UCEDD Summit opens with message of resilience, inclusion despite tsunami disruption

The 2026 University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, or UCEDD, Summit opened last June 8 at Saipan World Resort with messages of resilience and inclusion from UCEDD director Eileen Alepuyo Babauta and Consumer Advisory Committee member Hannah Igisaiar, even as the event's first day was cut short due to a tsunami warning.

Addressing advocates, educators, health care professionals, policymakers, family members, and individuals with disabilities, Igisaiar said the summit was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and continue improving the lives of people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

“Today, we gather as advocates, self-advocates, family members, service providers, educators, health care professionals, community leaders, policy makers, and partners united by a common purpose—to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” she said through a pre-recorded electronic message as she has cerebral palsy. “This summit is more than just a meeting. It is a celebration of collaboration, progress, and possibility.”

Igisaiar highlighted UCEDD's growth over the years and urged participants to continue working together to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“We must continue breaking down barriers, creating opportunity, and ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities remain at the center of every decision we make,” she said.

Babauta followed with a message centered on the CNMI's recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku and the importance of community partnerships.

“This year, however, our summit takes place under circumstances that reminded us of something really important,” Babauta said. “Super Typhoon Sinlaku has tested us. It tested our homes, our infrastructure, our resources, and our patience.”

She said the storm also revealed the strength of the Commonwealth.

“The storm may have shaken our islands, but it did not shake our spirit. It did not diminish our compassion. It did not weaken our resolve,” Babauta said. “If anything, Sinlaku reminded us that resilience is not simply the ability to recover. It's the ability to move forward together.”

Babauta said the same spirit guides UCEDD's work in helping individuals with disabilities and their families achieve greater inclusion and opportunities.

“This summit is a celebration of resilience. It's a celebration of collaboration. It's a celebration of the people who refuse to accept limitations and instead focus on possibilities,” she said.

The summit brought together representatives from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, disability advocacy groups, educators, employers, first responders, and health care providers for presentations, training sessions, and networking opportunities focused on strengthening services for people with disabilities throughout the CNMI.

Organizers later announced that Day 1 activities were cut short because of the tsunami warning issued Tuesday morning, with portions of the program expected to resume once conditions allowed.