A baby born at twenty eight weeks and just barely over two pounds, Konner Guyer was expecting to face a life full of unique challenges. Little did he know, he was destined to rise above and become an inspiring young advocate. Guyer’s special needs advocacy has grown further beyond the walls of JHS, catching great interest from Iowa officials.
“I’m in a wheelchair myself, and I’m wanting to help other families because they haven’t got the help that they need,” Guyer 27’ said. “I was telling the district 25 state representative . . . we know that families are struggling with that same thing, they can’t get help. So I ended up getting to talk to him and then he ended up getting me to meet Governor Reynolds,”
While speaking with influential individuals like Iowa representatives, Guyer expressed his concerns for those and their families who are struggling with the challenges presented by special needs.
“My mom got fired from three jobs for trying to take care of me. We don’t get any help. We didn’t get any help when I lived with them [parents] so now I live in a group home,” Guyer 27’ said. “And then there’s other families that are struggling and that have that same problem. I’m afraid that they [other families] are going to lose their jobs [from] all the traveling and doctor appointments.”
In Guyer’s upcoming public discussion with Governor Reynolds featured on KCCI 8 News, he looks forward to discussing the goals that drive the focus of his advocacy. In one of his goals, he stresses the idea of equal opportunity, which he believes is especially important for people with disabilities.
“I feel like they [people with disabilities] are taken out of some of their opportunities because of them being in wheelchairs. I’m afraid that because of their disability, that nobody would hire them and then they wouldn’t also be able to go to college if they wish,” Guyer 27’ said.
JHS forensics teacher Grace Ogan has had the opportunity to listen to Guyer share his goals.
“It’s not about saying; you can’t do this. It’s how are we going to get it so that you can do it? There are ways that we can modify things. Things that we can do to make sure that the student does not feel like they can’t do this because of whatever their disability might be,” Ogan said.
Although widespread change can be difficult to create, Ogan believes that Guyer is the inspiration needed to make things happen.
“I guarantee that people are going to see him on TV and they’re going to be touched by his story . . . [The public will be] more likely to advocate because they’re going to see what he’s gone through. . . and that will spark somebody to want to do more,” Ogan said.
It’s not simply those with disabilities that Guyer is fighting for. He also aims to advocate for families as a whole, acknowledging that caring for someone with special needs affects both the provider and the receiver.
“If they’re struggling, they should not just worry about other people because I’m taking care of that stuff, and then they can worry about themselves,” Guyer 27’ said.
Guyer still continues to strive for better representation for people with disabilities and special needs. The impact of his passion, kindness and determination continues to inspire others.
“I think Konner’s very confident in who he is . . . he’s someone who I know is not afraid to make his voice heard in a good way, to fight for the cause that he’s passionate about,” Ogan said.
