American Samoa Office of Protection & Advocacy

12/09/2025

Our Office of Protection & Advocacy was honored to attend the Annual Disaster Resilience Summit in American Samoa. The summit was a successful gathering that focused on building stronger communities, enhancing preparedness, and working together to ensure resilience for our islands. 🌏💙

Special acknowledgment to our team members Aitofi, Raymond, and Serita for representing OPAD at this important event. 👏

30/07/2025

Empowering our elderly with knowledge and advocacy 💙✨ OPAD had the privilege of visiting TAOA to share resources, rights, and support services for individuals with disabilities. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and informed community—one conversation at a time.

02/07/2025

What an inspiring and meaningful experience! 🌺✨ All the students of BYU had the opportunity to share their stories and learn from each other in a special community presentation titled "What Mothers Shared: Understanding the Journey of Raising a Child with a Disability in American Samoa."

It was truly touching to see the way we connected through our culture, stories, and shared challenges. Grateful for this platform to raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the strength of our mothers and families. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event so impactful! 💙🌸

26/06/2025

🌺 Calling all parents and caregivers! 🌺
Have you raised or are you raising a child with a disability in American Samoa?

Join us for a heartfelt community presentation:
“What Mothers Shared: Understanding the Journey of Raising a Child with a Disability in American Samoa”

📅 Tuesday, July 1, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 OPAD Office

Come hear the voices of local mothers, their challenges, strengths, and hopes for the future. Let’s listen, learn, and grow together. 💬✨

Presented by Dr. Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga and the Brigham Young University research team.
Your presence is welcome — your voice matters. 💙

17/06/2025

🌟 Exciting Day at the Market! 🌟

This past Friday, OPAD Outreach had an incredible time engaging with our community at the local market. We were able to connect, share resources, and spread awareness about our initiatives. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and supported our mission!



"Connecting with our community at the market! Grateful for the support and enthusiasm from everyone we met. Together, we’re making a difference! 💙✨"

15/05/2025

🌟 Thank You for a Successful First Session of the Year, DD Advisory Council 2025! 🌟

On May 7, 2025, we kicked off our first meeting of the year for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Advisory Council , an important step as we continue to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive community. 🤝✨

We are grateful for everyone's participation, insights, and dedication. Your involvement is vital as we move forward in shaping positive change and new opportunities. 🌍💙

Here’s to a year full of collaboration, growth, and impactful work! 🚀🎉

29/03/2025

🌟 A Great Day at the ASG Veterans Affair Newcomers' Orientation! 🌟

Today, our very own Raymond Noa from the Office of Protection and Advocacy (OPAD) had the honor of attending the Quarterly Newcomers' Orientation at the Office of Veterans & Military Affairs in Lyons Park, Tafuna. This event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with newly arrived Military Veterans and their families, introducing them to the invaluable services and programs available on the island.

Ray had a wonderful time sharing insights and resources, and he was able to engage with various key government departments, business associates, and nonprofit organizations. Together, we explored ways to better support our Veterans community!

Here are some snapshots from the event! 📸 Thank you for having us!

27/03/2025

🔹Exciting Day at Tautalatasi Tuato'o Alofau Elementary School! 🔹

Today, the Office of Protection and Advocacy (OPAD) had the privilege of participating in the career fair at Tautalatasi Tuato'o Alofau Elementary School! 🎉

We were honored to connect with students and share the important work we do to promote and protect the rights of individuals in our community. It was a fantastic opportunity to inspire young minds about careers in advocacy and support.

A heartfelt thank you to the school for inviting us and to all the students for their enthusiasm and curiosity! Together, we're building a brighter future! 💙

21/03/2025

🌟 Connect, Communicate, Empower! 🌟

Today, OPAD proudly conducted our second ASL training session, focusing on inclusion and advocacy for the deaf community. This training is a vital step in equipping our community to better support individuals with disabilities, and we are thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us today! Your commitment to fostering understanding and accessibility is what makes our community stronger. Together, we are breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive environment for all.

Let’s continue to connect, communicate, and empower one another as we move forward. We can’t wait for the upcoming sessions and the positive impact we’ll achieve together!

20/03/2025

🌟 ASL Training Success! 🌟

Today, we had an amazing ASL training session led by the talented Dana Love-ili! 🎉 It was a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved, and we couldn’t have done it without the fantastic turnout from all departments.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated! 🙌 Our Director, Dora Ah Sue, appreciates all the hard work and enthusiasm shown today. This was just the first session, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for tomorrow!

Check out some of the great moments we captured! 📸

11/12/2024

🌟 Our Work for the Disability Community 🌟

We are thrilled to announce the latest developments and initiatives from the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled (OPAD), driven by our successful funding proposals.

We have secured a Protection and Advocacy Public Health (PAPH) grant of $114,000, which positions us to prepare individuals with disabilities for pandemic challenges effectively. Additionally, we have obtained $240,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to renovate the OPAD office, ensuring a safe environment for our staff and the community from another outbreak of COVID-19 or other related illnesses.

These essential funds empower us to continue our vital mission of advocating for and safeguarding the disability community in American Samoa against abuse and neglect. We are excited to share our upcoming initiatives and projects!

Stay tuned for more updates💙

30/10/2024

🌟 Join Our PAIMI Advisory Council! 🌟

The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of both children and adults experiencing mental illness. This Council collaborates with the staff and board of directors at the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled to establish priorities and formulate policies addressing issues impacting individuals with mental health challenges.

Members of the PAIMI Advisory Council represent the diverse population served by OPAD. The Council is committed to ensuring a robust consumer perspective, mandating that at least 60% of its members have lived experience with mental illness, either currently receiving or having previously received mental health services. Additionally, the Council must include a parent of a minor child or youth who has received or is currently receiving mental health services. It is also required to have an attorney, a mental health professional, a provider of mental health services, and a knowledgeable member of the general public who understands mental illness and the advocacy needs of affected individuals, demonstrating a significant commitment to enhancing mental health services.

The Council operates under the Federal PAIMI Act, which established a national protection and advocacy framework for individuals with mental illness, advocating for their rights and ensuring the enforcement of their civil liberties.

Your voice and advocacy can truly make a difference. Join us in fostering a supportive and inclusive community for everyone. We look forward to hearing from you!

📞Call us at 699-2441 to learn more and express your interest.

Call now to connect with business.