Guam CEDDERS Meets with the New Guam EHDI Advisory Committee Chairperson

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
On September 14, newly elected Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project Advisory Chairperson, Joseph Tuquero (Right), met with Guam EHDI staff, Terrie Fejarang, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS (Center) and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate (Left) for an orientation on the project, the facilitation of parent and family engagement, and roles and responsibilities of the EHDI Advisory Chairperson.

iCanConnect free technology program for Guam

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), talking to training attendees.
On September 13, Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), conducted a presentation on the iCanConnect Program at the GSAT Center. The program aims to put technology into the hands of people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected with the people who matter most. For those who qualify for the program, technology and training for distance communication is provided for free.
Cathy Kirscher demonstrates the functions of the Meteor Vibrating Watch to Maria Bontogon, Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council member and University of Guam student.

UOG Social Work Intern Joe Taijeron, shares his fascination with the AfterShockz Wireless Bone Conduction Earphones with Guam CEDDERS Research Associate Christina Jung.

(Pictured L-R) Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; Cathy Kirscher, Southwest Regional Representative, Helen Keller National Center; and Ben Servino, DISID Director.

Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS CEDDERS CORE Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council
The Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council held its first quarterly meeting for this new fiscal year on September 8. During this meeting, Mrs. Josephine Guerrero was elected as Chairperson and Joyce Tejeras was elected Vice Chairperson. Council members also had opportunity to review and provide input on the Core Work Plan Updates and the latest draft of a 10-minute video production which shares the accomplishments of Clinton Mesa, an individual with autism. (Seated left, clockwise) Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Director; Marcellene Santos, Public Guardian; Maria Bontogon, Self-Advocate; Ben Servino, Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID); Barbara Johnson, Self-Advocate; Joe Taijeron, and Tanya Simer (sitting at back), University of Guam Social Work Practicum Students; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Josephine Guerrero, Chairperson, Parent; Evangelis Babauta (standing), American Sign Language Interpreter; Kirsten Rosario, American Sign Language Interpreter; Lee Perez, Self-Advocate; Sally Sablan, University of Guam, ADA Support Services; Joseph Gumataotao, UOG Director, EEO and Title IX/ADA Coordinator; Ray Sayas, Program Coordinator, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council; and Linda Rodriguez, representing the Department of Public Health & Social Services.

Project Bisita I Familia Team Present at MIECHV All-Grantee Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Project Bisita I Familia
The Guam Project Bisita I Familia team shared program accomplishments during the “Display Cafe” session at the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting All-Grantee Meeting in Washington D.C. on September 6. At the request of the federal project officers, the ChildLink-Bisita database system was showcased for other state projects to see due to its comprehensiveness yet simplicity of use. Pictured from left to right are: Sherill Tinio, Home Visitor; JJ Mendiola, Data Manager; Margarita Gay, Project Director; Jenika Ballesta, CQI Coordinator; Audrey Topasna, Project Coordinator; Relida Sumayo, Home Visiting Supervisor; Maria Dixon, Administrative Assistant; and Diana Santos, Community Assesment Worker.

USDOE officials visit Guam CEDDERS

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Department of Education

Dr. Lisa Ramirez from the U.S. Department of Education met with Guam CEDDERS and Guam Department of Education staff on September 11.  The purpose of the meeting was for the visitors to meet face to face with GDOE partners to discuss collaborative activities and the academic and social impact of these joint efforts.

Participants in the USDOE/Guam CEDDERS meeting concluded the activity with a group photo.
(L-R) Maria Blas,(GDOE State Program Officer), Darlene Cruz (GDOE Personnel Specialist), June De Leon (Guam CEDDERS Associate Director) and Dr. Heidi San Nicolas listen to the stories shared by others during the partnership meeting with USDOE representatives.
Dr. Lisa Ramirez (back row, far right) continues with the purpose of the visit while the Guam CEDDERS and GDOE staff listen attentively.
(Far left, counter-clockwise) Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; Darlene Cruz, Maria Blas, Dawn Blas, and Shannon Bulikosa, GDOE; Dr. Ramirez; Doris Bukikosa, GDOE; Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; Steven Pangelinan, and Frank Limtiaco, GDOE.

Seating and Wheeled Mobility Service Training Workshop

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
A Seating and Wheeled Mobility Service Training Workshop was held at in Saipan on September 7-9. The Training was conducted by Dr. Laura Cohen (front, fifth from left), from Rehabilitation Consultants and sponsored by the Disability Network Partners (DNP) – Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Council on Developmental Disabilities, CDD- Assistive Technology Program, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Maternal Child Health, Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy, Inc. ,and the Northern Marianas College-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. GSAT Center Coordinator, Leah Abelon (front, second from left) attended the three-day training.

Dr. Cohen facilitated range of motion exercises and measurements for wheelchair fitting with staff from Marianas Health, Medquest, and the Guam System for Assistive Technology during the hands on application sessions held on September 9.

Hearing Screening Clinic at Department of Public Health and Social Services

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
On September 1, Rosario Realica (left) DPHSS RN, and Leah Balano (right), DPHSS NA, conducted hearing screenings for infants during the rescreen clinic at the Department of Public Health & Social Services in Mangilao. (Not pictured) Marie Wusstig, Guam EHDI Project Coordinator, and Christina Jung, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate.