Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival
Salutes 50th Anniversary of AADD
With Story of Triumph and Empowerment: The Miracle Worker

“We are very proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD) as part of this year’s Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival with our showing of the 1962 Oscar-winning classic The Miracle Worker on June 18th at 7 p.m.,” states Michelle Quiles, Marketing Director for Atlanta’s fabulous Fox Theatre.   “AADD is celebrating 50 years of empowering people with disabilities and they are setting the bar for the next 50 years.”

“It’s an honor to partner with an organization that has done so much to support families living with developmental disabilities,” adds Ed Neiss, Executive Director of the fabulous Fox Theatre.“  AADD has been the key organization in our community in educating the public about all aspects of developmental disabilities and for helping people with developmental disabilities gain greater support and acceptance.  The Fox is delighted to join AADD’s celebration, and to showcase the theater’s accessibility to people with disabilities.”

“The Miracle Worker is an inspiration to people with disabilities, caregivers, teachers, parents, and other ‘miracle workers’.  This movie, perhaps more than any other, shows the impact one person can have on someone with a developmental disability.  It helped change the way people look at people with developmental disabilities,” adds Mary Yoder, Executive Director of AADD.   “Without the determination of teacher Annie Sullivan, the genius of Helen Keller might never have been discovered.  Ms. Keller could have ended up in an institution, instead of enlightening the world.  She became an advocate for all people, and that is the other story of Helen Keller we want to share.  At AADD one of our missions is to support people with developmental disabilities in using the gifts they bring to their communities.  Much has changed over the years, but people with disabilities often have a hard time getting the support they need to lead productive lives and flourish.  We still have a lot of work to do.”

The 1962 classic movie stars Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke – who both won Oscars for their portrayals. It tells the story of young Helen Keller, an Alabama girl who, as a baby, is left blind and deaf following a high fever.  Helen’s over- protective parents hire Annie Sullivan, a young teacher who is herself visually impaired, to teach seven-year-old Helen.  Frustrated and violent because she can’t communicate, Helen is the ultimate challenge for Annie, who is to teach Helen basic sign language.  Annie’s love, strength, and incredible stubbornness finally help her to reach Helen.

Arrive at the Fox Theatre early to enjoy the pre-show festivities:

• 4:30-5:45 p.m. – Patrons can enjoy Wine Tastings and mix and mingle with friends.
• 6:20 p.m. – The “Mighty Mo” Organ Concert and sing-a-long begins.
• 7:00 p.m. – Movie screening begins.
• Immediately following movie – panel discussion on the fascinating life of Helen Keller and valuing the gifts of people with developmental disabilities .
  
  All tickets are general admission. Ticket packs are $60 and include 12 tickets which may be used for any movie combination for individuals and their friends all summer and are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office and at Ticketmaster, 404-817-8700, or www.ticketmaster.com .  Individual tickets are $7 per movie and Wine Tasting tickets are $10. Both are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office only.  Group ticket rates are available by calling 404-881-2000.  For details and news on the festival: www.foxtheatre.org  
  
  *For more information on AADD, the important work of the organization, and free tickets for people with disabilities and their families, please visit: www.aadd.org