I TELLAI The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter March 15, 2016 Volume 18, Issue 2 ÒMaking the Move!Ó 22nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference Carla Torres, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Special Projects Coordinator, holds the microphone for Lisa Ogo, Self-Advocate, as Lisa asks a question during the AT Conference held on March 4th at the Pacific Star Hotel. One hundred sixty three participants attended this event. In this issue: 22nd Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Conference.....1-3 Annual Assistive Technology Fair....................................4 GSAT Focuses On Increasing AT Awareness.......................5 Guam EHDI Audiologist Trains GMH & CEDDERS Staff........6 Sagua Ma–agu Birthing Center Training on ChildLink......6 Guam LAUNCH Facilitates Cultural Conversations CafŽ.....7 Project Tinituhon Winds Down....................................8-9 Guam ICC Meeting.........................................................9 Pacific VIP Ends with the Beginning.........................10-12 Reflections of a VI Consultant: Achieving the Vision......13 Dr. Weddington Lays Groundwork for EPICS Scholars.....14 Educational Interpreter Job Series Established.............15 UDL and Standards-Based IEPs.....................................16 Promoting Self-Advocacy............................................17 AUCD Directors Retreat................................................17 Guam Homeless Coalition receives the Neni Directory...18 GSAT Receives TV News Coverage..................................18 New Products Available...............................................19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS..................................20 UNIVERSITY OF GUAM Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service The need to ensure successful transitions for youth with disabilities into adulthood is important because unsuccessful transitions can result in limited opportunities for full participation in adult life. Transitioning youth with disabilities can be a challenging process when considering the individualÕs physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or communicative abilities and environmental barriers. Moreover, policies, systems, and services may be fragmented or uncoordinated, and youth with disabilities and their families often lack the information needed to navigate the process successfully. The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) conducted its 22nd annual assistive technology conference ÒMaking the Move!Ó on promoting and protecting successful transitions for youth with disabilities on Guam. The conference took place at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa, Chamorro Ballroom on March 4. It highlighted how assistive technology (AT) can play a crucial role in addressing personal limitations experienced by youth with disabilities in transition and the various community supports necessary for a successful transition process. The conference also highlighted efforts being taken by the various stakeholders in GuamÕs system of services. Barbara Johnson, current GSAT Advisory Council Chairperson, welcomed participants in American Sign Language as an interpreter voiced her remarks. Council members then took turns sharing the various objectives of GSATÕs mission. Carla Torres, ATP, GSAT Special Projects Coordinator, kicked-off the series of presentations with one that provided an overview of the issues and components of the transition process and how AT can help youth move into adulthood in a more seamless fashion. Continued on page 2 2016 AT Conference (cont. from page 1) Carla Torres, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Special Projects Coordinator and main conference facilitator, addresses participants during the opening session of the 22nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference. Barbara Johnson, Chairperson for the GSAT Advisory Council (at the podium), delivers her welcoming remarks at GSATÕs 22nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference, on March 4. The event was attended by 163 participants. Rosalind Taitingfong, GDOE, Division of Special Education, Occupational Therapist (holding microphone), shares information on assistive technology devices available to aid in transition into independent living. Also shown are Marie Bautista, OT Assistant (center), and Monika Duenas, Sign Language Interpreter (left). Ben Servino, DISID Director, (seated at center) shares some thoughts during the AT Conference. Pictured left to right: Shirley ÒSamÓ Mabini, Deputy Director, Department of Labor; Mr. Servino; and Andrew Tydingco, President of Self-Advocates in Action (Si–A). Standing: Carla Torres, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Special Projects Coordinator. Dr. Sam Mabini, Deputy Director, Department of Labor, presented an overview on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and whatÕs exciting about the Act relative to individuals with disabilities, particularly youths in transition. She shared how services are expected to improve and how the access to high quality workforce services for individuals with disabilities is expected to increase as a result of the Act. The Act requires a unified state plan from key public agencies igniting a renewed, greater stake in preparing individuals with disabilities for competitive integrated employment. Ben Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), joined Dr. Mabini in this presentation and shared how the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation now has to allocate 15% of its funding for transition. James Baldwin, a staff attorney with the Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center conducted a presentation titled ÒPreparing for the Age of Majority.