Senior Citizens Participate in Technology Demonstrations

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On September 20, senior citizens at the Yona/Talofofo Senior Center posed for a photo after participating in an interactive GSAT presentation on the different assistive technology devices.
On September 26, the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) presented the various assistive technology devices available at the GSAT office to Senior Citizens at the Mangilao Senior Center. Pictured is a senior citizen who volunteered to demonstrate the use of a knee rover, an alternative to crutches mobility device that can be used by individuals recovering from foot or lower leg injury/surgery.
On November 30, the Guam Systems for Assistive Technology (GSAT) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Sinajana Senior Citizen, Mrs. Annie Sablan, for her generous donation of a Hoyer Lift (valued at $400.00) to GSAT. Through the Assistive Technology Reutilization Program, donors are able to donate equipment to GSAT which in turn can be loaned to other individuals in need of the equipment. Pictured (L-R): Tanya Simer, Guam CEDDERS Research Associate; Leah Abelon, Guam CEDDERS GSAT Coordinator; Annie Sablan, Donor; Ken San Agustin, Sinajana Senior Center Program Coordinator.

College Students Learn About GSAT Services

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities Disability Studies Guam Systems for Assistive Technology Information Dissemination
On September 23, Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, conducted a presentation on GSAT services and the Akudi Loan Program to students attending the University
of Guam Social Work Program. Students also toured the Assistive Technology Demo Center and the Model Home.

Guam Early Learning Council Convenes First Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Continuing Education Department of Public Health & Social Services Early Childhood Guam Early Intervention System Guam Launch Information Dissemination Project Kariñu

On September 4, the Guam Early Learning Council convened its first meeting under the new administration with Co-Chairperson Elaine Eclavea at the helm. New council members were provided with orientation in the development of the council and the timeline of early childhood initiatives on Guam. Early Childhood Program Administrators provided an overview of their respective programs as well as updates on services provided to families over the last eight months. Workgroup facilitators also reported on the status of the goals and activities for their focus areas as related to the Guam Early Childhood State Plan, which was last published in 2015. The next quarterly meeting will take place in December. Workgroup members spent the afternoon participating in the Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Early Childhood Evaluation Forum.

Members reviewed the progress of activities over the past year as well as data from the Wilder Survey used for Guam LAUNCH Evaluation reports and learned about the latest research in the Early Childhood field. Commitments on next steps and meeting dates were made to ensure that activities will continue.

On September 4, Guam Early Learning Council Workgroup Members posed for a photo at the end of the Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Early Childhood Evaluation Forum held at the Outrigger Guam Resort.
Elaine Eclavea (standing), Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant and Guam Early Learning Council Co-Chairperson, reviewed a new grant opportunity with council members.
Bonnie Brandt (standing), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Lead Evaluator, reviewed data from results of the Wilder Survey as workgroup participants looked on.
Members of the Guam Early Learning Council Family Engagement Workgroup
(FEW) showed their great collaborative skills as they erected a structure made from uncooked spaghetti noodles, rope, tape, and a marshmallow during the afternoon session. The FEW members built the tallest structure in the room at 20.25 inches.