The clueless DVR head is living in a bubble

Yes&Know By Aline Yamashita

The presence of the 38th Guam Legislature is reassuring and appreciated. There are more than two senators at public hearings. Wonderful!

When Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane told Memorial Hospital staff that she was willing to work with them all  but that they had to get their act together, I chuckled. As a reporter, Sen. Salas Matanane was always a good listener who asked relevant and meaningful questions. That skill set accompanies her as she visits the agencies that her committee oversees. Her walking leadership is greatly needed and appreciated. Actual face-to-face interaction strengthens the understanding of issues, which leads to better decisions. Reading is one thing, seeing and hearing are quite another.

Walking leadership matters significantly.

Joseph Cameron, the director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation within the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, needs to employ Sen. Salas Matanane’s playbook.  His interview with the Pacific Island Times, published in the April 2025 issue, was disheartening but not surprising. Joseph is out of touch with the very community he is supposed to be supporting and advocating for.

Two weeks ago, a mom spoke to me about her two children who are graduating from high school this year. Both have identified disabilities. Neither has an Individual Plan for Employment. At least one needs a job coach to work. Mom has the same concerns many of us do: How do we ensure the work environment is supportive and safe for our children? Are there training opportunities for work sites?

Frequently, families reach out for help. People email and text asking for guidance. Imagine, we have a whole agency to help those of us with disabilities.  We have a special education unit within our school system to help those of us with disabilities. We have a labor agency that is supposed to help all workers.  We simply are not a priority.

When Cameron said $1,561,340 million was returned because Guam doesn’t need it, my anger intensified. Are you kidding me? 

For the past eight years, we have advocated for local funds for job coaches for those who no longer meet the criteria of the job coach support funded by DVR.  When Joseph convinced me to sign Eric out of the DVR federal program, he promised to support this effort. He lied.

Last year, we drummed up community support by having hundreds of people sign petitions for such an effort. Then Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes introduced a measure, but it was not supported.  This measure was to fortify the 2 percent law that requires agencies to employ people with severe mental health disabilities by providing aides for those who need it.

When Cameron says he doesn’t turn anyone down, that’s because he doesn’t connect with the individuals who need the support and guidance. How often does he visit Guma Mami or Catholic Social Services? How often does he meet with Sam and Diane?

How often does he meet with the countless non-profit organizations that advocate for people with disabilities?  ACT, Down Syndrome, Special Olympics? How about Guam legal? Flame Tree Freedom Center? Guam CEDDERS?  Faith-based organizations? State Rehabilitation Council? Guam Developmental Disabilities Council?

There are hundreds of individuals who can and want to work.  They need support to do so.  Public and private employers need training to know how to make the work site inclusive and supportive.

We have local and federal laws. Did you know that every agency is supposed to invest 2 percent of its budget for people with severe mental health disabilities?  How is Cameron enforcing and supporting that mandate? Is he?

People with disabilities are good employees. There are studies that document their reliability, insistence on detail, appreciation for detail, technology competence and joy for success. Some need a job coach, some do not.

Ten percent of our population has identified disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act, Civil Service Reform Act, PL 24-252 – all expect that supports and services are provided for those who work and live with diverse realities. Rather than disabilities, we have abilities. 

Disappointing and demoralizing. None of this is rocket science. Get the job done.

Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.

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