ENDORSMENTS

We are very thankful to those endorsing the Embraced project

Executive Director, Sara Messelt of Proof Alliance (formally MOFAS)

“In an environment where the disability of FASD is overlooked, misunderstood, and highly stigmatized by mainstream media such as the Winter Formal Skit by Saturday Night Live which aired in January 2022, what better way to bring health equity to this widely underserved population than by counteracting the negative media images through thoughtful, a well-crafted film which captures the many nuances of this disorder. Until the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure is widely understood, acknowledged, and supported through the passage of public policy like The FASD Respect Act, it is imperative that film play a vital role in illuminating this lifelong invisible disability that impacts as many as 1 in 20 Americans.”

Jenn Wisdahl Policy and Training Center FASD United (Formerly NOFAS)

“Education about the lived experience, strengths, and possibilities is largely absent from the FASD dialogue. This proposed film will help fill that gap and provide a much-needed shift in perspective that will impact how people with FASD are seen in the larger community.”
Peter W. Choate, PhDClinical Social WorkerProgram Coordinator, Mount Royal University

“Increasing awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is an important public health priority. Prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and early recognition of those negatively impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure is needed to mitigate the adverse impact this exposure has on individuals and the families who care for them. The use of film to tell the stories of those impacted can be an important tool in improving public awareness of this entirely preventable condition.” Julie A. Kable, Ph.D. Associate Professor Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine

“As a mom to two young adults with an FASD and President of FASD Network of Southern California, I am continually shocked by the lack of awareness that the impact prenatal alcohol exposure has on our society. As the leading developmental disability, it goes undiagnosed, is often misdiagnosed, and costs our economy billions every year. There is a significant need for a documentary, like Embraced, that can deliver, not only awareness but an understanding of misunderstood behaviors due to prenatal brain injury. Without early identification and FASD-informed interventions, these individuals fall through the cracks of our society and end up expelled from school, un- and under-employed, homeless, or in jail. A spotlight needs to be put on this prevalent condition if we expect to solve some of our society’s most complex problems such as mental illness, homelessness, human trafficking, crowded jails, and poverty.” AnnetteAnnette Kunzman, PresidentFASD Network of Southern California

“As an FASD podcaster with a global audience, I’m continually shocked by how misunderstood and misdiagnosed FASD is in our world even when it’s the leading cause of developmental disabilities. This project will shift this lack of awareness of the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on our society. We have a critical need for a documentary, like Embraced, for the understanding of this brain-based disability. It’s time for a film, such as “Embraced”, to educate, enlighten and create a spark for a change!” Natalie Vecchonie, FASD Hope Podcast

“As an educator with 25 years of experience in schools with high numbers of students living with the brain injury from prenatal alcohol exposure, I am keenly aware of the lack of quality educational material for educators, parents, foster parents, and decision-makers. I believe this project has the potential to have a big impact on the understanding of how prenatal exposure to alcohol impacts our everyday life.” Jody Allen Crowe M.Ed and author of “The Fatal Link”