The People’s Arc of Suffolk hosts ‘Enchanted Garden’ prom for disabled students

People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a joyful and heartwarming prom at the People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center facility in Bohemia on Friday, June 6, marking the end of the school year for more than 30 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the school.  

Students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades dressed up for the ‘Enchanted Garden’ -themed event to sing and dance, both on foot and in their decorated wheelchairs, and posed for pictures with their families and teachers. A local DJ donated his time to provide the music and the room was decorated by teachers and volunteers.

“Our children deserve to have every experience that their counterparts in the district have. A prom is a part of that. It’s a special social event, a time to get out and play and have fun with their peers,” said Andrea Nickdow, vice president of children’s services for People’s Arc of Suffolk. “They’ve been talking about who’s going to wear what and making sure they are matching with their friends. They might not even use words to communicate it, but you can tell they’re excited.”

The People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center offers education and therapeutic services to students aged 5 to 21 with developmental disabilities.

“This event is a shining example of how The People’s Arc of Suffolk creates inclusive, empowering experiences for those they support every day,” said Dana Schillinger, director of curriculum and instruction at the People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center.