Governor reorganizes Development Disabilities Planning Council

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Monday the governor’s office issued a general memorandum reinitiating and appointing members of the ASG Development Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC).

The memorandum noted the composition of the Council must be d i verse and at least 60% individuals with developmental disabilities or their family members, working alongside Advocates and state agency representatives.  

“This diversity enables Councils to better analyze and improve systems and serviceswithin a state and ensure that the voices of people with developmental disabilities and their families are heard.”

Self- Advocate Members appointed:

1. Alofa Faualo,

2. Elisa Lutu

3. Lauren Meredith

4. Uaea Satele

5. Fausaga Taufete'e

6. Dennis Yaiga

Immediate Family Members or Guardian Members appointed

1. Maria Guyapa

2.  Deni se Meredith

3.  Sala Pauu

4.  Melinda Peko

5. Taumaoe Suiaunoa

6. Alofagia So'oto Tua

7. Katerina Yaiga

Representation of Agencies and Organizations

1.  Dr. Herbert Boat, Special Education, Department of Education

2.  Evelyn Lili 'o Satele, Territorial Administration on Aging

3.  M uavaefa 'atasi John E. Suisala, Department of Human and Social Services

4.  Dr. Delaney D. Tilo, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

5.  Dr. Matautu Peter Tinitali, Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled

6. Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, Pacific Center in Human Security (formerly the University Center on Excellence for Developmental Disabilities), American Samoa  Community College

7. Ipuneiaso Eliapo-Unutoa, Maternal and Child Health Program, Department of Health

DDPC members work to address identified needs by conducting advocacy, systems change, and capacity-building efforts that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion. Key activities include conducting outreach, providing training and technical assistance, removing barriers, developing coalitions,  encouraging  citizen  participation,  and  keeping  policymakers  informed about disability issues.

All departments and agencies, especially those with designated representatives, are encouraged to support and, where appropriate, assist the Council in developing and implementing its goals.

BACKGROUND

American Samoa's DDPC is one of 56 Councils charged with identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state or territory.

Councils are committed to advancing public policy and systems change that help these individuals gain more control over their lives, the memorandum says.