Maria Elena Garcia (left standing), McREL consultant, conducts the REL Pacific Guam Research Alliance meeting on April 23, 2015 at UOG 19 Deans Circle.
A triad, composed of individuals from school leadership team members from Upi and J.M. Guerrero, reflects on an article on family and community engagement on April 22, 2015 at J.M. Guerrero Elementary school.
Members of Upi Elementary leadership team on family and community engagement participate in training on collaborative teaming on April 20, 2015.
Maria Elena Garcia (standing), McREL consultant, explains the importance of collaborative teaming to members of Upi Elementary leadership team on family and community engagement on April 20, 2015.
Youth Self-Advocacy Workshops Scheduled for May
Community Services: Training Self-Advocacy
Week of the Young Child Training Opportunities, April 18, 2015 at the Tamuning Gymasium, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The April 18 evening session at the Tamuning Gymansium was attended by child care center providers, parents, and early childhood providers. The session was facilitated by Elaine Eclavea and Jeffrey Pinaula from Guam CEDDERS on the the Introduction to the Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work modules.
Week of the Young Child Training Opportunities, April 16, 2015 at the Agana Heights Community Center, 9:00am - 11:00am. Tisha Castro and Ramon Castro (Front left and right) from Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) facilitated the “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Concrete Support in Times of Need†module.
A provider from Alee Shelter participated in the, "Balls in the Air" activity during the “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Concrete Support in Times of Need†session facilitated by Guam Early Intervention System on April 16 at the Agana Heights Community Center.
Highlights from The Week of the Young Child
WOYCThe Week of the Young Child began with the Proclamation signing on April 13 at the Governor’s Office in Adelup.  From April 13-17, Guam CEDDERS staff facilitated several training activities throughout the island for Parents, Families, Parent Leaders, and Early Childhood Providers.  The Week of the Young Child concluded on Saturday, April 18 with the Early Childhood Parent Conference held at Pacific Star Hotel.
The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council held a Celebrity Bagging Event on March 14 at the Pay-Less Market located at the Micronesia Mall. (Pictured left to right): Megan Boswell, Self-Advocate and Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam, assist each other in bagging groceries for a customer.
The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council held a Celebrity Bagging Event on March 14 at the Pay-Less Market located at the Micronesia Mall. (Pictured left to right): Andrew Tydingco, SiñA, Vice President, Senator Dennis Rodriguez, and Senator Jim Espaldon greet customers as they leave with their groceries bagged by local celebrities in the disability community and government.
Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio, Acting Governor, signed a proclamation declaring the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on Guam. Attending the event were representatives from the Guam Tri-Agency, comprised of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Legal Services Corporation - Disability Law Center and University of Guam CEDDERS. Also attending were members of Guam’s state recognized self-advocacy group SiñA: Self-Advocates in Action as well as agency representatives from the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Division of Support Services.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Highlights!
Developmental DisabilitiesMarch was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! The Tri-Agency along with SiñA collaborated to host a series of events to celebrate and promote public awareness of developmental disabilities. The events included the annual GSAT Conference & Fair, a Celebrity Bagging at Pay-Less Supermarket, and the Guam Developmental Disability Council Family Fun Day, which took place this year at the Sinajaña Community Center. Self-Advocates, families, and advocates joined together to celebrate accomplishments, talk about future activities, and most of all, to establish or renew friendships.
Photo 1: Guam LEND trainees get in touch with nature and learn cultural values at the University of Hawaii Ka Papa Punalu‘u Lo‘i (taro patch).
Photo 2: Guam LEND trainees get in touch with nature and learn cultural values at the University of Hawaii Ka Papa Punalu‘u Lo‘i (taro patch).
MCH LEND is never short on fun. Here, Guam trainees Renee Koffend and Suzanne McManus, along with Honolulu trainee Jackie Jensen share a song they wrote to recruit future trainees.
Photo 1: Donning “I Love Guam†t-shirts and a hafa adai spirit, the Guam LEND trainees present Children Having Children: A Social Determinants of Health Presentation to their Hawaii counterparts. (L-R Suzanne McManus, Leone Rohr, Renee Koffend)
Photo 2: Donning “I Love Guam†t-shirts and a hafa adai spirit, the Guam LEND trainees present Children Having Children: A Social Determinants of Health Presentation to their Hawaii counterparts. (L-R Suzanne McManus, Leone Rohr, Renee Koffend)
Photo 3: Donning “I Love Guam†t-shirts and a hafa adai spirit, the Guam LEND trainees present Children Having Children: A Social Determinants of Health Presentation to their Hawaii counterparts. (L-R Suzanne McManus, Leone Rohr, Renee Koffend)
The Guam MCH LEND Cohort Attended the Third and Final Joint Training Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii
LENDThe 4th cycle of the Maternal Child Health Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders Program (MCH LEND) is winding down with about two months left in the school year. As part of the curriculum, the Guam MCH LEND cohort flew to Honolulu, Hawaii for the third and final joint training symposium. The symposium was filled with activities and presentations that centered on an important MCH leadership competence: the ability to apply concepts of cultural diversity and influences on attitudes and health care practices for families with children with disabilities and the blending of health protocols with local ways of caregiving.
