The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild During COVID-19 premieres to the public this Wednesday, 3/16 at 1 pm! Each week, we’ve been featuring students, residents, staff, and parents interviewed in the film on our blog. This week, we sat down with Jessica Goodwin, Billerica House resident, and her mother, Janice:
How long have you been involved with The Guild?
Janice: I have been involved with The Guild for 8 years.
What were some of the biggest challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought for you and Jessica?
Janice: The biggest challenge was that Jessica and I were unable to see each other for three whole months. The State of Massachusetts COVID-19 guidelines made it impossible to spend time together.
Jessica: I was upset that I couldn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t go to my day program, and I also couldn’t go horseback riding or out into the community. When I could finally see my family, I was really excited and happy.
What are some lessons you hope will come out of this pandemic?
Janice: I hope that one of the lessons learned is that our leaders take this type of health emergency very seriously from early on and have plans in place. It’s better to be over-prepared. I also would hope that if we have to go back into lockdown, leaders could ensure that protocols do not isolate those with disabilities from their parents and guardians for such a prolonged amount of time.
Jessica, what things can you do now that you couldn’t do when you were in quarantine?
Jessica: I can go horseback riding, and I’m going to my day program twice a week. When it’s warmer, I can do outdoor activities.
The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild during COVID-19 will premier on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Register for this virtual event here!