Ó In his presentation, Mr. Baldwin stressed the importance of teaching youth decision making skills at an early age and how teaching self-determination and self-advocacy skills will help the young person make informed decisions and choices, enhance engagement, and improve overall student outcomes. Central to any transition process is keeping the focus on the individual in transition, and his or her needs and interests at heart. Leone Rohr, Executive Director of Parents Empowering Parents Disability Center (PEP) and Pacific Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) provided an overview of the strategies and benefits of using the Person Center approach to planning oneÕs education and life. This approach can be used prior to a transition planning meeting. It helps for everyone involved to learn more about the individual and that personÕs vision of what they would like to do in the future. Nichole Napoleon and Jack Larimer, assistive technology specialists with the Guam Department of EducationÕs Division of Special Education, introduced their team of related services personnel. Their team presented specific assistive technologies that can help students bridge the next phases that a student may encounter to increase the opportunities for successful transition. Marie Tenorio, Consulting Resource Teacher - Technical Assistance (CRT-TA) for Autism with the Division, Continued on next page 2 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter 2016 AT Conference (cont. from page 2) Leone Rohr, Executive Director of Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) and Pacific Parent Training & Information Center (PTI), provides pointers on how to facilitate person centered planning. Left to right: Ana Kilroy, Gina Jaraplasan, Siony Riate, and Gina Serrano man the Autism Community Together (ACT) table display at the 22nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference. Dr. Shirley ÒSamÓ Mabini, Deputy Director of the Guam Department of Labor, discusses how with the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), services are expected to improve for youths with disabilities in transition. Enrique Agustin, Executive Director for the Guam Regional Transit Authority, shares how public transportation can help individuals with disabilities access their communities. showed how social stories are used to make community connections. Jerrie Vales Aquino, Marie Bautista, and Rosalind Taitingfong, all occupational therapists with the Division, facilitated a presentation on ÒTools for Transition to Home Living.Ó Camille Gonzales, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant Teacher, demonstrated how the free Google Read and Write software can be used to provide real time captioning and how a free app called ÒSign4meÓ can help facilitate communication with individuals who use sign language. Diane Artero, a teacher of students with visual impairment (TVI), presented a variety of tools that help individuals with visual impairments gain access to word processing, print materials, the Internet and much more. Ms. Torres, GSAT program coordinator, revealed the new branding of the Guam Options for Alternative Loans-Assistive Technology Program and the Get Guam Teleworking Loan Program. The two programs will now fall under one name- Akudi. Akudi in Chamorro means to help, assist which is fitting as the programs are designed to assist with the costs of assistive technology devices, services, home modifications, accessible vehicles, and expenses associated with running a business by offering low interest loans with flexible terms and payments. Last but not least, the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) closed out the conference sharing how public transportation helps individuals with disabilities access the community. Ginger Porter, GRTA Board member, spoke about how transit affords residents a system for independent and affordable travel. For students with disabilities in transition, using an educational curriculum to help students learn how to use the system is available and advisable. Enrique Agustin, GRTA Executive Director, shared recent accomplishments to improve the system, challenges they continue to experience, and what the community can do to advocate for continued improvements. Every year, GSAT hosts an annual assistive technology conference. Its Advisory Council forms a planning committee that spearheads the event. Each year the committee decides what the focus of the conference will be. They strive to develop a theme and select topics that are relevant to community needs and in line with national trends. Stay tuned for what GSAT will offer at next yearÕs 23rd annual assistive technology conference- March 2017. Biba AT! Biba GSAT! 3 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Annual Assistive Technology Fair As part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) hosted the 22nd Annual Assistive Technology (AT) Fair on March 19 at the Micronesia Mall. In addition to the displays and information sharing by various vendors, entertainment was provided by students in the American Sign Language classes at Guam Community College. 1. Jude Ogo (right) tests out the accessibility features of the MV-1 van as Elijah Jones (left), a driver from Fukuda Enterprises, stands by to demonstrate the van and provide Jude and other Fair-goers with information about the vehicle. The van and a low floor accessible bus were on display and available for demonstration courtesy of the Guam Regional Transit Authority and Fukuda Enterprises. 2. Darlene Taimanglo, a teacher for students with visual impairments with the Guam Department of EducationÕs Special Education Division, stands in front her display of various assistive technology devices she uses with her students. 3. Fair participants review resources offered by the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Program. 4. Carla Torres, GSAT Program Coordinator, talks to a husband and wife who came to the AT Fair in search of information and resources. 