I Tellai, The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter June 14, 2013 Volume 15, Issue 3 In this issue: 2013 AT Conference & Fair.......................................1-3 Guam ELC Initiatives Move Forward.............................4 Guam ELC Provides Legislative Testimony....................4 Guam ELC Continues Work on Draft EC State Plan.........5 AT Specialist Demo: "Make It and Take It" Strategies....6 Power of Play Engages Parents and Young Children......7 Project Karinu Retreat: Strengthening Our Links.........8 Project Karinu Hosts "Cultural Conversations"..............9 GEHDI Staff Conduct Conference Presentations..........10 EC Consultant Delivers Webinars & Onsite Training.....11 Pacific VIP Facilitates Application of Skills............12-13 PACIFIC Project & NCSC Supports American Samoa......13 Palau TTC Team supports the Alii Focus Group............14 Guam CEDDERS Facilitates Teacher Input Session.......15 Collaborative Efforts Strengthen Guam Families........15 Boys Town Consultants Provide D/HH TA....................16 Guam Self-Advocates Share Knowledge with CNMI.....17 "State of the States in DD" Data to Include Territories.17 UH SW Representatives Visit Guam CEDDERS..............17 Cohort 2 LEND Trainees Complete Program................18 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Members Orientation...18 SW Student Completes Practicum.............................19 Post-Doc Completes Fellowship.................................19 GEIS Receive Framed Posters....................................19 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS...............................20 2012 Nene Directory Available Online.......................20 Page 1-3 Article title: 2013 AT Fair & Conference: The Power of Innovative Technology Article with seven photos throughout page 1 to page 3: The GSAT 2013 Assistive Technology (AT) Conference and Fair highlighted the innovations of today's world and the positive implications they have had on helping make life easier for individuals with disabilities. Appropriately themed, this year's events focused on "The Power of Innovative Technology." To kick off the celebration for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and as a lead in to the AT Conference, GSAT hosted 52 table displays by various vendors of technology, service providers, and public and private organizations, on March 9 at the Micronesia Mall's Center Court for the AT Fair. Nineteen years strong, the AT Fair is GSAT's largest public awareness event. Highlights at this year's fair were local vendors Docomo and Marianas Electronics, featuring mainstreamed products with built-in accessible features that aid individuals with disabilities in staying connected and on the move. Two weeks following the fair, over 150 participants attended the March 23rd Conference at the Westin Resort Guam. The Conference kicked-off with Senator Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., presenting a resolution to GSAT honoring the Center's long-standing service to the community. Keeping to its theme, live demonstrations of remote sign language interpreting and captioning services complimented the morning presentations and assisted participants in getting the most out of the information presented. Five characteristics of innovative technology, including convergence; customizability and universal design; research or evidence-based design; portability; and interoperability were woven throughout the presentations. Participants left the conference with a greater understanding of how these characteristics are nurtured and harnessed in AT development and how they are making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. The conference and fair were hosted by the Guam System for Assistive Technology/Guam CEDDERS, and co-sponsored by the Guam Legal Services Corporation- Disability Law Center and the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Photos with captions: Page 1: Group shot of ten individuals, eight standing, two wheelchair users. Caption: Guam Senator Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., presented a resolution from the 32nd Guam Legislature, commending the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) for hosting the 19th Annual Assistive Technology Conference. Standing (L-R): Senator Yamashita; Rosanne Ada, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council; Dawn Maka, Director, Guam Center for Independent Living; Hank Parker, Director, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS; Lou Mesa, GSAT Advisory Council Member-at-Large; Carla Torres, Assistive Technology Specialist, GSAT; Barbara Johnson, GSAT Advisory Council member. Seated, (L-R): Evelyn Duenas, GSAT Advisory Council Member-At-Large; and Josie Cortez, GSAT Advisory Council Chairperson. Page 2: Top photo: Panoramic view of audience and female presenter standing in front of a large projector screen. Caption: Carla Torres, Assistive Technology Specialist, (standing, in front of screen) provides opening remarks during the 19th Annual Assistive Technology Conference held on March 23 at the Westin Resort Guam. Middle photo: Two women standing on the both sides of Guma Mami's display table. Caption: Jirrah Cabrales (left), Community Program Coordinator and Berni Grajek, Executive Director, staff the Guma' Mami display during the 19th Annual Assistive Technology Conference held on March 23 at the Westin Resort Guam. Bottom photo: Two women "striking the pose" (arms lifted to the side). Caption: (L-R): Carla Torres, ATP, AT Specialist and Natasha Calderón, self-advocate, ham it up for the camera during the closing moments of the 19th Annual Assistive Technology Conference. Page 3: Left photo: Female wearing sunglasses, holding a walking stick, and standing next to a table display feeling a keyboard. Caption: Lisa Ogo, self-advocate and GSAT Advisory Council Vice Chairperson, welcomed fair-goers to the AT Fair held at the Micronesia Mall on March 9. Right photo: Female holding a pen and device over a document as