SAIPAN — The CNMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will host its annual summit June 8 and 9 at Saipan World Resort, featuring its first-ever American Sign Language concert and a focus on recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
UCEDD Director Eileen Babauta said the free event brings partners together to advance support for people with disabilities and to give the community a space to step away from daily recovery, share a hot meal and talk through their experiences. She said this year’s summit carries added weight because of the storm’s aftermath.
The lineup includes a disability rights presentation from NMPASI, a session on disability integration in emergency response from FEMA’s Mike Houston, and an ASL song presentation. The first-ever ASL concert is set for the second day from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Taga Hall, with performers singing and interpreters signing to provide access for the deaf community.
Career navigator Martina Ada, who works with the Tech Pieces program under UCEDD, said day two includes a resilience focus group where participants can reflect on the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku and connect with one another. She said she will facilitate the session, which is open to all participants.
Babauta said additional trainings run through June, including self-advocacy and parent advocacy trainings led by Tammy Evrard of Los Angeles, an Employ Now training for businesses, and a week of basic ASL training June 15 through 19 led by trainers from Guam and local interpreters.
Babauta said the UCEDD also assisted with recovery through a Durable Medical Equipment project, working with partners including FODAC, the Red Cross, the Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Living Independently. She said the program has received more than 500 requests for equipment.
