May Institute Welcomes Governor Deval Patrick to Randolph Campus

Randolph, Mass. – May Institute was delighted to welcome Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to our main campus in November. The Governor came to learn more about the Institute's programs and services for children with autism and other special needs.

Governor Patrick visited our corporate headquarters and toured the Randolph May Center for Child Development, one of May Institute's special education schools for children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. He visited a number of classrooms, talking with the teachers about the specialized programs and instruction for the more than 150 students who attend school at the May Center.

Most meaningful were the opportunities for the Governor to interact with the children. In the integrated preschool classroom, he pulled up a chair to work on an art project with the students, and looked on as a teacher worked on communication skills with a young child with autism. 

Students throughout the school had prepared during the week for the Governor's visit, and greeted him enthusiastically as he visited their classrooms. One young man, an 18-year-old student, waited patiently to shake Governor Patrick's hand, proud to share that he had voted for the Governor in the last election.

As the Governor neared the end of his visit, a group of students surprised him with a special hand-made book of drawings depicting things relevant to Massachusetts — the state bird and flower, Plymouth Rock, beautiful beaches, and Boston!

Our gratitude to Governor Patrick and his staff for their interest in May Institute's work with children and adults with special needs. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the Governor and his administration.