Social distancing. Sanitizing. Washing hands. Wearing a mask. Daily temperature checks. ZOOM meetings. What does all this mean? Is this normal? Or is this the “new normal?” While we live in a world that has the most scientific and technological advancements, a virus that is invisible to the naked eye has destabilized our economies, healthcare, and educational systems. This pandemic lets us know that we must continue progress in science and research to face future challenges. Without a vaccine, humankind must continue to live not in fear but live differently. By living differently and safely, we need to be informed. Information overload? Maybe. But better to know than to not know and not know what to do.
On June 26th, the team at Guam CEDDERS embarked on the first of what will be an on-going information dissemination process of Guam CEDDERS’ Pandemic Plan & Procedures. This plan aligns with the University of Guam – Pandemic Plan & Procedures for Operating Under PCOR3 / UPPOP3. The Guam CEDDERS’ leadership team wanted to ensure that all employees under Guam CEDDERS are aware of the procedures and actions to take during a pandemic situation as well as provide feedback on best practices for the organization.
COVID-19 activities that included a Scavenger Hunt, COVID BINGO, and Guam CEDDERS Pandemic Plan & Procedures Quiz with prizes brought cheers and healthy, competitive spirits amongst colleagues. With much excitement and laughter, the team at Guam CEDDERS showed that preparing for the “new normal” does not have to be mundane. With camaraderie and teamwork, we as a family, an organization, an island community, people of the world can get through this pandemic together. As in all things in life, “life is what you make of it,” even when living in “new normal” times.
On June 26, the Guam CEDDERS team engaged in a full-day professional development to review operational procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, share professional growth experiences with the LinkedIn Learning platform, and continue to build collective knowledge about disabilities through opportunities to view national videos in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act in July 2020. The CEDDERS team includes (pictured top row, L-R): Josephine Cruz, June De Leon, Michelle Aguigui, Vera Blaz, JJ Mendiola; (second row, L-R) Brittany Masang, Zachary Hecita, Coleen Dela Cruz, Ruth Leon Guerrero, Tanya Simer; (third row, L-R) Marie Wusstig, Jenika Ballesta, Nancy Cueto, Keith Villaluna, Ryan Cueto; (bottom row, L-R) Jef Limtiaco, Leah Abelon, Dolores Cruz.
On January 23, Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS (Left) with Carlo Docago, DMR (Right) perform operations for EDHI’s server.
First and foremost, Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
(EDHI) would like to thank our partners during this COVID19 Pandemic for their service to Guam’s community! Like in most places throughout the world, COVID19 has caused a halt to most services on Guam since March 16, 2020.As a direct result of the government shutdown, the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) and the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) audiology unit postponed scheduled outpatient hearing screening appointments for the safety of families and staff during this challenging period.
Although this shutdown has setback the ability for infants to receive timely follow-up hearing screening services to infants delivered at the local government hospital who refer at the initial hearing screening, there is still a silver lining for infants born on Guam!Amid all the COVID19 challenges that the medical community has encountered, Guam EHDI’s birthing site partners continue to provide initial newborn hearing screening before discharge from Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) and Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center (SMBC).GMHA staff continued to monitor and track the number of babies needing an outpatient hearing screening appointment and gathered the families’ contact information to assist the Guam EHDI partners once outpatient hearing screening services can be resumed. The SMBC did not miss a step as staff continued providing follow-up outpatient hearing screening appointments at their facility.Kudos to the hardworking team at GMHA and SMBC for advancing the mission of screening babies before discharge in line with the Joint Commission on Infant Hearing Screening (JCIH) guidelines!
Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) family partner, Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT), was also affected by the pandemic.GPPT canceled an inaugural Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family and Mentor Pool Party scheduled by GPPT for its DHH families to meet and interact with DHH adults. The long-awaited and highly anticipated event to bring families of children who are DHH together with the adult DHH community would have provided families the opportunity to interact and foster relationships with DHH adults and provide DHH children role models for them. Guam EHDI continues to work with GPPT to ensure families receive opportunities to engage with the DHH adult community.
On May 7, Guam EHDI provided training on the Guam ChildLink Data System at the request of Guam’s Preschool Development Birth to Five Leadership Workgroup.The presentation allowed participants to learn how Guam ChildLink has evolved to be a data collection, surveillance, and reporting system for five early childhood projects on Guam. During the presentation, the Guam EHDI Interoperability Data Manager, Joseph Mendiola, summarized the Guam EHDI network, reviewed the Guam ChildLink database development and maintenance, and discussed opportunities for data sharing. In attendance were representatives from Guam CEDDERS, the Guam Early Learning Council, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, DPHSS Family Health Information Resource Center, DPHSS Bureau of Social Services Administration, and GDOE GEIS.