if demonstrating to a woman standing and looking down. Caption: Leah Abelon (left), AT center assistant, demonstrates the usefulness of a "smart pen"" to an interested community member during the AT Fair. Bottom photo: Female standing and handing an item to an older man sitting at a display table. Caption: John Kimmons (right), a member of New Vision Guam! provides information on one of the AT devices to a participant during the AT Fair. Page 4 Article title: Guam Early Learning Council Initiatives Move Forward Article: Facilitating policy development, strategic planning, and championing the passage of legislation typically is a long, arduous, and oftentimes frustrating endeavor. However challenging though, the process is necessary when advocating for systems change, as stakeholders must be involved at every step in order to ensure successful outcomes. Involvement is key to nurture "buy in" to the transformation of systems, processes, and services. The Guam Early Learning Council (GELC), with support from the Guam State Advisory Council (SAC) and Project Tinituhon grants facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, is charged with ensuring stakeholder investment in guiding the development of a coordinated and comprehensive Early Childhood State Plan. GELC has been working diligently to improve the island's systems of supports and services for children birth through eight years of age and their families. Several of the GELC initiatives have produced significant progress this last quarter, with momentum increasing. One initiative is the passage of legislation mandating the establishment of a Council on Child Death Review and Prevention (CCDRP). Identified as an objective of the draft Early Childhood State Plan, planning for a stakeholders meeting began in earnest in July 2012. With technical assistance from Teri Covington, MPH, executive director of the National Center on Child Death Review and Prevention, a stakeholders meeting, legislative roundtable discussion, and physician meeting took place during the first week of January 2013. A legislative bill to establish the Guam CCDRP was then introduced in March, with a public hearing taking place on April 3. Coincidently and tragically, during the exact time that testimony was being presented on this bill, a two-year old child was accidently run over in a driveway and died. Later that day, another two-year old child died after being forgotten in the back seat of a vehicle for over seven hours. These circumstances underscored the importance of the need for a child death review process and resulted in the unanimous vote for the passage of the bill on April 30. The Governor's signature officially made the bill a public law shortly thereafter. A second initiative nearing completion during this period was the "Draft School Readiness Plan for Guam." Incorporating research, local data collection, and stakeholder input, a draft plan is in the final stages and is awaiting formal endorsement of the GELC. Momentum is running high with the drafting of the "Guam Early Childhood State Plan." Various work groups have met over the past two years to develop goals, objectives, and indicators in the areas of health, mental health and social emotional development, early care and education, and parent education and family support. These work groups drew upon input and research to sketch out the initial framework of a strategic plan. This framework in turn was the topic of discussion and debate at Council meetings on May 14 and 28. Work continues to occur, driven by the refinement and articulation of data needs. While these initiatives have been moving forward, the development and delivery of coursework for foster parents, early childhood caregivers and other interested community members continued this past quarter. In addition, community outreach and parent interactive events were held and information and public awareness products were produced and disseminated. Although the SAC grant ended on May 31, the work of the GELC continues. A summary report of SAC specific activities will be provided in the next issue of I Tellai. Article title with one photo of a group of four individuals sitting at a table with microphones on it: Guam ELC Provides Legislative Testimony Caption: Providing testimony on Bill 62-32, "An Act to establish the Guam Council on Child Death Review and Prevention during an April 3 Public Hearing were (L-R) James Gillan, Director, Department of Public Health and Social Services; Aurelio Espinola, M.D., Medical Examiner; Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam, Co-Chairperson of the Early Learning Council and Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, representing the GELC Child Death Review Planning Committee. Page 5 Article title: Guam ELC Continues Work on Draft EC State Plan Three Photos with captions: Top photo: Group shot of seventeen individuals. Caption: Guam ELC Continues Work on Draft EC State Plan Members and agency representatives attended a special meeting of the Guam Early Learning Council on May 30 to continue the data review and decision-making process relating to the development of the Draft Guam Early Childhood State Plan. Front Row (L-R): Terry Aguon, Senator Aline Yamashita, Elaine Eclavea, First Lady Christine Calvo, & James Gillan. Second Row: Narcy Ada, Pauline Camacho, Ann Marie Cruz, Vera Blaz, June Perez, Janice Ada, Dr. Felicity Grandjean, Cathy Schroeder. Back Row: Terrie Fejarang, Evelyn Claros, Pat Mantanona, & Gena Rojas. Bottom left photo: Five women sitting at a table with opened print materials in front of them. Caption: Guam CEDDERS State Advisory Council staff met with Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam and Co-Chairperson of the Guam Early Learning Council on May 28 at the Government House. Clockwise starting at left: Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS; Janice Ada, Senior Staff Assistant to the First Lady; First Lady Calvo, Elaine Eclavea, GELC Co-Chairperson, Guam CEDDERS; and Terry Naputi, Guam CEDDERS. Bottom