5. Marie Bautista, a certified occupational therapist assistant with the Guam Department of EducationÕs Special Education Division, has Vadin Guerrero try some assistive technology tools as father Vince looks on. 6. Students from the American Sign Language classes at Guam Community College provided entertainment at the GSAT AT Fair with signed songs and stories. 4 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter GSAT Focuses On Increasing AT Awareness University of Guam Tourism Majors, Elizabeth Molina (Left), and Daisy Ma–alac toured the GSAT Center and listed various AT that can help eliminate barriers for a Hotel General Manger who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing. This was a requirement for Dr. Richard ColfaxÕs BA241- Human Resources Management class on February 11. Guam Community College students from Dr. Marsha PoztronyÕs ED 231 Introduction to Exceptional Children class toured the GSAT Center on February 15. Carla Torres, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Special Services Coordinator (right, standing), conducted a presentation on assistive technology for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinators from various Department of Education sites at the GSAT Center on February 17. 5 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter March 2016 I Tellai Guam EHDI Audiologist Trains GMH & Guam CEDDERS Staff Renee Koffend, AuD., CCC-AuD, Guam CEDDERS consultant, conducted hearing screening training on the AuDx device with nurses at the Guam Memorial Hospital Obstetrics Ward on January 22. Participants include (L-R) Rosemary Bustamante, May Caligua, Emily Bejado, and Dr. Koffend. Not shown: Michelle Censon. Dr. Koffend also trained Dawn Guerrero (standing), new Guam EHDI Grant Assistant, on the AuDx, Hearing Screening Device. Assisting in the training were Amalia Badua with Baby Brynn, 1-month. Sagua Ma–agu Birthing Center Receives Training on ChildLink Staff from SaguaÕ Ma–agu Birthing Center attended training conducted by Joseph Mendiola, Guam EHDI Data Coordinator, on entering hearing screening data into the Guam EHDI ChildLink System on March 25. SaguaÕ Ma–agu is one of three birthing centers on Guam and has been an active partner in faciiltating newborn hearing screenings and data tracking. Completing the training were (L-R): Nicole Santos, Marie Lachica, Ealani Lobaton, and Leah Malnum. Thank you SaguaÕ Ma–agu for your support! 6 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Guam LAUNCH Facilitates Cultural Conversations CafŽ Mariles Benavente, Guam CEDDERS Cultural & Linguistic Competency Consultant (at the podium) , welcomes participants to the Cultural Conversations CafŽ on February 25. Jesse Baleto and Dr. Marilyn Salas share their experience as part of the opening activity at the Cultural Conversations CafŽ on February 25. In late September 2014, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) was awarded a five year cooperative agreement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Guam LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in ChildrenÕs Health). Through systems change activities and the provision of direct services, Guam LAUNCH is working to promote the wellness of young children birth Ð 8 years of age. Guam CEDDERS provides evaluation services for Guam LAUNCH and recently conducted two Cultural Conversation CafŽs to collect information that will be used to finalize the projectÕs strategic and evaluation plans. Twenty-four individuals representing the Chamorro and Chuukese communities were invited to participate in the CafŽs which were conducted on February 25 and March 3 at the Outrigger Resort. Using the World CafŽ process, an internationally recognized small group conversation strategy, participants engaged in a series of Òtable conversationsÓ around a predetermined set of questions. The questions were designed to gather information about cultural values, strengths, and practices that might influence familiesÕ participation in Guam LAUNCH services and evaluation activities. It was also an opportunity for participants to learn from each other and to discover commonalities across the Chamorro and Chuukese cultures. The information gathered during the CafŽs will be further analyzed and summarized in a document that will be made available to Guam LAUNCH and the community. 7 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Project Tinituhon Winds Down The Guam Early Learning Council, which is supported by Project Tinituhon, held its quarterly meeting on January 19 at the GovernorÕs Large Conference room, Adelup. The end of Phase III for Project Tinituhon is fast approaching. This Phase began in 2013 with a focus on developmental and behavioral screening for children birth to three years. The targeted focus led to the creation of the islandwide Developmental and Behavioral Screening System (iDBSS). Project staff piloted the iDBSS with child care centers in the first quarter and medical clinics in the second and third quarters of Year 2. By the end of Year 2, sixteen child care centers and five medical clinics began participating in the pilot program. At the beginning of Year 3, four more child care centers were added to the pilot, bringing the total to 20 child care centers to date that have implemented the iDBSS in an effort to scale up screening across early childhood programs. Child care centers screen all children birth to five years annually and, if needed, refer to early childhood programs for additional assessments. Medical clinics screen children during well child visits and refer to early childhood programs as needed. Most early childhood programs use the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Third Edition (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Social Emotional (ASQ: SE) to screen young children to get a quick snapshot of their growth and development. Participants agreed to collect data on shared measures across programs. These measures include: ¥ Number of children screened; ¥ Number of children who did not require a referral; ¥ Number of children referred and the program to which a referral was made; and ¥ Number of children referred, eligible, and