Prom event on Aug. 18 for people with special needs Attendees can also “Say Yes to the Dress” Aug. 6

In an effort to provide ongoing recreation and social opportunities for community members with disabilities, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and the City of Charleston Therapeutic Recreation Division invite people with special needs to a prom-themed celebration on Friday, Aug. 18.

People with special needs, their families and caregivers are invited to attend the event, held at Arthur W. Christopher Community Center in Charleston (265 Fishburne Street). The prom will be themed around a beach party celebration and will take place from 6-8 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be provided on site and a DJ will be on hand for entertainment. Tickets are $5 on site and $4 in advance.

Prior to the prom, attendees are encouraged to “Say Yes to the Dress” on Sunday, Aug. 6, where women can pick out complimentary evening wear for the upcoming event. This opportunity will be offered at Cypress Hall at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park from 1–4 p.m.

Register for the Special Needs Prom by calling 843-795-4386. Upon availability, tickets will also be sold on site. The Special Needs Prom and Say Yes to the Dress events are made possible through the help of many generous supporters including: Charleston Flower Market, which donates corsages for participants; Reinvented Resale, which donates formal dresses and jewelry; ReTrend, which donates display racks for the dresses and RCB Audio, which provides DJ services.

The Special Needs Prom is a joint effort between CCPRC’s AccessABILITY program and the City of Charleston’s Therapeutic Recreation Division. CCPRC’s AccessABILITY program strives to meet the growing needs of community members with disabilities. The program provides therapeutically-based recreation offerings for people with cognitive and physical disabilities to promote physical fitness, health, wellness, increased self-esteem and greater independence. Other CCPRC AccessABILITY program events include four Special Needs Swim Nights at Charleston County waterparks this summer. Remaining dates are July 15 at Whirlin’ Waters and July 29 at Splash Zone Waterpark. For more information on the City of Charleston’s Therapeutic Recreation Division’s offerings, visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

For more information on the Special Needs Prom, Special Needs Swim Night or any CCPRC program, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.