right photo: Four individuals standing with a presentation display held up on a podium. Caption: The staff from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program present their project outlining developmental milestones during a workshop on Child Development facilitated by Guam CEDDERS staff on April 26. Support for the training was provided by the State Advisory Council Grant. Page 6 Article title: AT Specialist Demonstrates "Make It and Take It" Strategies Article with one photo: On April 20, 19 students enrolled in a class titled, "Children with Special Needs--Part C" taught by Charlita Harper, received a special visit. Carla Torres, an Assistive Technology Professional with the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT), led the students in a hands-on "Make It & Take It" workshop on adapting books for young children with disabilities. The class session demonstrated simple adaptive strategies promoting the concept of "universal design" and maximizing access for all children. Whatever challenges a child might be experiencing, all learners should be provided a range of opportunities to experience literacy designed to help them learn new skills, enhance current abilities, and simply enjoy the pleasures of reading. Students with physical disabilities may have difficulty using their hands to hold or turn the pages of a book. Some students may have limited vision or a complete loss of vision and are unable to see the printed text and pictures in the books. Children with hearing loss or cognitive disabilities may have a difficult time participating in literacy activities. Whatever the challenge a student has with reading, there is a way to work around it. Book adaptations are an effective way to help children with disabilities engage in literacy activities and provide them with enriching experiences. Through this workshop, the 19 students, all of whom are child care providers, learned how to make adaptations. The "Children with Special Needs--Part C" class was offered to early childhood providers, foster parents, and interested individuals. The purpose of the class was to promote professional development for those working with young children and to increase knowledge of early childhood topics and issues within the community. The class emphasized learning, growth, and development of young children with special needs in inclusive settings, inclusive practices by appropriately designing the environment and curriculum, assistive technology, and community resources. This was a free course, supported by the Guam State Advisory Council Grant, and ran on three consecutive Saturdays to accommodate work schedules. Course completers earned 1.5 CEUs through the University of Guam, Professional and International Programs (PIP). For more information on adapting books and assistive technology please call GSAT at 735-2490. Photo of participants engaged in an activity with various materials spread out on the table. Caption: Child care providers engage in a hands-on "Make It & Take It" workshop on adapting books for young children with disabilities. The workshop was conducted by Carla Torres, ATP, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Specialist. Page 7 Article title: Power of Play Conference Engages Parents and Young Children Collage of four photos with children engaged in activities. Caption: The 2013 Power of Play Interactive Parent Conference was held on May 25 at the Agana Shopping Center. With the theme, "Today you are you, that is truer than true," a quote from Dr. Seuss, the focus of this year's event was on positive social emotional development and strategies. Fourteen agencies and child care centers took active parts in coordinating and implementing the activities designed to provide tips to parents on how to engage their child in developmentally appropriate activities. Page 8 Article title: Project Karinu Strategic Planning Retreat: Strengthening Our Links Article with one photo: Project Karinu , Guam's early childhood system of care for children ages birth to 5 years, provides mental health promotion, prevention, and early identification and intervention services for young children and their families. Since June 2011, Project Karinu has served over 130 children with social emotional and behavioral needs as well as children who are at-risk for experiencing mental health problems. In addition to providing outreach and direct services, Project Karinu Karinu is building capacity within Guam's early childhood workforce to address the mental health needs of young children and to establish the infrastructure and collaborative partnerships necessary to ensure that a comprehensive and coordinated service delivery system is in place. To support these efforts, Guam CEDDERS provides technical assistance and support to Project Karinu in the areas of training and technical assistance, evaluation, and cultural and linguistic competence. On April 3 and 4, Guam CEDDERS staff, Elaine Eclavea, Mariles Benavente, and Bonnie Brandt, facilitated a strategic planning retreat titled "Strengthening Our Links: Building Guam's Early Childhood System of Care." The retreat brought together 35 stakeholders from Guam's early childhood serving agencies/programs, families, Project Tinituhon's Strategic Management Team for Social Emotional and Mental Health, child care providers, and non-profit organizations. The purpose of the retreat was to provide staff and stakeholders with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the current status of Guam's early childhood system of care and to identify priorities for the strengthening of the service delivery system. During this highly interactive event, participants reviewed key concepts related to early childhood mental health, systems of care, and a public health approach to meeting young children's needs. To bring these ideas to life, participants engaged in constructing a three dimensional representation of Guam's early childhood system of care which incorporated current practices and areas of need. Participants were also introduced to evidence-based practices being used in other early childhood sites across the United States and learned more about what types of services need to be both available and easily accessible in a comprehensive early childhood system of care. A particular focus of the retreat was on "strengthening our links" through systems thinking and collaboration. Participants explored their personal styles and skills in putting these concepts into action during small group activities. Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in conversations and shared their insights about the current status of Guam's early childhood service delivery system, priorities for continued systems building, and next steps. Discussions clearly reflected the need for continuity of efforts to promote and strengthen an early childhood mental health focus for Guam. A subsequent analysis of participants' input revealed five priority areas: (1) improve access to services; (2) create and implement an accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated service array; (3) expand outreach and social marketing activities; (4) empower families and strengthen family involvement; and (5) improve interagency collaboration and coordination. These priority areas will be further defined and next steps identified during follow up sessions with the participants during the upcoming months. Photo with caption: Group shot of 27 individuals. Caption: Project Karinu Strategic Planning Retreat participants constructed a visual representation of the values, principles, and structures that come together to create Guam's early childhood system of care. Page 9 Article title: Project Karinu Hosts "Cultural Conversations" Article with three photos: Project Karinu, Guam's early childhood system of care for children ages birth to 5 years, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, jointly facilitated the first of several conversation sessions highlighting multicultural views of key concepts in working with children. The process will generate information to be used in the development of linguistic glossaries that may be used for training and/or reference materials for interpreters and service providers. About 30 participants representing eight ethnic and language groups participated in this first session. A second session will take place on June 18. For more information, contact Mariles Benavente, 735-2497 at Guam CEDDERS or Dr. Lilli Perez, 478-5400 at Project Karinu. Photos with captions: Top photo: Group of six individuals sitting at a table. Caption: Small group participants affiliated with the Chamorro culture discuss an array of concepts at the "Cultural Conversations on Family, Wellness, and Child Development" session held on June 4, at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning. Participants from Left to Right: Arlene Diaz (with back to camera), George Salas, Lolita Leon Guerrero, Peter Onedera, Danny Duenas, and Vera Blaz. Bottom left photo: Panoramic view of participants from the back of the room. Caption: Mariles Benavente, ACSW, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, facilitates the presentation by the Yapese contingent as they report out the results of their group work. Bottom right photo: Female speaker standing and holding a microphone and paper. Caption: Mila Alcazaren, a participant in the Filipino cultural group, reports out to the larger group on the key concepts and terms used when working with young children. Page 10 Article Title: Guam EHDI Staff Conduct Conference Presentations Article with three photos and an image of a book cover. Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project staff attended the 12th Annual EHDI Conference that was held in Arizona from April 14 – 16. The purpose of the annual meeting was to become energized by new ideas, reflect and evaluate individual EHDI projects, network with other EHDI programs, and discover resources to help achieve EHDI goals. Prior to this conference, the Pre-EHDI Pacific Rim meeting was held at the same location on April 13. This meeting was organized for the EHDI programs in the Pacific Rim to come together and share their statistics, accomplishments, and challenges, as well as to network and potentially share scarce resources among the EHDI programs in the Pacific Region. In addition, Elaine Eclavea, Guam EHDI Coordinator, and Vicky Ritter, Guam EHDI Screener/Facilitator, co-presented a topical session with Dr. Deborah Hayes, Co-Chair for the Bill Daniels Center for Children's Health, Children's Hospital Colorado. The PowerPoint presentation was entitled "From Colorado to Guam: Teleaudiology for Infant Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations." The presentation described why Guam EHDI and Children's Hospital Colorado collaborated to begin the Teleaudiology Pilot Project in November 2011, what needs to be in place for a successful teleaudiology project, what lessons were learned through this Project, and data compiled through this Project. Finally, Dr. Velma Sablan, Guam EHDI Evaluator, Elaine Eclavea, and Vicky Ritter co-presented a topical session entitled "Guam EHDI: Pacific Pioneers in the Identification of Hearing Loss in Infants". The history of Guam EHDI, compiled data, and the Teleaudiology Pilot Project were discussed. Photos with captions: Top photo of a large group consisting of 33 people. Caption: Members of various Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) projects in the Pacific Region pose for a group picture with Dr. Karl White, Director for the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), after the Pre-EHDI Pacific Rim Meeting held on April 13 in Arizona. Represented at this meeting were the islands of Guam, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii. Middle photo of three women posing for a group shot, standing in front of a desk. Caption: Velma Sablan, Ph.D., Guam EHDI Evaluator, Vicky Ritter, Guam EHDI Screener/ Facilitator and Elaine Eclavea, Guam EHDI Coordinator, take a photo opportunity after their