moved forward with services. A draft of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for conducting screenings was shared with input included from all programs. Further discussions on the draft SOP and continuation of the collective impact process will take place on April 26. Project Tinituhon staff have provided training and technical assistance to the Guam DOE state preschool program staff on the Guam Early Learning Guidelines and ASQ-3. Project Tinituhon staff also provided training and technical assistance to the DPHSS Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) in January 2016. TinituhonÕs CCHC established standard operating procedures for working with child care centers, conducted a needs assessment with all licensed centers, collaborated with DPHSS child care licensing and immunization, and worked in collaboration with project staff to draft the SOP for the iDBSS. The DPHSS CCHC will work closely with staff from the CCDF Program and monitor developmental and behavioral screening in the centers once Project Tinituhon comes to a close. Project staff continued to participate in community outreach events, including the ÒHead Start Fitness FairÓ held on February 13 and the ÒCheck Me Out FairÓ held on February 20. Staff conducted developmental screenings and disseminated early childhood materials as part of the outreach events. (See related photos on next page). 8 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Project Tinituhon Winds Down (cont. from page 8) Left photo: Coleen Dela Cruz, Guam CEDDERS staff (right) provides a copy of the 2016 Neni Directory to a parent during the Head Start Fair held on February 15. Right photo: Dawn Guerrero (seated at right), Guam CEDDERS Grant Assistant, responds to questions from participants at the Dental Fair held on February 28 at the Micronesia Mall. On display and for dissemination were a variety of Guam CEDDERS products including Parent Activity Tip Cards, the 2016 Neni Directory of Services, and brochures on the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) program. Information also highlighted the importance of Early Childhood Development and developmental screening. Guam ICC Meeting Front standing: Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS consultant, facilitated a short presentation to the Guam Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) members on the Guam Early Intervention System Ð Annual Performance Report (APR) and State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). The Guam ICC is the Advisory Council for the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) and consists of parents, early childhood agencies, child care centers, physicians, and other community partners. Guam CEDDERS provides training and technical assistance to GEIS through a subcontract with the Guam Department of Education.. 9 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Pacific VIP Ends with the BeginningÉ. In 2010, there were two fully credentialed Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) in the Pacific entities. Today, there are 20 fully credentialed TVI available to the Pacific entities; of which, 19 TVI were as a result of the Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP), a USDOE Office of Special Education Programs Personnel Preparation grant awarded to Guam CEDDERS in partnership with the Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) academically affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston), School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. Pacific VIP ended in 2015, but marked the beginning for improved educational services in the region for students with visual impairments and a sustainable partnership with UMass Boston to address the ongoing personnel development demands for highly effective TVI within each island community. The 19 TVI supported by Pacific VIP represent four of the six Pacific entities: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Guam (see table at right). Pacific VIP implemented specific activities to meet five project goals toward the overall outcome of an increased pool of fully credentialed, effective personnel educating students who are blind or have visual impairments in the Pacific. UMass Boston designed an on-line and on-site blended approach for delivering the training program, with technology and content supports incorporated into the delivery methods to ensure successful completion of the coursework. The on-site component of the delivery system focused on entity-specific visits to ensure application of course knowledge and skills within each traineeÕs island community. As of December 2015, the beginnings of the Pacific VIP trainees/scholars included: ¥ 100% (19/19) who remained after one academic year were granted their MasterÕs in Education degree in Vision Studies in TVI from UMass Boston for completing the required TVI coursework and practicum. Continued on next page Pacific VIP Completers MasterÕs in Education in Vision Studies in TVI *O&M Credentialed Entity Name American Samoa Apaisa, Tailua Epati, Amy* Epensa, Sigalu* FaÕatau, Sugulia* Iuta, Loretta CNMI Amirez, Lizelle* Buniag, Jennifer* FSM- Chuuk Mori Phillip, Chelsea* Reiong, Jason William, Mekioshy FSM- Kosrae Talley, Aimina FSM- Pohnpei Abraham, Lilly* Esiel, Florina* Shoniber, Jennifer* Guam Acfalle, Erica* Artero, Diane* Manibusan, Joanie* Santos, Norma Jean* Taimanglo, Darlene* Pacific VIP scholars (standing) pose with faculty during the December 29, 2011-January 7, 2012 on-site course at the University of Guam (sitting L-R) Darick Wright M.A., Laura Bozeman, Ph.D., Paula Kosior, M.Ed., Connie Guerrero, M.Ed. (Guam CEDDERS), Sandy Smith, M.Ed., C.A.E.S., Wendy L. Buckley, M.Ed., Robert McCulley, M.Ed. 10 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Pacific VIP Ends with the BeginningÉ. ¥ 74% (14/19) attained their Orientation & Mobility (O&M) credentials from UMass Boston for completing the required O&M coursework and practicum. Two of the remaining