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The Guild for Human Services, which educates, encourages, and empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities, is screening its award-winning documentary, The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild during COVID-19 on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 PM at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury. The short film provides a first-hand look at how the pandemic curtailed the community life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The 25-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion led by Guild CEO Amy Sousa and two staff members: Nathalie Etame, Sudbury House Manager and Natwona Smith, Sudbury House Lead Residential Assistant. To view the trailer and register for the free event, go to bit.ly/GuildFilm.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 brought life as we knew it to a standstill. Mandates left healthcare providers scrambling to create a blueprint for the unknown. The Guild for Human Services was no exception. Almost overnight, school and residential staff pivoted to move classrooms to students' residences, create supplemental day programming for adults, and live with those they served during quarantine. Residents were isolated and separated from their loved ones for months on end, all the while navigating the ever-changing state mandates and policies. Through it all, The Guild's community adapted and grew stronger.

“During this pandemic, we had to make the world of the people we serve smaller,” said Amy Sousa, CEO of The Guild. “Their community life was curtailed and their choices reduced. I hope this film will show how individuals with intellectual disabilities are underestimated and how vital it is that we all work to create inclusive communities where people can achieve their full potential and lead high-quality lives.”

The film has received enthusiastic reviews from the human services sector organizations including The Arc of Massachusetts, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Federation for Children with Special Needs, and the Providers Council. The film has also received awards from 28th Annual Communicator Awards and the Telly Awards.

Visit theworldgotsmaller.com for more information.