2026 March News

Campaign graphic reading “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” featuring a historic blackand-white photo of disability rights activists at the U.S. Capitol and color photos of people with developmental disabilities advocating and smiling in community settings.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

This year’s theme from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always,” reminds us of a powerful truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, even when history tried to exclude them.

From past barriers to present progress, we recognize the journey from exclusion to inclusion, and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in equity, access, and full support for all.

Learn more from NACDD, here.

Graphic banner: Pacific Atamai - Interdisciplinary, Preservice, Continuing Education

Morning Atamai graphic with coffee mug photo, and photos of guest speakers, Alofa, Mercy and Faamasani.

Morning Atamai "Voices from the Community: Disability and Resilience in Emergencies."

Morning Atamai, a special event designed for our inclusive-Emergency Management trainees. This upcoming season highlights the importance of listening to and learning from community members with lived experience of disability and emergency situations.

The event aims to strengthen student learning through three key objectives:

Student engagement with community voices in emergencies
Student learning through shared emergency experiences
Student involvement in inclusive emergency preparedness

Morning Atamai is a three-part program: students have an opportunity to network with invited guests, followed by a 15-minute talk-show-style interview segment with the guest and a student host. The event will conclude with a panel discussion, where students can ask questions and learn directly from our speakers' experiences and perspectives.

We are honored to welcome the following community guests:

Alofaeleuma Faualo, Mercy Aperaamo, and Faamasani Tuitasi.

Community partners who are interested in attending are warmly invited to join us. Space is limited, so an RSVP is required.

📅 Tuesday, March 31

🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 PCHS Training Room, ASCC M1 Building

To RSVP, please call 699-2722 ext. 4206 or email k.helsham@amsamoa.edu.

Group photo of OSS inductees, members and ASCC admins in front of OSS sign.

Order of the Sword & Shield Induction

Congratulations to the newest inductees into the Order of the Sword and Shield (Omicron Sigma Sigma), ASCC’s chapter!

We proudly celebrate the nine outstanding students who have earned induction into OSS — a recognition of your academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service in the emergency management, homeland security, and intelligence community fields. Your dedication and hard work have truly set you apart.

A special thank you to Mathew Tuia, Deputy Director of the American Samoa Department of Agriculture, for sharing such meaningful and inspiring remarks. His message about the higher calling of education — not simply for personal advancement, but for service to the community — resonated deeply. His wisdom reminded us that leadership is rooted in responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.

To the inductees: May this achievement be just the beginning of your continued impact and service. We are proud of you and excited to see how you will lead and serve our community in the years ahead.

See more photos of the induction here.

Deputy Director Mathew Tuia making his speech at the podium.

Group photo of OSS officers with Deputy Director, Mathew Tuia and DOA staff that are also OSS professional members.

Group photo of iEM students who are now OSS members

A special shout out to our inclusive-Emergency Managment trainees who were inducted to the Order! Talaeseseseolemalo Fa'aui, Filipina Petelo, Tumanu Fesilafai, and Levalefaiva Malala.

New Pacific Talk: Podcast, Self-Advocate Series Episode Four

In this episode, Self-advocates Alofaeleuma Faualo, Mercy Aperaamo, and Hope Maui join Pacific Center in Human Security Communications Manager Katrina Helsham to discuss transportation and how it impacts independence, opportunity, and daily life for individuals with disabilities in American Samoa. They share personal experiences navigating family support, public transportation, and services like Dial-A-Ride, highlighting both current challenges and hopeful possibilities for improving accessibility in the future.

See more photos of the recording session here.

Annual Medicaid Summit

Join us for the 2026 Medicaid Summit on March 24–25 at the ASCC MPC, hosted by the American Samoa Medicaid State Agency. We at the Pacific Center in Human Security are proud to support this important event and help bring it to our community.

This two-day event will highlight the American Samoa Medicaid State Agency’s efforts to strengthen collaboration and advance key programs and policies, with a strong focus on prevention. The summit will bring together government leaders, healthcare providers, community partners, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share updates, and explore opportunities to improve healthcare access across American Samoa.

RSVP by scanning the QR code, clicking the link, or stopping by the AS Medicaid State Office at the ASTCA Building, 3rd Floor in Tafuna.

Home Care Services

St. Catherine's Senior and Community Services now offers Home Care Services with personalized support for your loved ones in the comfort of their home.

Services include:

Meal preparation
Companionship
Personal care assistance
Medication management

For more information, call 699-7851 or visit their Facebook page.

Full-time and part-time services available — rates vary.

What is the most interesting information in this issue of UCEDD It!? Choose one to let us know:

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Morning Atamai "Voices from the Community"

Spring 2026 Order of the Sword and Shield Induction

Pacific Talk: Podcast, Self-Advocate Series Episode 4

Community Announcement: Medicaid Summit

Community Announcement: Home Care Services

Pacific Center in Human Security

pchs@amsamoa.edu | pchs.amsamoa.edu | (684) 699 - 2722 ext. 4202