Family Action Network Spotlight: Guadalupe Bright

Behind every policy win are the families whose voices and stories drive change. In this week's Family Action Network spotlight, we hear from Guadalupe Bright, who shares her journey raising two boys with autism, her passion for advocacy, and why centering family voices is essential in shaping better policies for Ohio’s youngest children.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Where are you from, and what does family life look like for you? 

A. I was raised in Ohio, and Alan my husband is from Utah. We have two boys and a little girl on the way. Both of our boys have been diagnosed with Autism Level 3, meaning they require the highest level of care and intervention. Our boys love spending time at the pool and playing with trains.  

Q. What inspired you to get involved in advocacy for young children and families? What’s your “why”? 

A. I’ve had a passion for education advocacy for children from about the age of 15. Growing up in a low-income household and having friends who did not, opened my eyes to the need for change and how different the world could be for a child. After having my own children with developmental disabilities, it fueled my passion in advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves.  

Q. What are some of the biggest issues you care about as a parent or caregiver? 

A. As a parent with two boys on the spectrum, I care deeply about access to quality early intervention programming, and resources for the developmental disability community.  

Q. Can you share a moment where you felt your voice made a difference? 

A. This year during budget season, I testified at the state house asking for increased funding for the Autism Scholarship Program. I also went to Cleveland with the same purpose. This along with the efforts of many others resulted in an increase in funding for the program. 

Q. What do you want policymakers to understand about families like yours? 

A. Often individuals have a set bias or idea of what a family must or must not be if the family is on any form of government assistance. I want policymakers to understand that families on any form of assistance are not lazy or looking for handouts. I am finishing my PhD in Education Policy and Leadership. My husband is an engineer, and our boys have Medicaid due to their disability, not level of income. Our family, like many others, is not looking for handouts. We either have very different life situations or are facing hard times. A parent's employment and title should not be the reason children are denied access to proper resources such as Medicaid.  

Q. Why is it important to center the voices of families with lived experiences in policy discussions?  

A. Many policymakers have never experienced the realities faced by low-income families, families with children with disabilities, or foster and adoptive families. Even when policymakers have personal experience with families of young children in challenging situations, it represents only one voice—often from a place of privilege. When decisions are made without the full picture, well-meaning policies can turn out to be detrimental to families. Family voices are what can and will help prevent detrimental policies from being passed.   

Q. What does it mean to you for every young child to reach their full potential? 

A. The implications of every child in Ohio being able to reach their full potential will change the landscape of Ohio for the better. For this to happen children must be invested in. This means child care, early intervention, health care, nutrition and overall child well-being must be prioritized. The research shows children with access to proper nutrition, child care, and resources they need at a young age are more likely to positively contribute to society, which will lead to positive change for Ohio.