A free outdoor screening of the inspiring and uplifting Disney Original movie, Out of My Mind, is coming to Hobart’s Parliament Lawns this weekend.
Variety Tasmania are encouraging families to bring a picnic and make a night of it on the evening of Sunday February 16.
Based on the bestselling novel by Sharon M. Draper, Out of My Mind tells the story of Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy who has a quick wit and a sharp mind.
Despite her non-verbal nature and use of a wheelchair, Melody is not given the same opportunities as her classmates.
When a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential, Melody starts to participate in mainstream education and shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
“We are really grateful that Disney has told this incredible story of the difference Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can make to a child’s life,” Variety Tasmania CEO Mohammad Aldergham said.
“Getting a film like this into the mainstream consciousness will really help people to understand the challenges that can face kids with disability and the need for more tailored programs such as the Variety Motor Mouth Camp.”
Variety helps children and their families with financial support and grants for items like the AAC devices when they can’t afford it and when government assistance isn’t available.
“We’ve got beanbags supplied and looking forward to a beautiful evening out on the lawns watching this amazing movie,” Variety’s Sarah Thomas said.
Tickets are recommended but not required for the free event, with around 200 to 300 people expected to attend.
“It’s going to be a really great atmosphere with a few little surprises thrown in,” Thomas said.
People are encouraged to bring a picnic and a rug or low chair, with the movie starting at 5:30pm.
