Disability Network Partners name Tinian champs of the year

The Disability Network Partners—as network of agencies and individual advocates—has recognized nine individuals on Tinian as Champions of the Year awardees, capping off the celebration of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The awardees are:

– Advocate of the Year: Frances H. Diaz, who is a strong advocate not just for her daughter but others as well. She believes that every individual with a disability can maximizes his/her potential and that they can live independently.

– Business Advocate of the Year went to JC Café. The business establishment has been a supporter of the VOICES Tinian Chapter. JC Cafe is the only private business to listen to the challenges their customers with disabilities have faced and addressed them by taking action.

– Community Advocate of the Year award was given to Tracy O. Sanchez. Tracy is seen taking charge of committees during the VOTC events and fundraisers. She volunteers as well as donate. You can count her in any of the planning and implementing of activities.

– Educator Advocate of the Year was given to Janessa M. Aquino, who was probably the only educator of the year nominee and is not a Special Education teacher. Aquino sets high standards for her students with disabilities and takes it upon herself to make sure that she provides appropriate accommodations and modifications in the classroom for her students to be successful.

– Employer Advocate of the Year was Tinian Heath Center. Tinian Health Center has employed an individual with a disability for more than 10 years. The individual has become more independent and capable of performing her duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision.

– Family Advocate of the Year award went to Felipe Aquino. Aquino has also devoted his time volunteering for the VOICES of the CNMI Tinian Chapter, often doing the extra to make their events successful. Aquino has also volunteered to meet with local legislators to discuss the challenges that individuals with disabilities face in the CNMI.

– Legislative Advocate of the Year was given Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, who was the Legislator of the Year both for Tinian and Rota. Hofschneider has consistently attended meetings with the VOTC CNMI and the Disability Network Partners to discuss their challenges and struggles as well as to learn how to be more accommodating in the workplace and in the legislature.

– Public Entity Advocate of the Year award went to Northern Marianas College – Tinian Campus. NMC Tinian is one of the most accessible buildings on the island. They have ADA-compliant parking spaces, restrooms (touchless faucets, soap dispensers, towel dispensers in bathrooms), door handles, etc. The staff has also been very accommodating to individuals with disabilities, often allowing VOTC Tinian and DNP agencies to use their facilities for meetings, trainings and other events. NMC Rota was the awardee for Rota.

– Self- Advocate of the Year was awarded to Monika H. Diaz, who was also the Self-Advocate of the Year for Saipan. Currently off-island for medical reasons, Diaz actively sought out jobs that would be accommodating to her disability. Despite facing many challenges and discrimination in her workplace, Diaz did not give up and leave her job. She advocated for accommodations with her employer that allowed for accessible programs (i.e., digital timesheet, Bluetooth headset) for future employees. She continues to plan and put things in action remotely. Diaz is committed to making Tinian and the CNMI a more accessible place for the people with disabilities. (PR)