Ottawa prom made to include everyone with all abilities

Prom Night Canada hosts a prom for students who require certain accommodations. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

A group in Ottawa hosted its first-ever prom made to accommodate those with accessibility barriers.

Pathways Prom is an event for high school graduates that is meant to make everyone feel included, even with the physical, sensory or cognitive barriers they may face that would prevent them from attending a traditional prom.

Prom Night Canada put the event together along with Ottawa school boards, the City of Ottawa and community volunteers on Monday at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa.

Thirteen students that have completed high school, along with 48 of their friends, got to join in the celebrations

“Super important that everyone gets to enjoy prom and through working with so many different high schools, it’s a big part of what we believe in - inclusion and accessibility,” said Trevor Calof, organizer of Pathways Prom with Prom Night Canada.

“Every student deserves to be celebrated, so creating a space like this just allows us to celebrate, every single student,”

Calof says this is the first year of many to come and is looking to grow this event through the community.

“The kids were super excited to come. We have five students here today, one of which is graduating, and they haven’t had the opportunity to celebrate their graduation with their fellow classmates. It was really fantastic to bring our class, as well as other specialized programs together to allow them this opportunity,” said schoolteacher Darcelle Mccutcheon.

The daytime prom featured a DJ, a dance floor, sensory-friendly activities, calm spaces and onsite support staff to ensure every student can participate and enjoy.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe attended to deliver a prom presentation. Ottawa Senators mascot Spartacat also made an appearance.

“We really didn’t know what to expect,” said Calof.

“The reaction right off the bat was everyone was so excited. Just seeing the students arrive today, I’ve never seen so many excited students. Everyone was clapping on their way into the room.”

Visit promnight.ca for more information.