[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E995-E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN 
   DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND SERVICE (GUAM 
           CEDDERS) FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2018

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University 
of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education 
Research and Service (Guam CEDDERS) as they celebrate their 25th 
anniversary.
  The University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental 
Disabilities Education, Research and Service (Guam CEDDERS), previously 
known as Guam University Affiliated Program (Guam UAP) on Developmental 
Disabilities, was founded by and continues to be led by Dr. Heidi San 
Nicolas. She recognized the importance of Guam being funded for the 
full complement of Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and 
Assistance Act Federal Programs from the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services including funding for a University Affiliated Program on 
Developmental Disabilities providing Interdisciplinary Training, 
Technical Assistance and Demonstration; Research, Evaluation and 
Dissemination of Information and best practices on Guam.

[[Page E996]]

  The primary mission of UOG CEDDERS is to create partnerships and 
pathways to increase the quality of life of individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families. Since its official 
founding on Feb. 14, 1993, Guam CEDDERS has remained at the forefront 
of providing comprehensive interdisciplinary training, technical 
assistance, model demonstration, clinical services, research, 
evaluation and dissemination of information beneficial to those with 
developmental disabilities and their families, and advocates on Guam 
and in the Western Pacific Region.
  Throughout the years, the organization has grown tremendously in 
staff, funding, and outreach. Guam CEDDERS has been able to leverage 
funding in excess of $138 million to support its mission address the 
needs of our island's community.
  Guam CEDDERS, is a dynamic, responsive and innovative organization 
recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one 
of 67 National Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. 
Guam CEDDERS is also a member of the National Association of University 
Center on Disabilities (AUCD); and collaborates locally with Guam's 
Tri-Agency DD Act partners.
  Guam CEDDERS is a valuable resource having worked directly in 
supporting priorities and needs within Guam's local agencies. 
Additionally, Guam CEDDERS has implemented and collaborated with 
institutions of higher education in offering training programs to build 
capacity in serving persons with developmental disabilities throughout 
the community. The Center has also partnered with local and national 
organizations to implement a variety of research initiatives related to 
disability on Guam.
  Guam CEDDERS has provided leadership in areas of technology on Guam 
through creating loan programs for assistive technology for individuals 
with disabilities with the first low interest loan made in 2006. They 
have additionally collaborated with the Guam Election Commission to 
ensure accessibility of voting locations; established Guam's System for 
Assistive Technology (GSAT) Resource Center and model accessible home; 
partnered with the Wheelchair Foundation and disseminated 250 
wheelchairs on Guam to those in need; among many other valuable 
contributions.
  Guam CEDDERS researched, developed, and wrote Guam's Early Learning 
Guidelines Supports that enabled community-based child care centers to 
be inclusive of children with disabilities through staff training as 
well as facility modifications to support the inclusion of children 
with disabilities.
  Guam CEDDERS has supported children and youth with emotional and 
behavior problems through administering two SAMHSA Community Action 
Grants. Guam CEDDERS contributed to the organization and compilation of 
the first and subsequent island wide needs assessment processes and 
summits related to disabilities leading publication of much needed 
resource documents for planning, policy and program development, and 
likewise brought together and published proceedings from Pacific Basin 
Interagency Leadership Consortium meetings.
  Guam CEDDERS has provided education and context to federal 
policymakers and local policymakers regarding policy issues at the 
national and local level impacting individuals with disabilities; has 
sponsored focused input sessions; a Federal Public Hearing on the 
Reauthorization of IDEA; Summits and Conferences on topics including: 
Emergency Preparedness, Evaluation, Early Childhood, Inclusion, 
Employment, Self-Advocacy Transportation, and Assistive Technology; and 
has brought national leaders to Guam to provide Grand Rounds and other 
training opportunities to Guam's Physicians, specialists, and allied 
health providers.
  Guam CEDDERS publishes many valuable newsletters and educational 
materials to serve its mission in a variety of languages and are 
available in accessible formats upon request, and are continuously 
updated and accessible through their website.
  I commend the University of Guam Center for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, Education Research and Service Center for 
their tremendous contributions to Guam and the Western Pacific area. I 
extend my sincere congratulations to Guam CEDDERS on their 25th 
Anniversary.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I thank the University of Guam 
CEDDERS and all government agencies and community partners for their 
assistance in spreading disability awareness and affirming full 
inclusion of all individuals with disabilities as valued, contributing 
citizens on Guam. I look forward to countless contributions from Guam 
CEDDERS as they continue to create partnerships and pathways to 
increase the quality of life of individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families.

                          ____________________