Do
you remember your prom night? Is there a smile on your face as the
memories of your prom flood back into your mind? Would you like to
help put a smile on the face of an intellectually or physically
challenged individual?
Prom
is an event that many of us look forward to in high school. It is a
night full of unforgettable fun memories.
I
remember getting ready for my own prom. We picked our dates, we went
shopping for dresses, we planned where we would get ready, and who
would ride together. Today prom has grown into an elaborate event.
The girls schedule appointments at salons. They hire professionals to
style their hair, makeup, finger nails and pedicures. Hundreds of
dollars are spent on formal dresses. Some couples even rent
limousines for the big day. Pictures of the couples are carefully
planned outside and staged inside with precision. Family and friends
crowd into bleachers to watch the prom premiere as if it was a
championship ballgame. During the premiere each prom couple is
introduced to the audience on the intercom. The announcer recites a
short synopsis of high school accomplishments as each couple is
presented to the audience. The couples walk arm in arm as the boys
escort their dates like proud peacocks. The multiple colors of the
girls dresses dance off the spot light as they elegantly saunter
down the runway living their own fairy tale. The parents are snapping
pictures nonstop as if their children are walking a Hollywood red
carpet award show. Parents, family and friends gather around the
couples at the end of the premier. They watch one by one as each
couple leaves to make their own prom memories.
Would
you be surprised that there are people that never had the opportunity
to attend prom? I know there are special needs adults that would love
to have the chance to dress up and experience the magical night of
prom. My daughter never attended prom, and I never had the pleasure of watching my daughter walk the “red carpet” at prom. Next month many
intellectually and physically challenge people in the Galesburg area
will be given the chance to take part in prom. Do you want to help
make a prom memory for an intellectually or physically challenged
adult?
This
is a good chance for you to make room in your closet? Unload those
formal dresses that are taking up space and donate them to a special
needs adult.
Email
Becca today !! rknaack@ddhomes.net
She
hopes to be able to receive enough donations of formal dresses and
male dress clothes for everyone to attend prom that wants to
participate.
Contact
Becca today to get all the details on how you can be a part of making
a prom possible for an intellectually or physically challenged
individual.
Becca was the June online support group speaker for parents/caregivers of special needs children and adults. She lives in Galesburg with her family. She is a recruitment specialist, and a mother of two children. When her son Steve was diagnosed with down syndrome it motivated her to start a non for profit organization. Her goal was to promote awareness and acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities. During the span of Bkids the group replaced library books on special needs subjects with updated material. They hosted fundraiser such as buddy walk and used the money to pass out helpful information to prospective special needs parents. Chris Burke the actor best known for Corky in the television series Life goes On visited on many occasions helping raise awareness for the special needs community.
The support group discussed the various volunteer positions and transportation that Becca’s son uses in Galesburg. Below is the link to Galesburg transportation services. My daughter was recently approved to use the handivan. Don't hesitate to apply it was an easy process.
Due to the 4th of July holiday the next online support group for parents/caregivers of special needs children and adults will be July 11th. More information in my next blog about the upcoming meeting.
Don't forget to contact KCCDD at (309) 344-1700 to get all the latest information about Kidz Camp.
You can also find information on KCCDD's facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/KCCDDinc/
