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.

GDOE Participates in OSEP Leadership Conference Poster Session

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Guam Department of Education

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) in partnership with Guam CEDDERS participated in the poster session at the Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) Leadership Conference on July 22 in Washington, D.C.  The title of the poster was “It Happens in the School Building.” The poster centered on the continuous improvement efforts of the four State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) target schools as they work on increasing the reading achievement of elementary students, specifically those students with disabilities.

From L-R ront row: June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director; Yolanda Gabriel, GDOE Assistant Superintendent Division of Special Education; Terese Crisostomo, GDOE School Program Consultant; Josephine Cruz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, M.U. Lujan Elementary; Melissa Mafnas, Principal, J.M. Guerrero Elementary School; Laura Taisipic, GDOE School Program Consultant. From L-R Back row: Dennis Bakker, GDOE Division of Special Education Data Manager; and Charlie Kniseley, OSEP State Lead.

The Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program and The Guam System for Assistive Technology Provided Information of Services During the University of Guam Triton Expo

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
On June 3, 2018, Jenika Ballesta (right), Guam EHDI Hearing Screening Faciltator, and EDLynn Beyond (left), Guam CEDDERS Student Office Assistant, share information on the Guam Hearing Detection & Intervention Project during the University of Guam Triton Expo at the Agana Shopping Center. UOG hosted the expo to showcase various university programs available.
On June 3, 2018, Shawni Acfalle, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center Assistant, shares information on the UbiDuo, an assistive technology device that provides a solution for face-to-face communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, to visitor Kyle Mandapat during the University of Guam Triton Expo at the Agana Shopping Center. UOG hosted the expo to showcase various university programs available.

GSAT Attends 7th Annual Guam Conference on Aging

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On May 31, 2018, Shawni Acfalle, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center Assistant, shares information about assistive technology with a participant at the 7th Annual Guam Conference on Aging hosted by the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Division of Senior Citizens (DSC) at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa.

Guam CEDDERS Director Participates in Panel Presentation

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Developmental Disabilities
On Friday, May 25, 2018, Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director (left), participated in a panel discussion entitled, “Preparing the Territories- What have we learned and What Happens Now?” at the Getting it Right 2018 National Inclusive Disaster Strategies Conference held at the Marriott Metro Center, Washington DC. The panel presentation focused on a summary of the White Paper prepared by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) with input from four of the five Territory UCEDD Directors regarding Disaster Preparedness and the role of UCEDDS. (Seated L-R): Dr. San Nicolas; Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD; Dr. Carol Salas, University of Puerto Rico UCEDD Director; Dr. Kimberly Mills, University of the Virgin Islands UCEDD Director; Daphnee Guilleume, AUCD Public Health Program Manager; and Adriane Griffen, AUCD Senior Director, Public Policy and Leadership.

Guam CEDDERS Director Attends UCEDD Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Model Services Developmental Disabilities
On May 23, 2018, Heidi San Nicolas, Guam CEDDERS Director (second from left), met with Amie Lulinski, Coleman Institute; Dr. Kimberly Mills, University of the Virgin Islands UCEDD Director; and Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Director, American Samoa UCEDD, met to discuss the upcoming “State of the States in Developmental Disabilities” report. The group pictured is writing a letter of request for the Territories to be included as the just released RFP did not include Territories.

UOG Students visit GSAT

by Jenika Ballesta Community Services: Model Services Guam Systems for Assistive Technology
On March 29, 2018, Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, facilitated a presentation and demonstration on Assistive Technology to students in the “Introduction to Exceptional Individuals” Course at the University of Guam. This course investigates exceptionalities, including disabling conditions. Pictured here is Dr. Catherine Cardenas and her students.

Project Fitme Parent Support Group Coordinator Meets with GEIS

by Jenika Ballesta Community Services: Model Services Continuing Education Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Guam Early Intervention System
On March 9, 2018, Susan Dugan, (R), the newly designated Project Fitme Deaf/Hard of Hearing Project Coordinator under Guam Positive Parents Together, Inc., a non profit organization, met with Marie Wusstig,(L), Guam EHDI Project Coordinator, and Pat Mantanona (C), Guam Early Intervention System Program Coordinator. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the re-establishment of a D/HH Parent Support Group.

24th Annual GSAT Conference Assistive Technology; Breaking Barriers to Accessibility and Independence

by Jenika Ballesta Community Services: Demonstration Services Community Services: Model Services Community Services: Technical Assistance Continuing Education Guam Systems for Assistive Technology

On 2 March 2018 Maria Bontogon, a student at the University of Guam, conducted a presentation on her assistive technology device called the Orcam for participants atending the 24th Annual Assistive Technology Conference held at the Westin Resort Guam. The Orcam is capable of reading printed text from any surface or material such as books, banknotes, barcodes, and can distinguish between faces/colors. The Orcam supports accessibility for Self-advocates with vision and print impairments.
Jeff Warfield, a Social Worker with the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), presented on Accessible Parking requirements during the GSAT Conference held at the Westin Resort Guam on March 2. The presentation focused on the requirements for providing “Accessible Parking” at all Government and Business facilities, including the “Path of Travel” requirements under the American with Disabilities Act, and how to apply for an “Accessible Parking Placard” or License Plate”.
Evelyn Duenas, Self-Advocate, is shown having a discussion with Elaine Eclavea at the Learn to Sign Act Early Display Table during the Annual Assistive Technology Conference on March 2. Featured at the table was the: CDC Milestone Developmental Tracker App which explains the importance of knowing how children grow, learn and develop properly from two months to five years. Paying close attention to how they play, learn, speak, act and move provide cues to the development of young children. The Developmental Tracker App makes tracking developmental milestones much easier and fun.
On 2 March 2018 , Tia Ivanko, Technical Assistance Coordinator, and Stephanie Zito, Technical Assistance Specialist from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, conducted one of the keynote presentations on how technology is an important tool to reduce barriers and increase communication access for deaf individuals in both education and employment environments during the Annual GSAT Conference held at the Westin Resort Guam. Their session included a myriad of options available for assistive and communication technology for education and training settings. Participants were given guidance, tools, and resources essential to employing effective services for deaf Self-advocates.
Finia Kachita, a student at Guam Community College, demonstrated how she uses her AT device called the KNFB Reader. This AT device converts printed text to speech or Braille instantly and accurately. It features the best optical character recognition (OCR) technology available and uses patented image detection technology to quickly and easily detect and decipher printed text anywhere and at any time. It helps blind, low-vision, dyslexic, and other print-disabled users live the lives they want, independently.
Shawni Acfalle, GSAT Center Assistant, provides a brief explanation of points shared on the State Rehabilitation Council Information Board to one of the conference attendees. The Information Board lists a variety of improvements that need to be addressed by Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide better services for people with disabilities on Guam. Shawni also discussed how the information may affect his personal, academic and employment endeavors in the future. Having technology, innovation and awareness are important tools to reduce barriers and increase communication access for individuals with disabilities as they pursue educational and employment goals.