By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Proms are full of glamour, limo rides, music and dancing.
It’s what many cherish in the moment and revel in as a memory when the music stops and tuxes have to be returned.
Although what’s often forgotten is that a large group of people with special needs are often unable to attend such an event. In some cases, the characteristics that define the prom’s enjoyment can be the reasons why those with special needs don’t attend.
For some, the music, lights, darkness, and noise is overwhelming while the large crowd of people can make those with special needs uncomfortable.
It’s this sort of forgotten population that inspired Rev. John Ball, an associate pastor at Lake Orion United Methodist Church (LOUMC), along with his staff to create a prom for people with special needs.
“One of the things that I noticed early on when we got into this world is that often times in our culture is we look at people and provide things for individuals based on what they can give back,” Ball said. “Often the special needs community gets excluded from a lot of things.”
The prom, which is themed around royalty, will have a decorative red carpet at the entrance and a photographer taking formal photos. It intends to be the social event of the season for the special needs community and that’s especially true for a 20 year-old Orion Township resident.
Kevin is looking forward to two things during the prom on Friday, May 13 and neither of which have anything to do with the fact that he has autism. He’s looking forward to dancing to the Cha Cha Slide and looking fancy, but he says not too fancy.
“Kind of like a waiter,” he said jokingly.
According to Ball and Kevin’s mother, Stacy Solomon, the prom creates an environment where those with special needs are accepted and provides a night where the attendees forget they have special needs.
“As a parent I feel blessed that the church is giving my son such a great opportunity and providing him with an unforgettable, friendly, positive experience,” Soloman said. “I think the most amazing thing is it’s free of charge which might be an issue for some families and they have this comfortable accepted area for them to go to.”
Kevin went last year, the first year it was hosted at the church, and this year he’s preparing to dust off the classy black slacks, matching vest and dress shoes. He won’t sit in the corner either. According Solomon, Kevin has been a dancer his entire life and in addition to the Cha Cha Slide, he said he loves to dancing to Flo Ride and Usher.
“It was awesome. I got see all my pals at the dance,” he said. “I’ve always loved dancing and I’m excited to dance this year.”
The six-year Olympian with the Special Olympics is clearly not defined by his autism. His mind is an endless hard drive of retention, song lyrics, and a wide array of information. You’d never know in conversing with him that it took a chance vacation to Disney World at five years-old for Kevin to learn to speak.
And although he’s gone through extensive training to develop his flowing vocabulary, Kevin is also very self conscious because he knows he has special needs. It’s in this instance where Soloman believes the prom accomplishes much more than just a place to dance.
“Special needs kids and adults tend to be isolated and they tend not be invited to birthday parties and maybe have some of the same experiences as their peers,” she said. “They always want to be included and they want the same thing everyone else wants, which is to be accepted.”
The church, which is located at 140 E. Flint Street in downtown, will provide a sensory room for those who are overwhelmed by the dancing atmosphere. But one of the main features of the prom is the event taking place beforehand.
Ball and the volunteers from the church have arranged for a complete beauty bar for all the ladies attending the prom. At no cost to the ladies, they can have a pampering of complete makeup and hair styling.
“You have all these young women being pushed in on wheel chairs and others with special needs and they walk in and they’re made to feel like they’re the best thing in the world,” Ball said. “They’re pampered on, they’re taken care of, they’re loved and it’s just incredible.”
Solomon added:
“They feel like a million dollars, they feel like a king and a queen and I just think that the whole theme and everything just elevates the level of the experience,” she said. “If they can feel the open heart, then they will give you even more than you ever know you’d get from them.”
The beauty bar will be available for the ladies starting at 5 p.m. and the prom runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees have to be 16 to 40-years old and anyone seeking more information are encouraged to contact Rev. Ball at 248-693-6201.
Guests can also register online at royalnight.eventzilla.net.