scholars completed their O&M coursework and are currently completing the required 350-hour O&M practicum. With continued support from UMass Boston, these two scholars are expected to complete their required O&M practicum in Summer 2016. This will increase the percentage of O&M credentialed completers to 84% (16/19) in Summer 2016. ¥ 58% (11/19) reported being employed on their island as TVI. ¥ 84% (16/19) reported providing supervisory support and direct services to children with disabilities in early childhood programs and schools, which include children with visual impairments. As of December 2015, the beginnings of a sustainable partnership with UMass Boston NERCVE included two Pacific educators (one from CNMI and one from FSM) enrolled in the on-line UMass Boston MasterÕs level TVI training program. Continued on next page Chelsea Phillip (Left), Pacific VIP Chuuk State Scholar, describes the Braille alphabet flash cards to Junalynn, a 1st grader from the island of Romonum in Chuuk State, during a visit in May 2013. Romonum is one of the lagoon islands within Chuuk State, approximately 45 minutes via motor boat from the main island of Weno. In 2013, Lilly Abraham, Pacific VIP Pohnpei State Scholar, teaches her student through oral directions, how to put on his shirt, with Donna McNear, Pacific VIP consultant coaching from the sidelines. In 2012, Donna McNear, (right), discusses her observations and recommendations with family members during a home visit with Janet Green (left, back to camera), a teacher with the Guam Early Intervention System. 11 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Pacific VIP Ends with the BeginningÉ. (cont. from page 11) UMass Boston committed to making available their on-line MasterÕs level TVI training program to qualifying Pacific entity candidates beyond Pacific VIP. This commitment demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaborative partnerships established through Pacific VIP with UMass Boston and the region to sustain the availability of the training program to meet the ongoing regional need for fully credentialed, effective TVI. Pacific VIP has demonstrated its success as an initiative that has met its primary goal of recruiting, teaching, and training 19 scholars from the Pacific entities with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Formative evaluation information obtained from surveys and comments of scholars and project staff offer considerable evidence that Pacific VIP has benefitted the entities within the Pacific region. Summative evaluation information also showed that Pacific VIP has demonstrated merit and worth. Si YuÕos MaÕase to ALL for making Pacific VIP a reality with exceptional outcomes for improving educational results for children with visual impairments in the Pacific region!! Program administrators and faculty gather on May 29, 2014 to honor Diane Artero, Pacific VIP Scholar who received the prestigious Book Award for Academic Excellence from the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) Vision Studies/School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. (L-R): Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS; Jan Barron, UMB Faculty; Dr. William Kiernan, Dean, School of Global Inclusion and Social Development and Director of UMB University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD); Marybeth Dean, UMB Faculty; Glinda Hill, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Project Officer; Diane Artero; Robert McCulley, UMB Faculty and Pacific VIP Liaison; and June De Leon, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS and Pacific VIP Project Director. Pacific VIP celebrates with Sigalu Epenesa (pictured above) on her achievement as a recipient of one of two 2013 Blasch Scholarships awarded by the Division of Orientation and Mobility of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. In 2011, Aimina Talley (right), Pacific VIP Scholar from Kosrae State, FSM, demonstrates the use of appropriate guidance techniques for students who are blind with UMassBoston faculty Robert McCulley during the on-site course/lab sessions at UOG. 12 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Reflections of a VI Consultant: Achieving the Vision Today is March 6, 2016, and my home in rural Minnesota is filled with books, art, crafts, and clothing from the Pacific islands. These artifacts are reminders of my many friends, colleagues, children, and families who I know, love, and respect in the Pacific Islands. This global community all centered on childrenÉ children who are like all children, but also unique because they have a visual disabilityÉconsists of transformational individuals who have embraced their daily challenges and created a vision. This vision is dreaming a future for children with vision impairments on small remote islands who live integrated, meaningful, and literate lives in their own communities. Building connections in the Pacific islands to fulfill this dream for children with visual impairments began sixteen years ago when a request from the Guam Department of Education for technical assistance in educating students with visual impairments reached meÉand my ongoing journey on Guam and neighboring islands began. My first visit to Guam in August, 2000, introduced me to the people, organizations, and community committed to serving children with visual impairments. I was also introduced to the transformation of my own ideas about culture and community; shared knowledge and skills; and my understanding of working in mutuality to achieve goals. After my first visit to Guam, my next trip the following year brought me to the shores of another islandÉPohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. The first question asked of me when I arrived was, ÒWhatÕs Next?