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Bedford Disability Commission plans April panel on adults with autism, stresses careful framing
Summary
Commission members discussed organizing an April panel prioritizing adult self‑advocates and parents of adult children, and emphasized distinguishing adult needs from those of children who receive school‑based services.
Commission member Gyasi Burks‑Abbott and Ann Guay led a discussion on Jan. 13 about hosting an autism‑focused event in April that centers adult self‑advocates and parents of adults on the autism spectrum.
Burks‑Abbott and Guay identified potential panelists, including adults on the spectrum and parents of adult children, and suggested reaching out to Liz Martineau because of her experience with individuals with more significant disabilities. Guay urged careful framing so the event does not primarily attract parents of young children, whose services and legal entitlements differ from adults’ supports.
Members noted that children typically have school‑based supports guaranteed by law, while adult services are constrained by funding and appropriations, making adult needs both urgent and more difficult to address. The commission agreed the idea has merit, will consult potential panelists, and will revisit planning and event design at the Feb. 10 meeting.
