Contact: Mitch Leff, (404) 861-4769 (cell), mitch@leffassociates.com

All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) honored Special Olympics World Games Gold Medalist Will Crain and his parents, Stacey and Scott Crain, at its annual Legacy Breakfast at the Atlanta History Center on Oct. 15. 

This event highlights the work of AADD and its family support, advocacy and community engagement programs for families living with developmental disabilities. Carmen M. Bethel and Bernadette J. Faber were co-chairs of the event.

Will Crain was diagnosed at six days of age with Urea Cycle Disorder, a rare genetic disorder of the liver that prohibits the processing of protein in the diet. He was in hospitals often his first ten years and hardly had enough energy to walk. 

A liver transplant in 2007 saved his life and gave him the ability to compete in the Special Olympics, where he’s won multiple medals in kayaking: Two gold medals at the Georgia State Kayak Invitational, a gold in the two-man kayak 200m race, and a gold in the 500m single at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles held this past July. 

Sharing the award with Will were his parents, Scott and Stacey Crain. Since Will was born, Stacey and Scott have been advocates for him and for other children with developmental disabilities. Scott is a Parent Mentor and Special Olympics Coordinator for the Hall County School System in Gainesville, Ga.

“Will Crain’s success and his parents’ support are a testament to what can be accomplished for Georgians with developmental disabilities by engaged community volunteers. We’re proud of the work the entire Crain family has done to contribute to the progress made in this area, and to heighten awareness of the work yet to be done,” said AADD executive director Kathy Keeley. 

About All About Developmental Disabilities

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing family support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities.  

Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic intellectual and/or physical disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities. Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities. These disabilities manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go to www.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.