Inclusive prom gives students with special needs a celebration designed just for them

Prom is a rite of passage for many teens, but a unique party is giving everyone the chance to make memories without barriers. CTV’s Leah Larocque reports.

For many graduating students, prom is a milestone marked by music, dancing and lasting memories. On Monday, students with special needs and disabilities were able to experience that tradition in a setting created specifically with their needs in mind.

Pathways Prom held the event at Rogers Place. The event is an inclusive, free, daytime prom designed for Ottawa high school students with special needs and disabilities.

Organized by Prom Night Canada, the event provides a fully accessible, sensory-friendly celebration where graduates can enjoy all the excitement of prom in a comfortable and supportive environment.

“It’s my last year for school and I’m 21 now so, what we’re about to go through is the last final day (and) an amazing prom,” said graduate Max Nantel, who was excited to celebrate alongside friends and fellow students.

Nantel, who has faced challenges throughout his school years, said the event highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing people of all abilities.

“My special needs is a bit of dyslexia, frustration problems, anger problems,” he said. “It’s important that we remind ourselves that people with special needs matter.”

The idea for Pathways Prom grew out of the work of the team behind Prom Night Canada, which has produced thousands of proms across the country.

“We’ve recently been on a mission of let’s make sure every student can attend prom.” said organizer Trevor Calof.

Every aspect of the event was built around inclusion. Students enjoyed a DJ and dance floor, sensory-friendly activities, quiet spaces for those needing a break from stimulation, onsite support staff and a fully accessible venue.

“It’s everything down to the level of music, the volume level of music, the types of lighting,” says Calof.

“We have everything on a slow fade rather than a flash. Those are certain things to take into consideration.”

Calof says there are also activities for students who don’t wish to dance.

“We have some trampoline and some exercise balls for everyone to go hang out, and different types of seating options,” Caloff said.

For some students, having access to quiet spaces made all the difference.

“It’s amazing. It’s amazing,” one student said while taking in the festivities.

Evelyn, one of the attendees, said anxiety can make large social events overwhelming.

“My anxiety [gets] over every time, and I have a hard time, so I have to wear my headphones every time,” she said.

For educators, the event is an opportunity to recognize years of hard work and personal growth.

Keith Rowe has worked with graduate Madison for five years and said seeing her reach this milestone has been rewarding.

“I’ve seen so much growth and excitement, and it’s marvelous what she’s accomplished,” Rowe said. “Throughout this time, she’s taught me so many things, and now I get to celebrate her rite of passage from graduating this year.”

For families, the event offers something many students with disabilities have historically been excluded from — the chance to fully participate in a cherished high school tradition.

“Everyone gets it. So why can’t they have it?” said Joey Stevenson. “Prom’s a big thing for everybody. Why can’t they celebrate too?”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was on hand to help hand out the graduating sashes.

“This is really one of my favorite events of the year. It’s so special and it’s so touching and heartwarming to see these students graduating from high school and the others who have finished another year, and they get to have a prom and celebrate and see how proud everybody is of them for all of their hard work,” Sutcliffe said.

Laurie Tyo is a special education consultation and transition navigator at the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

“Our board theme this year is ‘building bridges’ and that’s something I’m very mindful of as a transition navigator is building the bridge from school life to adult life and post-21 life for the students who are graduating from us at this time. And it’s really important to celebrate all of those students today here,” Tyo said.

Tyo says once the students graduate, their futures can vary.

“It depends on their pathway. Some students will go into a day program. Some students are ready and have the skills to go into the world of work. Some students might go to a college program. There are different residential programs that they might want to get on to a wait list for.”

For Nantel, the day was also an opportunity to thank the people who have guided him along the way.

“I have people who helped me in school, and I have people outside of school that help me as well,” he said.

“I have very good family members. I have to give a lot of credit to my mother, who showed me a large part of my life and what it means to be happy.”

For one afternoon in Ottawa, the dance floor belonged to everyone.

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