Combined-Territories

Developmental Disabilities, the Human Resources Services Administration, the U.S. Department
of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Social Security Administration.
NMPASI’s overriding goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities in institutional and/or
community settings (1) are not subject to abuse/neglect, (2) are free from discrimination, (3) are
provided with an appropriate education, (4) are provided appropriate health care services, and (5)
are provided with opportunities to make informed decisions about their lives as independent,
contributing members of the community (NMPASI, 2014).
Technical Assistance. Northern Marianas College is the site of the CNMI University Center of
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD); it is “committed to the development of
culturally complimentary outcomes while promoting equal opportunity, independence,
productivity, promoting self-determination, and supporting an improved quality of life for people
with developmental disabilities…” The UCEDD provides “training, technical assistance, and
information-sharing with the focus on building the capacity of the CNMI to fully include persons
with developmental disabilities.” The UCEDD does not provide direct services but collaborates
and coordinates with other agencies like NMPASI, the Development Disabilities Council, and
the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
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