Individuals with serious intellectual and developmental disabilities often require support from adult service programs when they turn 22. This process can be challenging and filled with anxiety for their loved ones. Every parent wants the best for their child as they become adults, but they may not know where to start.

The Guild for Human Services, which educates, encourages, and empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities, is pleased to announce that it was awarded a $20,000 grant from The Sudbury Foundation. The funds will be used to improve trauma-informed care and emotional well-being for students with intellectual disabilities when they experience distress by expanding access to sensory regulating materials and create sensory-friendly environments in The Guild School.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Guild residents were separated from families, caregivers, and the community for 77 days. During this confusing and scary time, virtual connections became not just common place but vitally important for connection. Many of the individuals living in Guild residences experience congenital or acquired communication disorders associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and multiple disabilities.

Nikki Bryant, M.Ed, BCBA, Behavior Clinician at The Guild, was recognized as an Outstanding Provider at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Metro North Area Office Provider Recognition Celebration Event on June 26.

Throughout life, families occasionally encounter unexpected situations that curb their plans in ways they can't predict. Raising a child who has been diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability can be one of these situations. It can take away the ability to control what's next and changes how we envision caring for a child. For some people, this is experienced as a loss or, more specifically, an ambiguous loss. Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss that continues without resolution or closure and can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and chronic sorrow.

This morning, WBZ-TV featured The Guild's inclusive playground on their segment of "It Happens Here." You can watch the video here. A closed caption version is also available on

May 6-10th marked Teacher Appreciation Week! Every day, Guild School education staff create engaging learning opportunities for students tailored to their unique interests and needs. Thanks to these dedicated team members, students have the opportunity to go out into the community for 'Without Walls' lessons, participate in adaptive recreation and athletic activities, learn critical life skills to build independence, and more.

In honor of the week, we highlighted a few of our incredible Guild School staff on our social media channels. Check out the interviews below!:

The Guild for Human Services was pleased to nominate Hajara Nalwanga, Overnight Shift Lead at Walnut House and Karl Bernard, Residential Assistant at Sudbury House for the 2024 Direct Support Professional of the Year awards program hosted by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)! ANCOR is a national association of community-based service providers that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CARF International announced that The Guild for Human Services has been accredited for a period of three years for its youth and adult residential programs. The latest accreditation is the second consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the accrediting body, CARF International, has awarded to The Guild.

When she started at The Guild in 2019 as an Overnight Residential Assistant with Sassafras House, Sandra Kalambayi never could have imagined that she’d be working here five years later as a School Nurse.