For the remainder of the semester, trainees will complete a research project they developed called “Investigating Housing Options for Teen Moms on Guam.†This research will gain insights of teenage mothers’ perspectives of structured, stable housing options. The initial data may reveal the potential need for such housing on Guam.
Carla Torres, Assistive Technology and Special Projects Program Coordinator, presents an overview of Assistive Technology and how to become a wise AT consumer to a room full of conference goers.
Maria Pineda poses with her supportive family and Carla Torres, GSAT Program Coordinator, after delivering her heartfelt and inspiring keynote speech.
Josie Guerrero of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council provides information on the Council to a conference attendee.
Consulting Resource Teachers-Technical Assistants for the Guam Department of Education’s Autism Program, Marie Wessling, Jessica Atoigue, and Camille Paulino, lead a hands-on workshop in making communication books for children with autism.
Participants learn how to make tactile books and a light box which can be used to teach children who have visual impairments.
A Conference 21 Years Strong!
Guam Systems for Assistive TechnologyThe Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) has been hosting an annual conference for the community for a very long time now- an impressive 21 years to be exact! Each year, GSAT’s program coordinator and its advisory council has the challenge of putting on an event that will be interesting and meaningful to a wide range of participants.
This year’s event kicked off with a legislative resolution presented by Senator Tina Muna Barnes that recognized GSAT for its efforts in increasing the access and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) on Guam and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Following the resolution came a heartfelt and inspiring keynote speech by Maria Pineda. Maria shared her story of living with vision loss and how with the aid of assistive technology, community resources, and support from her loving family, she has maintained her employment with the federal government and is still living life to the fullest.
GSAT program coordinator Carla Torres took things back to the basics with an opening presentation of AT 101: An Overview of AT and AT Resources on Guam and a session on Becoming a Wise AT Consumer. This gave everyone foundational knowledge on the various types of AT and services and how one can maximize limited resources.
Other presentations included one from Guam Legal Services Disability Law Center staff attorney Matthew Wolff titled “Meeting Communication Needs under ADA, §504 & IDEA.†Wolff explained that with recent legal cases and new guidance from the US Department of Education and the Department of Justice, there is a clear directive for schools to understand section 504 of the American with Disabilities Act’s “effective communication†access requirement and how that can be different from free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (special education law) and the implications it creates for the provision of assistive technology.
Ben Servino, Director of the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, presented community access updates. Servino highlighted various initiatives being worked on to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities on Guam such as the Individualized Budgeting Program which allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to choose the services and supports independent from typical programs offered by the government of Guam. The individuals in the program have control over their allowed budget.
The afternoon offered conference goers a choice of 4 different hands-on AT make-it workshops. During the workshops, participants learned how to make low-tech assistive technology tools from inexpensive household items, the applications of these tools, the types of disabilities they serve and the various environments and tasks in which they can be used. Related service providers from the Guam Department of Education’s Special Education Division teamed up with GSAT to facilitate 3 of the workshops.
Evaluations collected at the completion of the conference show that participants were pleased to have attended. They felt like their knowledge of assistive technology has increased as a result. Many appreciated seeing that AT supports could be fabricated at low cost and quite easily too. Stay tuned to see what’s in store for year 22 of the annual GSAT AT conference!
Guam Early Intervention staff provide early childhood information to an Assistive Technology (AT) Fair attendee.
A family takes time out from their day at the mall to enjoy the Self-Advocate Portrait Gallery.
AT Fair attendees browse information at the Division of Senior Citizens display
Carla Torres, AT and Special Projects Program Coordinator, demonstrates an AT device.
Diane Artero, Special Education teacher, talks with AT Fair attendees about assistive technology.
Members of the Guam Community College American Sign Language (ASL) class perform songs in ASL for the crowd at the AT Fair.
Andrew Gumataotao, GSAT Student Office Assistant, provides a demonstration of an assistive technology device that reads text out loud.
Children laugh excitedly as the Guam Community College American Sign Language (ASL) class performs popular childrens cartoon themes in a very animated and entertaining form of ASL during Children’s ASL Story Hour at this years AT Fair.
