Brian Guay appeared before the Joint Committee on Higher Education in support of students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities
Submitted by State Representative Ken Gordon (D) Bedford
Bedford resident Brian Guay told members of the Joint Committee on Higher Education of his successes at Middlesex Community College to testify in favor of H1064, An act creating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental disabilities.
After completing two years at Bedford High School in the LABB Program, Brian, who is on the autism spectrum, expressed interest in attending college. He wanted to pursue the same educational opportunities that he saw his family members and peers pursuing.Brian was admitted to Middlesex through the state-funded Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE) initiative.The initiative empowers students to develop self-advocacy skills, skills for future employment, and independence. The ICE initiative allows Brian to enroll in MCC courses while still qualifying for special education services.
“I was tremendously moved by his testimony and proud to be his Representative,” said Gordon of Guay’s advocacy. “Brian is not only receiving a great education, but he is working hard so that others can enjoy the same opportunity available to him.”
The bill is sponsored by Representative Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland), the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. It would allow for more students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend public colleges and universities in the state through eliminating a high school graduation requirement to enroll in credit and non-credit classes, as well as having public colleges and universities add educating these students into their missions.
“This is an important moral and economic program that makes sure that everyone in Massachusetts has the same opportunity,” said Sannicandro. “The payoff will be in empowering people with disabilities to lead productive lives driving our economy.”
Brian testified about the social opportunities, educational benefits, and new independence in his day to day life at MCC. He testified as a member of a panel that included his mother Ann Guay, PaulinaLlorente, his peer mentor at Middlesex, and Catherine Fourtin, Bedford’s out of district coordinator.
“Brian is so fortunate to live in a community that supports his dream of attending college. He likes being a student at Middlesex Community College and enjoyed sharing his experiences with members of the Joint Committee on Higher Education on Wednesday,” said Ann Guay, also a member of Bedford School Committee. “As a mother, I was incredibly proud to listen to his remarks. Hopefully, it will help lead to passage of H. 1064and make college a reality for more students with developmental disabilities.”
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