Ó I will not forget that moment because those two words completely challenged what I thought I knew and it took the next several years for me to understand that my work in the lives of children with visual impairments on the islands needed to shift from thinking about an occasional trip to Òhelp outÓ to discerning work that was capacity building, sustainable, and scalable. I began to understand the difference between ÒcharityÓ work and Òsocial justiceÓ work. The children, their families, the service providers, teachers, administrators, and community members received me as a ÒguestÓ in their lives and we started to lay a foundation to build a network of multiagency supporters and friends. We communicated about the needs of children with visual impairments and their families on the islands and our organizational and government leaders listened and responded to a Òcall for action.Ó The next 14 years continued this shifting path of occasional supports to community-embedded local capacityÉcurrently the hallmark change is university trained, highly qualified teachers and orientation and mobility specialists with the specific knowledge and skills to teach braille and independent travel skills to children who are blind. They are trained to support students, families, and their communities in the dream of children living integrated, meaningful, and literate lives. My most recent visit to Guam (January, 2016) demonstrated all of this. I was able to see children with their teachersÉand with the support of their familiesÉread, write, and move with confidence and independence, beside their peers and friends. The vision continues and ongoing supports to local change agents are needed to continue improving the lives of children with visual impairments. However, the mutual conversations, connections, and activities are deepening, widening, and advancing. My Pacific island children are always in my sight in my Minnesota home and in our global community. Donna McNear, Vision Instruction Consultant (facing camera), conducted a workshop on Orientation and Mobility on January 13 for Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) social workers, teachers, service coordinators, and allied health personnel. Ms. McNear was on island during the week of January 11-15, providing technical assistance and training to Special Education personnel under the Part B and Part C programs. This activity was facilitated by Guam CEDDERS through a contract with the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education. 13 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Dr. Weddington Lays Groundwork for EPICS Scholars On February 22-24, Gloria Weddington, Ph.D., CCC-SLP conducted ÒClinical Supervision Boot CampÓ for Speech Pathologists to provide an update on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) practice policy. During her visit, Dr. Weddington met with representatives from the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH), and Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) and an audiologist in private practice to begin the process of coordinating practicum sites for the eight Guam- based EPICS scholars. Guam-based EPICS (Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Pathology) Scholars pose with Dr. Gloria Weddington after a day of training on February 24. Pictured from left to right are: Jasmin Advani, Gabrielle Duenas, John Payne, Cassandra Dimla, Dr. Weddington, Lisa Eclavea, Arthur Agbadu, and Diane Supido. Not shown: Lillian Reyes. Dr. Gloria Weddington, CCC-SLP, facilitates discussion during the ÒCinical Supervision Boot CampÓ course held on February 22. (Left to Right): Dr. Weddington meets with Keith M. Chan, DPT, Rehabilitation Services Manager at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on February 23. Left photo: Dr. Gloria Weddington meets with officials from the Guam Department of Education on February 22 to provide an overview of the Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Language Pathology (EPICS) Project. Pictured from left to right: Terese Crisostomo, GDOE School Program Consulatnt; Dr. Gloria Weddington, San Jose University; Erika Cruz, GDOE Deputy Superintendent, Educational Support & Community Learning; and Yolanda Gabriel, GDOE AssistantSuperintendent, Division of Special Education. Right photo: Dr. Weddington (right) meets with Alesia Ogo, OTR, Guam Memorial Hospital Chief of Rehabilitative Services (left) on February 23. 14 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Educational Interpreter Job Series Formally Established School aides who currently serve as Educational Interpreters include: front row: Marda Palsis, Cathy Santos, Fe Gillins, and Frances Rivera. Second row: Darlene Castro, Jeannie Hollis, Connie Estes, and Taake Sam. Back row: Evangelis Babauta. ÒPerseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody up.Ó Henry Wadsworth Longfellow It can be said that sign language interpreting is both a science and an art. It is a science in that it is a discipline that has a formal framework, complete with rules, and is an Òintellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structureÉ. (and behavior of the physical and natural world) through observation and experiment.Ò Sign language interpreting is an area of study; formal training, certifications, and degrees are awarded to those who pursue expertise in this field. And it also can be said that sign language interpreting is an art. It conveys human communication, interaction, and follows the definition that it is an Òexpression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional powerÓ (Merriam- Webster Dictionary). Historically, within the Guam Department of Education, sign language interpreting for students who are deaf or hard of hearing was provided by employees who are classified as ÒSchool AidesÓ as there was no specific job description within the Government of Guam civil service system. Through the efforts and perseverance of numerous key advocates, recognition of this highly complex field formally and finally took place this year for establishing a position specific to the role of sign language interpreting. Work to formalize the position of ÒEducational InterpreterÓ started as far back as the late 