By: Jewel Dickerman
Music playing, students dancing, and the smell of good food. This sounds like your typical prom but, prom already happened. Technically yes and no. On May 5th, Wallenpaupack Area High School’s, WAHS Future Child Care Leaders of America (FCCLA) held a prom for WAHS’s special education program. It is amazing to see FCCLA do something like this because every student deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of attending a prom. For students in special education, the prom can be a meaningful and empowering event that allows the students to socialize, express themselves, and feel included in their school community. It can also be a chance for them to showcase their talents through dancing. Prom is an important milestone in many young people’s lives, and these students, we can help them feel valued, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. It’s an important step towards creating a more inclusive education system for everyone. Here are how some of the members of FCCLA feel about the prom they put on. Ayumi Schuster, who is a senior, said, “We did this to have a little day for the special education classes so they could have their own dance.”
Karen Guo, who is a senior, said the dance, “gives students the opportunity to have fun and experience relationship skills.” One of the students who was having a fun time on the dance floor said, “I’m always dancing!”
Keeping dances for special education kids is essential as it provides them with a sense of belonging and an opportunity to socialize. These dances are made to accommodate the unique needs and abilities of these students, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment that has positive interactions. They provide a platform for socialization, promoting self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills. Special education dances also promote inclusivity and acceptance, reducing the social isolation and stigmatization that these students often face. It is crucial to keep these events going as they provide a safe and supportive space for these students to express themselves, have fun, and make lasting memories with their peers.