presentation "Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI): Pacific Pioneers in the Identification of Hearing Loss in Infants" at the 12th Annual EHDI Conference on April 15, in Arizona Bottom photo of three women posing for a group shot. Caption: Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator (right), conducted a presentation with Deborah Hayes, Ph.D. (left), audiologist from the Colorado Children's Hospital at the Pacific Rim Conference on May 1 in Honolulu. The title of their presentation, "From Colorado to Guam: Infant Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation over the Internet" highlighted the process and outcomes of a pilot project that provided formal hearing evaluations through teleaudiology. At the center is Jean Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-A, Associate Director, University of Hawaii Center on Disabilities Studies, PacRim Conference facilitator. Page 11 Collage of three photos with the title: EC Consultant Delivers Webinars and On-site Training Top photo consists of a group shoot seventeen individuals posing for a group shot outside. Caption: Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Staff pose with Naomi Younggren, Ph.D. (far right front row). Dr. Younggren, an Early Childhood Consultant, was brought to the island by Guam CEDDERS through a contract with DOE - GEIS to provide technical assistance and support for GEIS & Preschool staff . Bottom left photo of a laptop screen and five individuals sitting at tables. Caption: Guam DOE Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Preschool teachers participated in the ECSE Preschool Webinar facilitated by Naomi Younggren, Ph.D, on March 15. Assessment Practices, Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goal Development, Integrating Outcomes Measurements into the IEP, and Addressing Functional Goals in Meaningful Contexts were addressed during the session. The webinar was conducted using the Nefsis video teleconferencing system. Bottom right photo with four women sitting at a round table. Caption: Naomi Younggren, Ph.D, (seated far right) and Guam CEDDERS Elaine Eclavea, facilitated the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Parent Training on Understanding the Early Intervention Process at the Outrigger Guam Resort on March 20. The training focused on "Measuring Outcomes in Early Intervention Services: Understanding How Children and Families Benefit from Early Intervention." Shown above are participants of the training. Page 12 Article title: Pacific VIP Facilitates Application of Skills Article with four photos: Guam CEDDERS' Pacific Vision Instruction Project (Pacific VIP), in partnership with University of Massachusetts at Boston (UMass Boston), provides scholarship support to 19 regional scholars from Guam, CNMI, American Samoa, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae to complete their Master's in Vision Studies in Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), with credentials in Orientation and Mobility (O&M). A critical component of the training program is the application of course/lab knowledge and skills into the island communities within the Pacific region. Donna McNear, Pacific VIP consultant, serves as the regional support for this critical component. During the months of January, March, and May, Ms. McNear conducted on-site visits to Guam, CNMI, American Samoa, Chuuk, and Pohnpei to support meaningful application of course/lab skills and to review pre-practicum and practicum requirements. Also during the visits, she conducted school and home visits to observe and coach the scholars in utilizing the strategies/techniques for teaching children with visual impairments. She worked with the scholars on pre-practicum and practicum requirements, including meeting with the scholars' respective special education administrators to ensure that the scholars are able to meet the requirements of the training program. In addition, with the generous donation from AmbuTech, Ms. McNear distributed children-sized white canes for the students in American Samoa, CNMI, Chuuk, and Pohnpei. AmbuTech is a leading manufacturer and marketer of mobility canes and aids for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Thank you, Donna, for your continued support of children with visual impairments in the Pacific region and thank you, AmbuTech, for your generous donation of canes for the children in the Pacific. Photos with captions: Bottom left photo of a woman standing behind an elementary aged male, holding a walking stick in front of a door. Caption: Florina Esiel, Pacific VIP Pohnpei State Scholar, teaches her student how to navigate around his school using a cane donated by AmbuTech. AmbuTech is a leading manufacturer and marketer of mobility canes and aids for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Donna McNear, VI Consultant and long-time technical assistance provider to the region, delivered the canes during her May visit to Pohnpei Top right photo of a woman sitting behind a boy holding a piece of clothing. Caption: Lilly Abraham, Pacific VIP Pohnpei State Scholar, teaches her student through oral directions, how to put on his shirt, with Donna McNear, VI consultant coaching from the side lines. Right middle photo of a woman squatting in from of a girl sitting on a blue plastic chair. Caption: 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 on May 15. Romonum is one of the lagoon islands within Chuuk States, approximately 45 minutes via motor boat from the main island of Weno. Bottom right photo of a girl holding a book in her lap with finger pointing to text on a page. Caption: Junalynn, 1st grader from the island of Romonum in Chuuk State, follows the Braille letters as she listens to Chelsea Phillip (not shown), Pacific VIP Chuuk State Scholar, read aloud her personalized book created by Ms. Phillip and Donna McNear, Pacific VIP Consultant. Page 13 Article title: Pacific VIP Conducts On-site Visit...continued Top photo of a group of five individuals posing for