Leah Abelon, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) project coordinator, and Tanya Simer, research associate at Guam CEDDERS, successfully passed the rigorous national certification examination. With locally based ATP-certified professionals, the community has now expanded access to highly qualified assistive technology expertise for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

"Achieving ATP certification strengthens Guam CEDDERS' ability to provide the highest standard of assistive technology services to our island community," said June De Leon, Director of Guam CEDDERS. "Families and individuals with disabilities often need expert guidance to identify technology solutions that support independence, education, employment, and everyday living. Having nationally certified professionals on Guam means those services can now be provided locally with nationally recognized expertise."

RESNA is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increased access to technology solutions. Its ATP credential is considered the national “gold standard” for professionals who assess consumer needs, recommend appropriate assistive technology, and provide training on the use of those technologies.

The certifications were made possible through the Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Supplemental Grant, which was awarded to expand the local public health workforce. The grant supported four Guam-based professionals through completion of the University of Illinois Chicago's distance learning assistive technology program and provided resources and funding for the RESNA ATP certification examination. Abelon and Simer are the first participants to successfully earn the credential, while the remaining two participants are scheduled to take the examination later this month.

With ATP-certified professionals now on staff at UOG, Guam CEDDERS will be able to provide expanded assistive technology assessments, training, and support for individuals across the lifespan. The enhanced expertise will strengthen services for children requiring assistive technology evaluations while also increasing support for adults and veterans with disabilities who need assessments from nationally certified providers.

“We congratulate Leah and Tanya on earning their ATP credentials, said Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President. “Their achievement reflects the University of Guam's ongoing investment in workforce development and demonstrates how strategic grant funding can directly improve services available to Guam's community.”

About Guam CEDDERS
The University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) promotes the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and their families through interdisciplinary education, research, community service, and information sharing. As Guam's federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Guam CEDDERS works with local, regional, and national partners to improve systems of support and expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  For more information about Guam CEDDERS, visit: https://guamcedders.org.