Our Story

I was raised in Central Ohio by a single mother. During my early years in school I was considered an English Language Learner. I left for graduate school/work and returned to marry the love of my life. We now have three beautiful children, each with their own special needs. Two were diagnosed with autism and ADHD, our baby has been diagnosed with attachment disorder and was considered failure to thrive.

Our first was a premie, spent time in the NICU and the childcare center we reserved a spot at for him was no longer an option. When I attempted to find him another center I was told the staffing to meet his needs were not available. This is when I went from working full-time to working part-time on and off.

Obtaining a diagnosis for our boys was difficult, not because there were only subtle signs but because getting appointments was extremely difficult. The system also presented other barriers to services.

My story is much more complex, but this is an overview of what has driven me into advocacy and training in early childhood education, Latino early childhood education, autism advocacy, early intervention, and a push to make the system and services easier for families to access and navigate.

About

Guadalupe Bright is a childcare and disability advocate based in Ohio. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she has actively testified before legislative committees to shape healthcare and educational policies in the state.

Background and Education

  • Academic Pursuits: She holds a Master’s degree and is currently a Ph.D. candidate.

  • Workforce Impact: She left the traditional workforce due to a lack of specialized childcare infrastructure for children with severe developmental disabilities.

Advocacy Work

  • Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council: Appointment by governor Mike Dewine to serve as the Delaware County parent representative

  • Legislative Testimony: She has presented formal testimony to the Ohio Medicaid Committee and the House Committee on Children and Human Services. She has specifically pushed to eliminate provisions that prevent family members from serving as paid caregivers.

  • Community Leadership: She works closely with the Family Action Network and Groundwork Ohio to lobby for affordable, high-quality early childhood intervention.