a group shot. Caption: Guam CEDDERS' PACIFIC Project and Pacific VIP staff and consultant visit with the American Samoa Director of Education, Dr. Vaitinasa S. Hunkin-Finau, in March to share progress with both projects. Pictured L-R: June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS' Project Director for PACIFIC Project and Pacific VIP; Dr. Hunkin-Finau; Faanati Penitusi, American Samoa Special Education Program Director; Donna McNear, Pacific VIP Consultant; and Robert Soliai, American Samoa Common Core State Standards Coordinator. Article title: PACIFIC Project & NCSC Supports American Samoa Bottom photo of 10 individuals standing and posing for a group shot. Caption: Guam CEDDERS PACIFIC Project staff conducted a two-day on-site working session in March with American Samoa Department of Education staff on Alternate Assessment based on Alternate Achievement Standards (AA-AAS) Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which included a review of the math resources developed by the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC). (Left to right): Frances A.Le'au, Sauileole Tanu, Faanati T. Penitusi, Teresa Atuatasi, Dr. Vaitinasa S. Hunkin -Finau, Director of Education, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS, Robert Soliai, Tafaevalu Aumoeualogo, Samasoni Asaeli, and Patrick Danielson. Not pictured: Jeanette Vasai and Kim Pili. Page 14 Article title: Palau TTC Team supports Alii Focus Group Article with two photos: Through a contract with the Republic of Palau, Ministry of Education, Special Education Program, Guam CEDDERS' June De Leon provided on-site technical support in preparation for and during the May 29 work session with the Harris Elementary Alii Focus Group. Ms. De Leon supported the Palau Thinking Through Collaboration (TTC) Team members facilitate the five-hour session designed to review school characteristics and student baseline data for prioritizing next steps for improving the academic achievement of Harris Elementary's target students. The session began with one of the TTC activities on illustrating an effective school. In small groups, the Alii Focus Group members were asked to create a picture of what an effective school would look like. The sharing of each group's illustration then led to a review of the qualities of an effective school, Harris Elementary's student data related to mathematics and the least restrictive environment (LRE) for students with disabilities, and priorities for supporting Harris Elementary meet their School Improvement Plan goals for academic achievement in the area of mathematics. The Palau TTC Team adapted what they learned from the February Guam TTC training to support Harris Elementary's administrators and teachers to identify next steps for improving educational results for all students. Photos with captions: Top photo of a group shot consisting of 15 individuals, four sitting and nine standing. Caption: Alii! The Palau Thinking Through Collaboration (TTC) Team facilitates a working session with the Harris Elementary Alii Focus Group on May 29. Photo: Sitting (L-R): Dela Rosa Yalap, Harris 2nd Grade Teacher; Wichliff Emul, Harris Principal; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Helen Sengebau, Palau SpEd Coordinator. Standing Front Row, (L-R): Esther Rengulbai, Palau SpEd CRT; Eric Reklai, Harris 6th Grade Teacher; Lorna Lei Ronny, Harris 4th Grade Teacher; Keong Roduk, Harris Classroom Teacher; Begonia Tewid, Palau SpEd CRT; Aileen Mikel, Airai Elementary Principal. Standing-Back Row (L-R): Jennifer Ngual, Palau SpEd CRT; John Takisang, Harris SpEd Teacher; Clarinda Worswick, Harris 3rd Grade Teacher; Valentina Omelau, Harris 1st Grade Teacher; Lucia Tabelual, Harris Vice-Principal. Bottom photo of a male looking at a projector screen appearing as if presenting with listeners sitting at tables. Caption: Eric Reklai (standing), Harris 6th Grade Teacher, shares his group's visual representation of an "effective school" during the May 29 working session. Page 15 Two photos with captions: Top photo of a male standing and looking down at a document a woman, sitting, is pointing to. Background has several roundtables of filled with participants. Caption: Guam CEDDERS Facilitates Teacher Evaluation Input Session Teacher and administrator representatives from various Guam schools attended the "Department of Education Teacher Performance Evaluation Input Session" held on April 25 at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. Members of the Guam Education Board were joined by Ray Tenorio, Acting Governor of Guam, members of the Guam Commission on Teacher Certification and teacher representatives to discuss the teacher evaluation process which will be field tested this coming fall. The input session was facilitated by Guam CEDDERS through a grant from the National Governors' Association. Pictured above is Superintendent Jon Fernandez (standing) interacting with school representatives during the Input session. Bottom photo of mail standing and spraying lighter fluid onto a contained small fire while eleven people watch. Article title: Collaborative Efforts Strengthen Guam Families Caption: Kathy Goetz Wolf, President & CEO (not shown) and Dara Griffin, Training Manager (foreground), Be Strong Families/Strengthening Families Illinois consultants, facilitate an activity on "Positive vs. Negative" energy at the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework Training on March 25-27, at The Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. Project Karinu, in collaboration with Project Bisita, Guam Early Intervention System, Early Childhood Special Education Preschool, Project Tinituhon, and the State Advisory Council, sponsored the three-day training for parents, providers, and administrators on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework. Page 16 Article title: Boys Town Consultants Provide TA to D/HH Program Article with two photos: A team of consultants from the Auditory Consultant Resource Network (ACRN), based at the Boys Town