21st Annual GSAT AT Fair Highlights
Guam Systems for Assistive TechnologyThe Guam System for Assistive Technology is celebrating 21 years of improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families through a mission to increase access and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) and improve the overall provision of AT services on island. At its largest annual public awareness event, GSAT hosted over 50 table displays at its AT Fair held on March 7, at the Micronesia Mall’s center court. The fair created opportunities for the island community to learn about AT and valuable services offered to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Martha Reeder (standing left) and Pat Stanislaski (standing right) consultants from the National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds facilitate discussion during the three-day training.
Participants engage in role playing and discussion on linking families to services effectively.
Early childhood professionals participate in a group activity utilizing an “energy stick,†which helped professionals understand the importance of social connections for families.
Vera Blaz (left), Project Tinituhon, and Bertha Daimond (standing right), Project Kariñu participate in the “Balls in the Air†activity that reminds professionals that sometimes they can’t see the parents for all of the problems and stressors they are balancing, and the importance of making sure families have access to the services they need.
Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work
Early Childhood
Dr. Scott Ross, Utah State University, provides the basics of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to Guam DOE school representatives that included an administrator, teachers, a parent, and a student. Approximately 209 individuals attended the session from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Scott Ross (left) and GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez (right)
GDOE Superintendent observes Department of Youth Affairs and Liheng Famagu’on (DYA educational program) discuss the components of PBIS.
Jonah Miller (left), Astumbo Middle school student and Ariel Delos Reyes (teacher) (right) share their school’s reinforcement system.
Guam DOE stakeholders gather at the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Summit
Community Services: Technical Assistance Community Services: TrainingDr. Scott Ross from Utah State University, presented the basics of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) at the PBIS Summit held on Friday, February 20 at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. Approximately 209 individuals, consisting of GDOE administrators, teachers, parents, and students were in attendance for this presentation, facilitated by Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Guam CEDDERS Consultant.​
Vivian Jackson and Bertha Diamond chat during the “Addressing Disparities Through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence Conference†held on January 26th at the Hyatt.
Guam Police Department Chief Fred Bordallo (center), participates in a group discussion during the “Addressing Disparities Through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence Conference†held on January 26th at the Hyatt.
UOG Social Work students are all smiles during the “Addressing Disparities through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence (CLC): Essential Knowledge & Skills within the University Environment†training conducted by Tawara Goode and Vivian Jackson on January 27th at the UOG Eugenia & Jesus Leon Guerrero Building.
Guam CEDDERS staff provided technical support during the "Addressing Disparities through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence Conference" and work sessions that were conducted by Tawara Goode and Vivian Jackson from January 26-28, 2015. (L-R) Bernadette Shisler, Vivian Jackson, Keith Villaluna, Tawara Goode, Marie Wusstig.
Guam CEDDERS staff provided technical support during the "Addressing Disparities through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence Conference" and work sessions that were conducted by Tawara Goode and Vivian Jackson from January 26-28, 2015. (L-R) Vivian Jackson, Bonnie Brandt, Tawara Goode, Mariles Benavente.
Rowena Morada from icareguam jots down responses during the "Fish Bone" activity. The activity was part of the “Framework to Address Disparities in Children's Behavioral Health†work session facilitated by Vivian Jackson and Tawara Goode on January 28, 2015 in the GSAT Conference Room.
Addressing Disparities through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence
Community Services: Training Project KariñuOn January 26-28, Tawara Goode, M.A., Assistant Professor, Associate Director, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, and Director, National Center for Cultural Competence and Vivian Jackson, MSW, from the National Center for Cultural Competence and Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, conducted three presentations on “Addressing Disparities through Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence.†Day 1 of the three-day activity included a presentation on “A Cultural Competence Framework for Developing A CLC Vision and Action Plan†with 65 participants from public and private organizations in attendance. The second day consisted of two sessions held at the University of Guam campus. The morning session, covered the topic “Linguistic Competence Beyond Language Access: Addressing Health Literacy, Literacy, & Communication with Individuals who have disabilities; and Developing Language Access Plans according to Title VI Guidance and CLAS Standards.†Students from Guam Community College’s American Sign Language II class were part of the 56 participants in attendance for this presentation.
The afternoon session covered the topic, “CLC: Essential Knowledge & Skills within the University Environment training.†Students from UOG’s Social Work program, faculty from UOG’s Nursing Department, and Department of Education staff attended this presentation.
Tawara and Vivian concluded their visit with a final presentation on January 28 at the GSAT Conference Room at House 19, Dean’s Circle. This training, titled “Framework to Address Disparities in Children’s Behavioral Health†included participants from Guam CEDDERS, Project Kariñu, icareguam, and I Famagu’on-ta.
Collaborators and sponsors of these activities included: National Center for Cultural Competence and Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development; Guam CEDDERS; Department of Public Health & Social Services, Project Kariñu, Guam Office of Minority Health, Live Healthy Guam; Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, I Famagu’on-ta, icareguam.