Dance for the Disabled

          

                When I was in high school, I was a member of the National Honor Society and one year we decided to put on a dance for people who were cognitively disabled. The honor society had done this in the past, but hadn’t done one in the recent years and we wanted to try to start it up again. We would pick a theme, decorate, make and cater food, get a D.J, and then advertise and send invites to local areas. It was such a fun night because we would mingle and dance with all the guests and they just had fun dancing and socializing with each other. I think this is a great activity that can be put on anywhere and although dances aren’t exactly innovative, the idea that we had one specifically for people with cognitive disabilities to come together, have fun and socialize was unique. It also gave us a chance to integrate with them and have fun.

                Putting on a disabled dance could be easy and very worthwhile. I believe it could also teach people valuable skills such as social skills. Giving people who have cognitive disabilities a chance to get together, socialize and have fun is good for them and can help them become more social and work on appropriate behavior. People with cognitive disabilities can sometimes be more touchy and personable which can make people in the public feel a bit uncomfortable. At an outing made just for them, however, it allows them to be themselves around each other and not worry about being judged by outsiders who may not understand them.  Also, by integrating people who don’t mind socializing and working with them, they don’t feel segregated because of their disabilities.

                Dances for the disabled could be put on for any kind of disability pretty much! You could put one on for all disabilities or stick to certain ones such as a dance for people with spinal cord injury, youth at risk, or geriatrics. Sometimes having a dance for specific populations is good because it is focused for them and they can all feel on the same page and just have fun. Sometimes it is also nice to have them for all disabilities to bring everyone together and make them feel united. There are some precautions that may need to be taken such as chaperones to make sure everyone acts appropriately and nothing gets out of control. Also, proper decorations and equipment must be used so there are no injuries or accidents. Music and any games should also be kept appropriate for either the ages or abilities of the guests. When all safety and precautions are consider and proper planning has been made, you can relax, have fun, and enjoy the dance with your guests!