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NAC Public Relations

News Releases
The NAC Story: Stablizing Our Long-Term Care Workforce
TV Public Service Announcements
Print Public Service Announcement
View the "Music of Our Lives" video (download order form here)

NAC'S Beginnings
As planning began for the National Advocacy Campaign in 2001, ANCOR asked its members for input in developing a slogan and campaign focus. Research established a slogan that resonated with the members, families and employees. "Highlighting America's Quiet Heroes- By Empowering Americans with disabilities, direct support professionals strengthen all of America" became the focal point of communications.

Rallying behind our slogan
Our slogan identifies the essence of our challenge - The dignified lives of millions of Americans with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are at risk because the dedicated professionals who empower them with direct and vital support are paid near poverty wages.

Indeed, the entire notion of compassionate, community-based support for all Americans challenged by physical and mental disabilities is at risk. In sounding the "wake up" call, ANCOR is reaching out to Capitol Hill, state governments, businesses, members and non-members and provider associations. In tandem with this outreach, public relations materials are available to penetrate hearts and inspire action. The core of this campaign depends on volunteerism and thousands of citizens are needed to participate in writing letters to elected officials and fundraising.

Videos and TV spots are ready to go!
A compelling video launched the National Advocacy movement in 2001 and beckoned ANCOR members to support the cause to address the crucial workforce shortage. It unfolds the saga of the upward movement of mentally retarded and developmentally disabled citizens from institutional warehouses to community-based facilities. And, it tells the story of the national workforce crisis that has evolved all too quickly in the long-term care arena. Case studies and impassioned testimonials help viewers identify with a scenario that well could be in their future.

A second video, "The NAC Story: Stabalizing Our Long Term Care Workforce", captures the essence of stirring testimonials from a direct support professional and a father who depends on others to provide care for his adult daughter. This program also features Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao who pledged her support in her address to ANCOR members. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA); and ANCOR's own CEO Renee Pietrangelo are poignant and stirring, driving home the point that our mission is on target and growing. view video

Both videos are available for your use. Contact Daryn Demeritt.

ANCOR is proud to make available two Public Service Announcements for television broadcasting.

"Make a Difference" is the title of the 15 and 30 second TV spots that feature Midge Soderbergh. Midge, mother of award-winning film director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Solaris, Erin Brockovich), is also mother of Peter, a younger son born with developmental disabilities. Midge enjoins viewers to recognize that, like Peter, we all need support at varying times in our lives. "Direct support professionals," says Midge, "Make a difference. Shouldn't they also make a living?" She explains that the dignified lives of millions of Americans with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are at risk because the dedicated professionals who empower them with direct and vital support are paid near poverty wages. Indeed, the entire notion of compassionate, community-based support for all Americans challenged by physical and mental disabilities is at risk. view both PSAs

ANCOR's volunteers stepped up to the plate when the call went out to get our urgent message to the public. Volunteers hand-delivered more than 200 copies of the TV PSAs to independent and network affiliate stations through out the country. If you would like to participate in distributing the PSAs to your local station, please contact Daryn Demeritt.

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