By Derrick G. Silas, Sr., Web Manager, City of Enid, Oklahoma
Often, the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) spotlights the accomplishments of its members. Valerie Suber, a member of NAGC and Public Information Director for Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), rightly deserves accolades for production of the video series, “Voices Beyond The Mirror.”
The video series was a production of GCDD with Atlanta-based SplendidVid. They won the bronze Telly award for excellence in the non-broadcast productions/social issues category. The Telly Awards honors the very best film and video productions, groundbreaking online video content, and outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. Some big names that have recieved past Telly awards include, but not limited to, Coca Cola, Cato Fashions, Philadelphia 76ers, CBS, Doritos, Universal Studios Home Video, A&E/Biography Channel, etc.
According to Valerie Suber, the GCDD video was developed to celebrate the 40 years since the passing of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act of 1971 and to launch an awareness campaign to satisfy the GCDD’s five-year strategic public relations plan.
The title of the documentary, itself, speaks loud and clear in my ears. When beholding a face in a mirror, one only knows in part and really never knows the person on the other side, but the video allows one to hear the actual voices beyond the bounds of the glass. As you listen to the video, there is a distinctive sound in each voice you hear. Those with DD are allowed to tell their story about their triumphs and/or struggles of everyday life.
Watching the video, personally, reminds me of the importance of accessibility in all aspects of life, especially in government communication. The video includes closed captioning for those that are hearing impaired as well as sound for those that are visually impaired. As government communicators it is our obligation to ensure our organizations provide reasonable accommodations to policies and programs so that all individuals have access to programs and services. We should always provide necessary auxiliary aids or services for effective communication.
Take a look at the inspiring video below. . .
Derrick Silas also serves as the Communications Director for the NAGC Board of Directors.
Hi Glen. I thought you or a colleague might be interested in providing some feedback on my blog post regarding
Disability Employment Awareness Month. Thanks for considering this.
David