National Research Hospital in Nebraska, were in Guam from April 1-5 to provide technical assistance and training to the Guam Early Intervention System (Part C) and the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program (D/HH) (Part B), Division of Special Education, Guam Department of Education. The team, comprised of an audiologist and two Speech Language Pathologists, conducted home and school visits, provided training to a range of service providers including the school audiologist, audiometrists, early intervention staff, deaf and general education teachers, speech language pathologists, and administrators. The consultants also were guest speakers during a parent meeting held the evening of April 4. Photos with captions: Top photo: Half page size photo of five women sitting at a table. Caption: Boys Town consultants met with Guam staff to discuss program needs and strategies for improvement. (Clockwise starting at bottom left): Cathy Carotta, CCC-SLP, Ed.D., Boys Town lead consultant; Camille Onglao, D/HH Program itinerant teacher; Katie Brennan, CCC-SLP, Boys Town consultant; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS facilitator; and Jovita "Fe" Monforte, D/HH School Program Consultant. Bottom photo of a male standing reading a document while seated audience watch. Caption: Jeffrey Simmons, M.S., CCC-A, (standing) demonstrates an intervention strategy with Dr. Carotta, during a training session with speech language clinicians and pathologists on April 4. Page 17 Three photos with captions: Top photo: Group shot of 21 individuals around a picnic table. Article title: Guam Self-Advocates Share Knowledge with CNMI Caption: On March 14 & 15, SiñA Facilitators Andrew and Lynn Tydingco, with mentorship from Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator Ginger Porter, conducted self-advocacy training on the campus of the College of the Northern Marianas in Saipan. The collaborative effort between self-advocates supported the development of core team leaders for a Self-Advocacy Summer Camp to be held in the CNMI in July 2013. This past May, the core CNMI leadership team took their training to Saipan's high school and enlisted 11 new members in Voices of the Marianas, CNMI's new Self-Advocacy organization. Standing (L-R): Claudia Megofna, Evander Iderbei, Lynn Tydingco, Pam Sablan, JJ Stephen, Relina Ripis, Floyd Masga, Alvin Tagabuel, Andrew Tydingco, Ed Rabauliman, Emiterio Fitial, Ray Diaz, Ruth Pangelinan, Ginger Porter, and Les Ogumoro-Uludong. Seated (L-R): Estella Cabaobas, Rosa Pahnos, Resimin Ripis, Jameel Islam, Rudy Atalig, and John Demapan. Bottom left photo of six females posing for a group shot. Title: "State of the States in DD" Data to Include Territories Caption: Guam CEDDERS administrators met with representatives from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; University of Minnesota at Minneapolis; and the University of Illinois, Chicago, to discuss data from Guam relating to integrated employment, family and individual information systems, and long-term supports for inclusion in the "State of the States in Developmental Disabilities" annual report. (L-R): June De Leon, Allison Hall, Ph.D., Terrie Fejarang, Amie Lulinski, Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., and Amy Hewitt, Ph.D. Bottom right photo of four women sitting at a conference table. Title: UH SW Reps Visit Guam CEDDERS Caption: University of Hawaii (UH), Manoa Social Work faculty met with University of Guam Social Work faculty and Guam CEDDERS staff on March 13 to discuss the possibility of Guam CEDDERS serving as a practicum site for Guam-based students enrolled in the UH Masters in Social Work program. (L-R): Theresa Krief, MSW, LSW Continuing Education Coordinator, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work; Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, Dr. Noreen Mokuau, Dean, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work; Dr. LisaLinda Natividad, Associate Professor, College of Natural & Applied Sciences, Social Work, University of Guam. Page 18 Two half page size photos with captions: Top photo: Group shot with eight woman, four standing, four sitting and holding certificates. Title: Cohort 2 LEND Trainees Complete Program The Maternal Child Health Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (MCH LEND) Program celebrates four Guam trainees who recently completed the 300-hour course. Proudly displaying their certificates from left to right are: Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS training associate; Carol Cabiles, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center Program Coordinator; Diana Santos, Department of Public Health and Social Services Social Worker; Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Post Doctoral Fellow. Standing (L-R): MCH LEND Program Staff: Elaine Eclavea, LEND faculty; Carla Torres, Site Coordinator/Faculty; Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Director; and Terrie Fejarang, LEND faculty. Bottom photo: Group shot of eight individuals, five standing and three sitting with display cases and a banner in the background. Title: Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Members Attend Orientation Caption: New and incumbent members of the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council attended a "New Member Orientation Session" held on May 23 at the GSAT Center. The history of the organization and the role of council members were discussed during the hour and a half session. Seated (L-R): Elizabeth Ignacio, Acting Administrator, Bureau of Social Services Administration, Department of Public Health & Social Services; Ana Kilroy, Parent; Maria Botongon, Self-Advocate. Standing (L-R): Rosanne Ada, Executive Director, Guam DD Council; Tom Mangona, Self-Advocate & Past Chairperson; Terese Crisostomo, School Program Consultant, Division of Special Education, Department of Education; Elaine Faculo-Gogue, University of Guam EEO Coordinator & Coordinator for Student Support Services; and Leone