The Guild for Human Services

08/24/2026

Creating a business and environment that's inclusive to all isn't just the right thing to do for the community, it also welcomes in consumers with real purchasing power.

A new report from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Disability:IN finds that people with disabilities account for 6.8% of disposable income in the US.

Researcher Jewett Smith said, "In our latest study, we learn that the growth in purchasing power is not incidental. It is the result of structural changes in how and where work happens, including remote and hybrid work arrangements, the adoption of accessible workplace technologies, and shifting employer attitudes toward disability disclosure that have allowed more people with disabilities to join the workforce, thrive in the private sector, and build economic lives."

This study is an early signal of what's possible when barriers to workforce entry, wealth accumulation, and economic participation are reduced, but it's also a cautionary tale about how much work lies ahead. —Reid Jewett Smith

08/19/2026

A couple of classes at The Guild School have been *sticking together* for these art projects! The colorful and collaborative posters have a design that comes together one sticker at a time.

08/12/2026

Adult residents living in one of The Guild's homes recently completed a fire drill evacuation in only 40 seconds. It wasn’t the result of better training. It wasn’t because staff worked harder. It wasn’t luck. It was the result of a decision to invest in accessibility and design environments where people can thrive.

CEO Amy C. Sousa reflects on what this successful fire drill represents. "We often think we're investing in buildings. In reality, we're investing in safety, independence, confidence, and dignity. The buildings are simply the means by which those outcomes become possible."

Read more on the blog.

What the fastest fire evacuation I've ever witnessed taught me about investing in accessibility.Last week, I witnessed something remarkable. A group of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many with significant mobility challenges, completed a fire evacuation in 40 seconds. It wa...

08/11/2026

This conference is a great opportunity for providers and families to learn more about the transition from youth to adult services for a loved with IDD. Early bird pricing ends later this week!

"We've attended this conference for years. An excellent resource for us to help guide our daughter's future."

Registration is now open for The Arc's 2026 Transition Conference.

Early bird pricing through August 15 for general admission.

Professional admission with CEUs also available.

Register: thearcofmass.org/conference

08/10/2026

For individuals with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities, access to communication supports is fundamental to expressing themselves, getting their needs met, and connecting with others.

Neaama Bourote, a speech-language pathologist at The Guild, explains the process of identifying the right tools and navigating speech-generating devices.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is typically used ...

08/07/2026

The Guild Futbol Club are champions of the Heroes Soccer League! Individuals, staff, and community members showed up to cheer them on at Gillette Stadium for an exciting, high-energy championship game. We are proud to be part of this league that prioritizes teamwork, friendly competition, and an inclusive environment for players and fans. It has been a great way for staff from different programs within The Guild and from the other organizations to connect. Thanks TILL, Inc. and Northeast Arc for another great season!

Game photos by Cassie May

08/06/2026

Dolphin class successfully navigated the train and bus for a day trip to Zoo New England. With careful planning, they were able to make the transfer on public transportation and see many of the animals! 🦓🦒

08/04/2026

Children’s museums offer interactive learning experiences that benefit people of all ages, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the Discovery Museum, “Especially for Me” events provide sensory-friendly, after-hours access with trained staff and supportive environments. Individuals at The Guild have regularly attended these events over the years, finding meaningful opportunities for engagement.

https://www.guildhumanservices.org/blog/inclusive-play-inspires-lifelong-learning-discovery-museum

07/30/2026

The Guild Futbol Club advanced to the Heroes Soccer League finals after a win over the Northeast Arc Sharcs last weekend. You can come cheer them on against the TILL, Inc. Vipers this Saturday at the Revolution Training Center!

Photos by Cassie May