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DD Council conducts training for lst CLEA
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Posted on May 08 2000
Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho and Program officer Arlene A. Yamagata, M.S., of the CNMI Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) conducted a training for the lst Combined Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) on April 27-28, 2000 at the old Susupe courthouse, presently the training site of the CNMI Police Academy.
In a letter from the Dean of Continuing Education at the Northern Marianas College, Edward C. Camacho requested for two instructors to teach a course in dealing with persons with disabilities to the Ist CLEA cadets.
The DD Council was more than happy to assist in the training and preparation of our 22 officers. Participants represented different government agencies such as Immigration, CPA, Customs, Fish & Wildlife, Labor and Quarantine from the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
The instructors briefly gave an overview of the role and function of the DD Council, discussed the importance of people first language when referring to or communicating with persons with disabilities, gave a short talk about coming in contact with people with mental retardation, and gave a lecture on Title 11 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition, a sensitivity session was conducted in which participants experienced different types of disabilities. A video presentation on the Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities was also a part of the training. Finally, participants actively engaged in group discussion and presentation of the different case studies.
All in all, 91% of the participants strongly agreed that as a result of the workshop they have increased their general knowledge and understanding about Title 11 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eighty-two percent of the participants “strongly agreed” that the workshop was enlightening, thought-provoking and worthwhile.
Eighty-two percent of the participants rated “excellent” on the overall performance of the instructors. Ninety percent of the participants thought the overall quality of the workshop was “excellent”.
The DD Council has also been asked to conduct a similar training on May 31, 2000 for the 17th Police Academy.
