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Meeting, 3:30pm-4:30pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Jan 13 Meeting for Parents of a Child with Vision Impairment, 5:30am-7:00pm, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School, Tamuning Jan 15 Vision Education Training Session with Part B and Part C Providers, 8:00am-12:00pm, TBA Jan 18 Palau On-Site Technical Assistance Visit Jan 19 Guam Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting, 9:00am-12:00pm, GovernorÕs Office, Large Conference Room Jan 19 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:30pm-5:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Jan 20 Help Me Grow Work Group Meeting, 9:00am-12:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Jan 27 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School, Tamuning Jan 28 CNMI On-Site Technical Assistance Visit Jan 30 ASQ Training, 9:00am-11:30am, TBA FEB-MAR 16 Feb 1 FSM On-Site Technical Assistance Visit Feb 13 Head Start Fitness Fair, 9:00am-1:00pm, Guam Sports Complex, Dededo Feb 24 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School, Tamuning Mar 1 Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting, 9:00am-12:00pm, TBA Mar 4 GSAT Assistive Technology Conference, 8:00am-4:00pm, Pacific Star Hotel Mar 14 Guam EHDI Advisory Council Meeting, 11:30am-1:30pm, TBA Mar 19 GSAT Assistive Technology Fair, 10:00am-2:00pm, Micronesia Mall Center Court Mar 30 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School, Tamuning For more information on any of these events, please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org HAPPY NEW YEAR! FROM Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service(GUAM CEDDERS)