Seven disability advocates honored

The Council on Developmental Disabilities recognized four individuals, one organization, one school, and two companies that have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities during its 2005 Annual Advocate of the Year Luncheon held last Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

The council gave out seven awards during the event: Self Advocate of the Year, Family Advocate of the Year, Community Advocate of the Year, Employer Advocate of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Transportation Advocate of the Year.

Nick Nicholson, a person with disability, was presented the Self-Advocate of the Year award. The Rota native worked with agencies on Guam to repair his equipment, which he relies on to remain independent.

Vicky Tudela, mother of a girl with developmental disability, was recognized as Family Advocate of the Year. Tudela has joined every possible organization to ensure that her daughter achieves her fullest potential and become fully independent.

The Community Member Advocate of the Year award was given to Lydia Igitol, director of the CNMI Center for Independent Living. She has supported people with disabilities and was the driving force in the establishment of the CNMI Center for Independent Living.

Saipan Garment Manufactures Association was recognized as the Employer Advocate of the Year for being the largest employer of people with disabilities. SGMA works closely with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure that each individual is provided with proper training and reasonable accommodations.

Jim Brewer, principal of Hopwood Junior High School, received the award on behalf of the entire school for Educator Advocate of the Year. Hopwood is the only school in the CNMI that uses the CE Tandem Teaching method of ensuring that a child receiving Special Education Services receives an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment while fostering the highest academic achievement.

Cape Air Continental Connections was this year’s Transportation Advocate of the Year after the airline purchased a lift to allow its customers using wheelchairs the opportunity to board the plane independently.

The council also recognized Hollywood Theaters and John Pangelinan for providing free passes to 30 community members with disabilities last month. Dixon Actuouka received the special plaque for Hollywood Theaters and Marissa Guerrero, granddaughter of Pangelinan, received the award on his behalf.

The council also included in Thursday’s ceremony the awarding of winners in their poster-making contest as part of March’s disability awareness celebration.

For 1st to 3rd grade category, the winners were Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School’s Patrick Agustin, 1st place; Kagman Elementary School’s Mebric Navisaga, 2nd place; and GTC’s Keanu Cruz, 3rd place.

For the 4th to 6th grade category, the winners were Saipan Community School’s Joseph Martin, 1st place; Garapan Elementary School’s Brandon Santos, 2nd place; and Oleai Elementary School’s Sophia Bautista, 3rd place.

The council recognizes extraordinary contributions made by individuals and organizations as part of the celebration of Development Disabilities Awareness month.

Program officer Rosemary Camacho said the council has been giving out awards the past several years to increase the awareness of the community about people with disabilities who want to have more choices in society.