This weekend will be a chance for children with disabilities across the Capital Region to relax and celebrate important teenage milestones.
This weekend will be a chance for children with disabilities across the Capital Region to relax and celebrate important milestones.
The Kevin G. Langan School for Disability Services will hold its annual prom on Friday, which will be hosted by the New York State Industry Association for People with Disabilities and held at the Holiday Inn Express in Latham.
The center also hosted a prom for students this year at the Prospect Center in Queensbury.
Maya Vasquez, 15, and her mother, Audrey, can’t wait to see their daughter dress up and attend her first prom.
“I never thought we’d get to experience prom with Maya,” Audrey Vasquez said.
Maya was born with cerebral palsy. She spent many weeks of her life in hospital and underwent major surgery. She started attending Langan School when she was two years old and is now achieving far beyond any expectations of what she could do.
“They have worked so hard to raise Maya and she has adapted to the world around her better than we ever expected,” Audrey said.
Prom felt like it would give Maya and her family a chance to focus on celebrating her accomplishments.
“As a parent of a child with a disability, there are so many daily priorities that have to take precedence over fun, and it’s unfortunate, but it’s reality,” Audrey said.
Prom features a DJ, dancing and a masquerade ball – it’s a beloved annual tradition among students.
“All students are eligible to attend prom, and Langan School students, like any other teenager at this time of year, are really excited to dress up, hang out with their friends, dance and do some really fun activities,” said Ann Schneider Costigan, spokesperson for the Disability Services Center. “To experience this joy, celebrate this milestone and have these memories is very special for all of us here.”