On May 7, Guam EDHIprovided training on the Guam ChildLink Data System at the request of Guam’s Preschool Development Birth to Five Grant Leadership workgroup. Joseph Mendiola conducted a virtual training to 10 participants using the Zoom Meeting platform.Participants included, Top row, L-R: Elaine Eclavea, Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Keith Villaluna, Data Specialist, Guam CEDDERS; Marie Wusstig, Guam EHDI Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS; 2nd row, L-R: Joseph Mendiola, Guam CEDDERS Interoperability Data Manager; Barbara Leon Guerrero, Data Control Clerk II, GEIS, GDOE; Dennis Bakker, Data Manager, GDOE; Cathy Tydingco, Part C Coordinator,GEIS, GDOE; 3rd row: Pauline Camacho, Program Coordinator Family Health Information Resource Center (FHIRC), Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS); Bottom right, Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS.
During this time of a “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guam CEDDERS continues its mission to “create partnerships and pathways to increase the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.” Guam CEDDERS stays connected virtually with partners on island, within the Pacific region, in the mainland United States, and even down under in Australia to find ways to continue facilitating the technical assistance and training supports prioritized by our partners for improving outcomes for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and their families.
The National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) continues their technical support in the region through virtual Zoom sessions. During a virtual Zoom meeting with GDOE Division of Special Education, Laura Taisipic, Parent Services Coordinator (pictured at the bottom), speaks while pointing towards Cesar D’Agord, NCSI Pacific Liaison (pictured right above Laura). All others share a giggle because it sounded like and looked like momma Laura was scolding Cesar. First row L-R: Josephine Cruz, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Tricia Taitague, Program Coordinator, GDOE; Second row L-R: Terese Crisostomo, Special Projects Coordinator, GDOE; Cesar; Mari Shikuzawa, Program Associate, NCSI; Third row: Laura.Christine Jones, Associate Director, Bookshare, meets virtually via Zoom with Nora Renguul, Special Education Coordinator, Republic of Palau, and June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS. The virtual meeting provided an opportunity to learn about how Bookshare can support qualifying students with print disabilities in Palau. Bookshare is an OSEP-funded ebook library that makes reading easier for students with reading barriers, such as dyslexia, blindness, and physical disabilities. Pictured top row L-R: Christine and June; bottom photo: Nora.On May 26, a virtual consultation call via Zoom was held with Kristy Capes, Manager of the La Trobe University Community Children’s Centre, and Guam CEDDERS June De Leon and Josephine Cruz to discuss the technical assistance needs for developing and implementing to fidelity the Group-based Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) prioritized by the GDOE Division of Special Education. Ms. Capes is the Manager of the La Trobe University Community Children’s Centre, which comprises the Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Capes is an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Certified Therapist and Trainer. ESDM is an evidence-based intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. The ASELCC is the flagship site for certification in the G-ESDM. Beginning August 2020, Ms. Capes will be providing virtual technical assistance to the special education preschool program to develop and implement the G-ESDM. Pictured top row L-R: Josephine and June; bottom photo: Kristy. On June 24, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon meets virtually via Zoom with American Samoa Thor Tinitali, Program Director, and Elaine Niko, Fiscal Officer to discuss their technical assistance needs related to the implementation of the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) online alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities in American Samoa. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel restrictions, the discussion also included the possibility of providing virtual technical assistance in lieu of an on-site consultation visit. Pictured top row L-R: Thor and June; bottom photo: Elaine.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is responsible for ensuring that states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Annually, each state must have a State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR). The SPP/APR evaluates the state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of Part B and Part C of the IDEA. In April, OSEP provided a clarification period so states may provide additional information or clarification to their initial report submission. Guam CEDDERS Interim Director, June De Leon provided support to Guam, the Republic of Palau (ROP), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in submitting any required clarifications to their Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2018 SPP/APR report.
On April 17, CNMI is all smiles under their masks after reviewing their IDEA FFY 2018 Part B SPP/APR clarification. Top right: JuneDe Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS , displays UOG pride by showing the Triton sign. Bottom (L-R): Donna Flores, Acting Director of Special Education, CNMI; and Nora Fujihira, Data Management & Compliance Program Manager, CNMI, show the peace sign.
