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Jalpak group with disabilities visits OVR
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Posted on Aug 22 2005
Seven older Japanese adults with developmental disabilities and four chaperones visited the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation last Aug. 4 under the auspices of Jalpak and the OVR.
The purpose of the visit was to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Through the assistance of a Jalpak translator, OVR acting director Roger Madriaga welcomed the Japanese visitors to the island and to OVR with fresh, beautiful, and aromatic mwar mwars. In exchange, the Japanese visitors presented Madriaga with baked goods that the visitors themselves made at their jobsite in Japan.
After touring the facilities—administration and counseling—at OVR, the Japanese visitors met with a former OVR consumer, Cynthia Attao, at the CNMI Legislature. Attao was recently hired to work at the Legislature as a receptionist for Vice Speaker Timothy Villagomez.
The Japanese visitors were amazed that Attao, who has cerebral palsy, is gainfully employed, living independently in her own home, is a member of different disability councils/boards, and travels independently on island using PDI’s Call-a-Ride service.
After departing the CNMI Legislature, the Japanese visitors were taken to Action Locksmith to meet with yet another former OVR consumer, Francisco Alfonso. Alfonso, who contracted polio at a very young age, is the owner and general manager of Action Locksmith. The Japanese visitors were impressed with Alfonso’s independence and entrepreneurial achievement.
All in all, the Japanese visitors were happy with the opportunity to visit and tour the OVR. Their visit resulted in a general understanding of OVR’s programs and services and the opportunity to meet former OVR consumers. They extended their sincere appreciation to OVR for making the tour possible. The tour was arranged by Shirley Manahane of Jalpak and Bernice Ravell of OVR. (PR)
