Special Ed Prom

     It's a very special time of year for the Best Buddies association. Prom is just around the corner. This is a different kind of prom than you would probably imagine. This is a prom for all the kids who don't tend to get the chance to go to a regular prom. It yanks at my heart strings, that's for sure. I can definitely say that I am one proud individual for being able to be a part of it.

     There are plenty of high schools around the country who have an autism support program called Best Buddies. The range of severity definitely depends on those who actually are allowed to attend the group. However, when they are together, no matter the severity, they always have fun!

     I know a thursday is an odd day to have a dance on, especially if you have school the next day, but none if them really cared. For someone like me, it's hard to think about the fact that a lot of these kids don't get to go to prom, or some even a school dance in general. It breaks my heart. So when I found out that there was a dance being held for them, I wanted to go all out. I puton my prom dress, pinned my hair back nicely, slipped shoes on and went to pick up my buddy. I wanted her to experience the actual feeling of going to a dance like we have at school. Therefore, I took her out to dinner before the dance. She was all dressed up and so excited to be wearing her fancy shoes without her braces (she wears a leg and arm brace). The smile on her face lit up the entire restaurant.

     After dinner we met up with the rest of the group that was taking the limo. She thought it was the coolest thing to ride in and couldnt believe she would be able to sit next to her boyfriens who was also attending the dance. When we got there, it was like any other dance I'd been to, yet better. In all honesty they got it good going to this dance. There were tables, a photo booth and refreshments! I was stunned at how well it was put together. After we got there my buddy barely paid any attention to me. But boy was it worth it to see her having fun with kids from other schools.

     That there is why I find this dance so special. Even though it's only for a few hours, during those hours there is nothing seperating them from the rest of the world. They are free from anything holding them down or back and they just get to have fun. Yes it is only a dance, but to them, that dance means the world and is so special. I definitely wouldn't have wanted to imagine myself anywhere else in the world.

Thank you Best Buddies Iowa. You guys rock!
~Hangin' from a clothesline