On April 22, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon participated in a Skype call with Guam Division of Special Education Administrators and the US Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) State Lead for Guam.The purpose for the call was for the OSEP State Lead to discuss OSEP’s review of Guam’s Part B and Part C FFY 2018 Annual Performance Reports submitted in February 2020.L-R: Cathy Tydingco, Part C Coordinator, GDOE; June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Laura Taisipic, Parent Services Coordinator, GDOE; Terese Crisostomo, Special Projects Coordinator, GDOE; Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Special Education, GDOE; and Charlie Kniseley, State Lead, OSEP.
On April 24, L-R: Genee Norbert, OSEP State Lead for FSM; Arthur Albert, Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Education; and GuamCEDDERS June De Leon meet virtually through Zoom video conferencing to discuss FSM’s IDEA FFY 2018 Part B APR submission and the opportunity for FSM to provide “clarification.”
On April 24, Guam submitted their IDEA FFY 2018 Part C SPP/APR clarification. From top to bottom: June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Laura Taisipic, Parent Service Coordinator, GDOE; Cathy Tydingco, Part C Coordinator, GDOE; Terese Crisostomo, Special Projects Coordinator, GDOE; and Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Special Education, GDOE.
On April 30, FSM submitted their IDEA FFY 2018 Part B SPP/APR clarification. Arthur Albert, Assistant Secretary for the Division of Special Services, FSM Department of Education, is all smiles when he sees “submitted” in green above “current status.”
On April 30, Nora Renguul, Special Education Coordinator, Palau Ministry of Education (top photo), uses Zoom video conferencing to meet virtually with Guam CEDDERS June De Leon (bottom photo) to finalize Palau’s “clarification” for its FFY 2018 IDEA Part B APR.All smiles indeed!
November 16, 2018: Thomas Krise, Ph.D was given the presidential medallion during his investiture ceremony as the 11th President of the University of Guam at the Calvo Field House. The ceremony was attended by former and current university regents, students, and staff, and island dignitaries. The medallion, presidential hood, and mace will be used by President Krise at official university events.
Susan R. Dugan, Guam EHDI Project Fitme Project Coordinator with Guam Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT), participated in the Power of Play Community Outreach at the Hemlani Apartments on July 27. Ms . Dugan shared information on the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project with the residents of this community, and more specifically, information about the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Parent Support Group.
The GSAT Advisory Council Executive members held their quarterly meeting on January 9 at GSAT, House 19. (Pictured L-R, clockwise) Barbara Johnson, Secretary; Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Director; Lou Mesa, Chairperson; Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator; Evangelis Babauta (standing), ASL Interpreter; Evelyn Duenas, Vice Chairperson; and Josephine Cortez, Member at Large. (Not shown) Dawn Maka, Member at Large. The executive members meets to developand approve the agenda for the upcoming GSAT Advisory Council General Membership Meeting on January 23, 2018.
CRT-TA and Transition Specialist “walk-through” the “live binder” website during the webinar. (L-R) Janice Almoguera, Norine Guzman, Portia Topasna, and Ron Gogo.Guam CEDDERS Consultant Mary Schillinger (shown on TV) facilitates the three-hour webinar on December 6.
As a follow-up to the August 2017 on-site training on the Common Core and the Special Education Student, Guam CEDDERS Consultant Mary Schillinger conducted a three-hour webinar on December 6 with 15 Guam Division of Special Education Consulting Resource Teachers – Technical Assistance (CRT-TA) and Transition Specialists.The purpose for the webinar was to continue strengthening the supports provided to schools for students with disabilities to have access to the general education curriculum aligned to the Common Core State Standards.The session served as a refresher on the Common Core, with facilitated practice on developing Common Core aligned Individualized Education Program goals.In addition, the session provided a review of the resources available on the “live binder” website, which is intended to be a resource for ongoing support to the schools.
On October 27, Leah Abelon (left), GSAT Center Coordinator, demonstrates the Specs4Us frames to Naomi Sanchez (center), Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center Advocate, and Emilani Blas (right), Social Work Intern at Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center, during a presentation on Assistive Technology in the Workplace.
On March 2, Acting Governor Ray Tenorio signed a proclamation declaring March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Day.” This year’s theme is “It Matters to Me, Family is Everything.” The month of March has a range of activities in celebration of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month that also includes the Guam System for Assistive Technology Fair on March 4 at the Micronesia Mall and 23rd Annual GSAT Conference on March 10 at the Westin Resort Guam.