Rohr, Parent. Page 19 Article title: SW Student Completes Practicum Article: Reynasha Pangelinan, a University of Guam Social Work student, recently completed requirements as a Guam CEDDERS practicum student. In addition to facilitating the updating of "2013 Nene Directory of Services for Young Children and Their Families," she participated in an array of public awareness and focus group activities. Reynasha is shown here as a poster model, along with Christian, her son. Bottom photo of a group shot of six women, two holding a document. Caption: (L-R): LEND Trainees present a copy of their product, ÒTransition Planning WorkbookÓ to members of the Autism Community Together (ACT) organization. Seated (L-R) : Vera Blaz, Carol Cabiles, Trainees. Standing (L-R): Dr. Grandjean, Roberta Perez, Lou Mesa, and Ana Kilroy. Title: Post-Doc Completes Fellowship Article: Felicity Cruz Grandjean, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Post-Doctoral Fellow in Early Childhood, completed her fellowship on May 31. Through the Guam State Advisory Council grant supported by ARRA funding, Dr. Grandjean facilitated the development and delivery of the Early Childhood coursework targeted for foster parents, child caregivers, and the interested community members. These courses, offered for continuing education credit, assisted participants in meeting the training requirements for certification as child caregivers. Dr. Grandjean also supported the "McREL Research Alliance Project," the development of the "Guam School Readiness Plan" and served as co-editor of I Mandikiki', a quarterly newsletter for parents and caregivers of young children. Dr. Grandjean also completed a year-long program as a LEND Trainee (see photo at top of Page 18). Right photo with three women holding up posters. Title: GEIS Receives Framed Posters Caption: Framed posters were recently presented to representatives of the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS). The posters were designed last year by Guam CEDDERS through a contract with GEIS. (L-R): Cathy Tydingco, School Program Consultant for Early Childhood Special Education, Margaret Johnson, Guam CEDDERS Data and Developed Products Assistant, and Pat Mantanona, GEIS Program Coordinator. Acknowledgements: University of Guam logo the shape of a sling stone and Guam CEDDERS' a wave with a pro on the bottom swell. Information: University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Aff airs 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, Bonnie Brandt, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Jeff Pinaula, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Vicky Ritter, and Carla Torres. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Margaret Johnson at (671) 735-2477 (v), (671) 735-6531 (TTY), or (671) 734-5709 (fax) for more information. Page 20 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS Jun 13 * Jun 7 Guam EHDI Clinic, 1:30-4:30pm, House 21 Dean's Circle. For more information call 735-2433. * Jun 7 Northern Public Health WIC Outreach, 8:00-11:30am. Guam EHDI provides FREE hearing screenings whose children are in need of follow-up hearing screenings. For more information please call 735-2433. * Jun 10 Community Transportation Association of America Passenger Service & Safety (CTAA PASS) Training, GSAT, House 19 Dean's Circle, UOG, 8:00am-5:00pm. For more information please call 735-2478. * Jun 10-11 Project Karinu Training with Dr. DJ Ida and Janet Soohoo, MSW, "Level 1: Fundamentals of Interpreting." For more information please call 735-2497. * Jun 12 Project Karinu Training with Dr. DJ Ida and Janet Soohoo, MSW, "Level 2: Skill Building and In-Depth Discussions on Interpreting and Behavioral Health." For more information please call 735-2497. * Jun 12-14 CTAA PASS Training, GSAT, House 19 Dean's Circle, UOG, 8:00am - 5:00pm. For more information please call 735-2478. * Jun 13-14 Project Karinu Training with Dr. DJ Ida and Janet Soohoo, MSW, "Wellness Coach Training: Promoting Holistic Health and the Interplay of Mind, Body and Spirit Towards Overall Wellness." For more information please call 735-2497. * Jun 18 Second Session on Cultural Conversations. For more information please call 735-2497. * Jun 19 Model for Improvement (MFI) Training, 3:00-5:00pm, GEIS Office, Tiyan. For more information please call 735-2466/2433. * Jun 21 Inarajan Public Health WIC Outreach, 1:30-3:30pm. For more information please call 735-2466/2433. Jul-Aug 13 * Jul 4-5 Early Childhood Training entitled "Integrating Early Childhood Outcomes in the IEP Process," Republic of Belau. For more information please send email to Elaine Eclavea at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. * Jul 9 GSAT Advisory Council Executive Meeting, 3:00-4:00pm, GSAT, House #19 Dean's Circle. For more information please call 735-2490/1. * Jul 13 Parent Training on Procedural Safeguards. For registration or more information please call 735-2438 or SpEd Parent Services Office at 300-1322. * Jul 16 GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting, 3:30-5:00pm, GSAT House #19 Dean's Circle. For more information please call 735-2490/1. * Jul 18 GOAL-AT/GGT Sub-Board Meeting, 12pm, GSAT, House #19 Dean's Circle. For more information please call 735-2490/1. * Aug 12-14 FSM InterAgency Conference, Pohnpei, FSM. For more information please send email to Elaine Eclavea at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. * Aug 15-16 FSM InterAgency Early Childhood Training: Supporting Early Childhood Systems in Systems, Pohnpei, FSM. For more information please send email to Elaine Eclavea at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. * Aug 30 GEIS Webinar Series, "Early Intervention in Action," with Naomi Younggren. For more information please call 735-2438. Announcement: Image of the 2013 Nene Directory book. The 2013 Nene Directory is now available online! Go to www.guamcedders.org to download your copy! Hard copies will be available July 31. Call 735-2477 to reserve your copy or email margie.johnson@guamcedders.org.