1990Õs. Input from numerous focus groups, research, consultant input and review, and technical assistance from various experts in the field was compiled into a study produced through a partnership between the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education and Guam CEDDERS in the early 2000Õs. Meetings were held with various personnel specialists and other officials in a quest to finalize the job series. Most of all, the individuals who served in the interpreter position, completed various trainings, certificates, and degrees, and did their part to educate partners in the education arena about the highly specialized, demanding, and difficult role they play in the growth, development, and education of students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Though frustrated, these professionals were extremely patient with the system. All these efforts have finally paid off. With the full endorsement of the Guam Education Policy Board (GEPB) Personnel Subcommittee, and in the presence of numerous school aides serving in this position along with various supporters, the Educational Interpreter I, II, and III positions were formally and unanimously approved by the GEPB during the December 16, 2015 board meeting. After a period allowed for public comment, final approval occurred in February 2016, paving the way for recruitment efforts scheduled for April 2016. Special thanks goes out to the key advocates who initiated and persevered for many, many years to recognize the invaluable position of Educational Interpreters. A dangkulu na si yuÕos maÕase goes out to those who are in the positions today to professionally recognize the staff who have been serving as Educational Interpreters: the GEPB, Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Paula Ulloa, School Program Consultant for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, Ray Lizama, Personnel Specialist and Toni Santos, Personnel Administrator for GDOE. Thank you to the experts from the Western Regional Interpreter Education Center and Boys Town National Research Hospital for your technical contributions. But most of all, thank you to the hard working staff who have been serving in position and have given unselfishly to supporting the students in the D/HH Program. 15 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter UDL and Standards-Based IEPs for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities On January 26, Mike Burdge presents to elementary special education teachers on the origination of universal design and how UDL guidelines reduce or remove barriers to learning. Michael D. Burdge, M. SpEd., Consultant from ACERI Partners, conducted a series of on-site technical assistance and training activities during the week of January 25-29. The purpose of the activities included providing technical assistance to the four Guam Department of Education (GDOE) State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) participating schools. Classroom observations were conducted specifically focusing on students with significant cognitive disabilities and integrated classes and resource rooms, with a goal of improving educational programs and services. A full-day training on inclusionary practices was conducted with the four elementary school teams that included special and general education teachers, Consulting Resource Teachers-Technical Assistance (CRT-TA), related service providers, and school administrators. During the training, School Teams completed an Inclusion Workbook, with eleven components describing aspects of inclusionary programs. After each component was discussed, teams rated the programs at their schools on a four point rubric for each component. After rating programs on all eleven components, the teams selected and prioritized up to five components they targeted for improvement. Each team then began brainstorming possible strategies for improving each prioritized component and ended by developing action plans for implementing the most promising strategies. On the afternoons of January 26 and 28, Mr. Burdge conducted sessions for elementary and secondary special education teachers on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Common Core State Standards in the development of Standards-Based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Hands on activities provided participants with an understanding of the rationale and implementation of UDL in the classroom; Considering each studentÕs strengths and needs to develop annual goals focused on closing the gap between the studentÕs level of academic achievement and grade-level standards; and identifying critical supports, including communication systems, for improving academic instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities. On the last day of training, Mr. Burdge spent the morning with the CRT-TAs from the four SSIP participating elementary schools discussing standards-based IEP development and specially designed instruction. In the afternoon, Mr. Burdge debriefed with the school administrators from the SSIP participating schools, and GDOE Division of Special Education, to review the classroom observations, and provided recommendations to ensure students with significant cognitive disabilities are accessing and engaged in the general curriculum. Guam CEDDERS, with support from Mr. Burdge, will continue working with the four SSIP participating schools on integrated inclusive practices for ALL students. 16 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Promoting Self-Advocacy 2016 marks the 10 year anniversary of I LinŒÕlŒ-ta ÒOur LifeÕ newsletter. To commemorate this milestone, Guam CEDDERS met with Lynn and Andrew Tydingco to discuss the process of passing the torch of producing the newsletter to Self-Advocates in Action (Si–A) for years to come. Attending this initial meeting were (L-R, clockwise) Andrew Tydingco, Si–A Representative, Sherry Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS, Lynn Tydingco, Si–A Representative, and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS. AUCD Directors Retreat Directors from the UCEDD Pacific Territories pose for a photo with the Co-Director from the Pennsylvania UCEDD at Temple University during the UCEDD DirectorsÕ Retreat held in Arlington, Virginia on March 2. Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Celia Feinstein, Co-Director, Temple University; Floyd Masga, Director, Northern Marianas College, CNMI; Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa Community College; and Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director. L-R: Paula Sotnik, from the Institute on Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director; and Dr. Yegin Habtes, UCEDD Director at the University of the Virgin Islands pose for a photo during the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) DirectorÕs Retreat on March 3. 17 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Guam Homeless Coalition receives the Neni Directory Guam CEDDERS presented 600 copies of the 2016 Neni Directory to the Guam Homeless Coalition on January 27, 2016. Receiving the directory on behalf of the Coalition were representatives from Sanctuary Incorporated. Pictured from left to right, Sherry Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS; Tiffany Paulino, Sanctuary Incorporated; Eugene Anderson, Sanctuary Incorporated; and Ruth Leon Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS. GSAT Receives TV News Coverage Joan Charfauros (center), a KUAM news reporter and host of the popular show ÒIn the Mix,Ó interviews Carla Torres, ATP (right), GSAT Special Projects Program Coordinator, on the new Assistive Technology Demonstration Center and GSATÕs services. Also in the photo is KUAMÕs cameraman Joe Termulo. The Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) partnered with KUAM to film a five-part television series that aired March 14-18 at 6:00PM during primetime on the KUAM News Channel. The series highlighted GSATÕs services and the AT Fair and also featured Tri-Agency partners Guam Legal Services Corporation Disability Law Center and Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. More information about the series will be provided in the next issue of I Tellai. 18 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter New Products Available Guam EHDI TV & Radio Spot Down Syndrome Association of Guam TV Commercial 2016 Neni Directory Cover page For more information on these products, please call (671) 735-2477 or email newsletters@guamcedders.org. 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, June Quitugua, Carla Torres, and Keith Villaluna. Special Contributor: Donna McNear, Vision Instruction Consultant. 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 19 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service MAR 16 Mar 9 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, 9:30am-11:00am, Outrigger Guam Resort Mar 9 Guam EHDI Advisory Council Meeting, 11:30am-1:30pm, Outrigger Guam Resort Mar 10 GAPSD Meeting, 12:00pm-1:30pm, Division of Special Education Training Room 2 Mar 11 Skype TA Meeting with Donna McNear, VI Consultant (Part B), 8:15am-9:30am Mar 15 Part C Skype Webinar with Donna McNear, 8:15am, Guam CEDDERS House 17 Mar 17 Part C Webinar with the Guam Early Intervention System, 1:00pm-5:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Mar 19 GSAT Assistive Technology Fair, 10:00am-2:00pm, Micronesia Mall Center Court Mar 24 CNMI Part C Technical Assistance, Guam CEDDERS House 18 Mar 28-Apr 1 Boys Town On-Site Technical Assistance Visit Mar 28 Assistive Technology Presentation-ED 215 Introduction to Exceptional Individuals, 2:00pm-3:30pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Mar 30 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Elementary School, Room 4 Mar 30 GSAT Assistive Technology Demonstration Center Open House, 9:00am-10:00am, GSAT, House 20, Dean Circle, UOG Mar 31 Part C Webinar, 1:00pm-5:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle APR-MAY 16 Apr 1-30 Child Abuse Prevention Month Apr 5 Assistive Technology Presentation-ED215 Introduction to Exceptional Individuals, 11:00am-12:20pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Apr 6-13 Naomi Youngren On-Site Technical Assistance Visit Apr 9-15 Week of the Young Child: Training Activities for Parents and Families with Young Children, and Early Childhood Providers and Parent Leaders Apr 12 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Committee Meeting, 3:00pm-4:30pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Apr 14 GAPSD Meeting, 12:00pm-1:30pm, Division of Special Education Training Room 2 Apr 15 Guam EHDI Training on Hearing Screening for OB Nurses, 7:30am-8:30am, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) Apr 19 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:00pm-4:30pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Apr 22 Orientation to Guam EHDI Presentation for Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS), 1:00pm-3:00pm, Tiyan Apr 27 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Elementary School, Room 4 Apr 27 Alternative Financing Program Meeting, 10:00am-12:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle Apr 28 ASQ Parent Activity Training for Child Care Centers, 8:00am-5:00pm, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle May 1-7 Child Mental Health Awareness Week May 1-31 Mental Health Awareness Month May 7 Better Speech & Hearing Month Outreach Event, 10:00am-2:00pm, Micronesia Mall May 10 Guam EHDI Workgroup Meeting, 10:00am-11:30am, GSAT, House 19, Dean Circle May 11 Project Tinituhon: Strategic Management Team Meeting, 8:00am-5:00pm, To be determined May 21 Third Annual ChildrenÕs Carnival Outreach, 10:00am-2:00pm, Tamuning MayorÕs Park May 26 GEIS Hearing Screening Clinic, 8:30am-3:30pm, Chief Brodie Elementary School, Room 4 For more information on any of these events, please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org 20 March 2016 I Tellai Guam CEDDERS Newsletter