And although they lack specialists and well-trained professionals, the providers are coping with their available resources, said David Attao, Northern Marianas College’s Community Development Institute director.
But he said the lack of funds of agencies that deal with developmental disabilities continue to be a great challenge.
Attao talked about the tri-agency network — NMC-CDI, the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. and the Council of Developmental Disabilities —during the week-long Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month conference at the Saipan World Resort.
The theme was “Characteristics of Autism & Strategies for Teaching Skills & Managing Problem Behavior.”
The tri-agency network, Attao said, works to build the capabilities of individuals with disabilities to make them more self-sufficient.
The network’s programs include providing education, employment and health care.
Lucy Sablan, Workforce Investment Agency lead case manager, said more students with disabilities were able to avail of thee employment program for summer.
“Adult and dislocated workers were also provided training,” she said.
Students with disabilities who are unable to work independently are assisted by job coaches, she added.
Women Infant Child clinic manager Dianne Esplin said parents should ensure that their children with disabilities are provided their nutritional needs.
For his part, Nutritional Assistance Program eligibility worker II Moises R. Muna said they have provided their services to least 2,200 household members, with an average size of six individuals per household.
Close to $500,000 in food stamp assistance and other services that promote nutrition are provided to low income and needy families each month, he said.
Jesse Stephen, CNMI Center for Independent Living trainer, said persons with disabilities are trying to regain control of their lives and maximize their potentials.
The center, he said, is assisting these people to reach their goals through counseling, advocacy, and training in independent living skills, housing, transportation assistance and other services.
“The vast majority of our consumers are able to accomplish greater independence and, as a result, a higher quality of life,” he said.
Stephen said their clients include high school students who are provided instruction in basic daily living skills such as household management, shopping and interpersonal relationship.
