Carol Mueller ~ Director of Public Relations

Being the guardian for Donna, my sister with autism, has rounded out my perspective on life for people with developmental disabilities. In addition to my experiences growing up in a big family as Donna’s older sister, I now have a deep appreciation for the difficulties my parents faced, in a time of so few opportunities. That awareness extends to the families we serve at the Council, makes me a better sister, and, I hope, a better advocate. These people so central to my life—my mom and dad, Donna—led me eventually to the Council and to you, and to a commitment to uphold the value of each person. With all my heart I believe in the universal connection of all human beings, which empowers us each to profoundly affect the other.

In raising each other up, we elevate ourselves. It works in reverse, as well. Each time nations, communities, citizens devalue people with disabilities, they diminish their own value. My job, in a nutshell, is to drive home this point. At The Council, I am Director of Public Relations. With everything I do, my mandate as an advocate compels me to Relate to the Public the value of people with developmental disabilities and their essential place within the whole fabric of humanity.

The end is monumental, but the means is one step, or maybe one battle, at a time. Through governmental affairs, marketing projects, various publications, or Weber Gallery, the Council and I hammer the truth over and over, relentlessly stating the obvious, repeating ourselves, strategizing, changing tactics, wedging our way through countless other pieces of competing information. It’s called advocacy. It’s both the power of one, and that power multiplied. I believe in it. It’s why I work for The Council.

Carol Mueller
Director of Public Relations