MILWAUKEE — The prom is one of the biggest highlights of high school.
But sometimes students with disabilities get left out of that memorable night.
Milwaukee Public Schools hosts a prom each year dedicated to students with disabilities. The district-wide prom is held in Milwaukee’s Washington High School. This year, about 200 students are expected to attend.
MPS special education teacher Heidi Cumbajin said the prom was created so everyone could feel included on the big night.
“It was originally started because kids with disabilities were left out of the high school experience or the prom… the regular prom just didn’t include them, for many possible reasons,” said Cumbajin.
Each year, Cumbajin’s classroom gets filled with prom attire donated by local businesses. Students pick their prom outfits and area tailors donate time for fittings.
Olivia Hudson is a senior at Washington High. She said she loves picking her prom dress each year and is excited for the big dance.
Hudson has an intellectual disability, but she doesn’t use that title as a label. Instead, she uses those words to empower herself and the people around her.
“You have to say, I know who I am, and I know that I’m smart, I’m very talented at anything I can do, and you just really have to push yourself hard, because if you don’t, no one else will,” said Hudson.
Hudson said she plans to come back to attend this event even after she graduates to lend a hand and enjoy the festivities.
The prom is on Friday, March 24. For more information on the transition program that supports the prom, click here.
