The Guam Systems for Assistive Technology (GSAT) held their 23rd annual fair at the Micronesia Mall on Saturday, March 4 at the mall’s center court.
The event hosted a number of organizations that came out to support and offer helpful information about their services.
Organizations such as the Guam Early Intervention System, the Guam Head Start Program, Project Karinu, Project Tinituhon, the Autism Community Center, the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, the Guam Vet Center, and the Guam Community College American Sign Language program were among those that participated in the event.
Established in 1995, GSAT is administered and federally funded under UOG’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDERS) and authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
“The purpose of this fair is to provide awareness to individuals with or without disabilities about assistive technology or AT,” said Leah Abelon, GSAT center coordinator.
According to Abelon, AT is any item, equipment, or product system, such as mobility chairs, that are used to help increase, maintain, and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
“Our mission here is to help people acquire these types of assistive technology to help them live independently and be part of the community,” Abelon said.
One of the members of the Guam Early Intervention System showcased assistive technology for speech, and provided a free developmental assessment for children at their early stages of growth.
“The GSAT fair is important for the community to see what services are available along with their related assistive technology,” said Ramon Castro, a GEIS social worker.
The fair also had a fair number of entertaining local performances to liven up the mall.
Recording artist from Saipan, Candy Taman, was among the performers. Taman sang some of his popular songs that debuted 20 years ago.
Students of the GCC American Sign Language class staged a flash mob around the center court, signing to one of Bruno Mars’ recent hit songs.