Public Relations Experts Honor Firm for Work on Behalf of Schools for Blind, Deaf and Disabled Children

Albany, NY – On Oct. 27, Corning Place Communications, an Albany-based strategic communications firm specializing   in government-oriented communications, media relations, public affairs, web design and social media services, was honored with an Empire Award at the Capital Region’s Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) awards presentation.

Corning Place received the Integrated Campaign Award for: Finding a Solution to $98 Million Problem – a campaign that succeeded in helping 11 schools for blind, deaf and severely physically disabled children continue to provide the essential tools and confidence to lead independent, fulfilling and meaningful lives.

“The campaign was designed to activate every affected student, family and advocate. Rather than remaining idle, blind, deaf and severely disabled, students took action and were committed to being seen, heard and taking a stand,”  Paul Larrabee, managing director of Corning Place Communications, said. “There is no question that their message resonated with decision-makers in Albany.”

The viability of the “4201 Schools” – so known because of the specific provision of the Education Law that authorized their creation and mission – was threatened as a result of the elimination of direct state funding cuts during the 2011-12 state budget crisis.

“By blending complimentary communications and government relations strategies you are unleashing a powerful combination of forces to effect public policy and legislative change,” Larrabee said. “Our success on behalf of New York’s most vulnerable children would not have been achieved without the partnership of the 4201 Schools Association and our colleagues at Hinman Straub Advisors.”

This is the second straight year Corning Place Communications has received an Empire Award.