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Charleston County, city to host prom for members of community with disabilities

Post & Courier - 8/5/2017

By day, the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center in Charleston is a place for fitness and education. But for one night next month, it will be transformed into a beach paradise for people with disabilities.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation and the city will host a prom for people with special needs on Aug. 18.

In addition to a night of fun, the celebration aims to give those with cognitive and physical disabilities recreational and social opportunities.

The prom will be held at the center on Fishburne Street from 6-8 p.m. Music, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

People of all ages, including family members and caregivers, are invited. Chaperones are required for attendees under age 15.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $4 by calling 843-795-4386. They will be sold for $5 on site, if still available.

About 300 people are expected to attend, said Sarah Reynolds, a spokeswoman for the county parks.

Several local groups also plan to donate corsages and formal dresses for the prom.

Attendees can pick out a complimentary dress to wear to the event from 1-4 p.m.Aug. 6 at Cypress Hall in North Charleston.

The county's Park and Recreation Commission and the city's Therapeutic Recreation Division partnered to host the event. Through the county's AccessABILITY program, the prom is a chance to promote health, increase self-esteem and support independence for people with disabilities.

Melissa Bernhardt, the festival and events coordinator, for the county parks, had the idea to host a prom because some of these people may have not been able to attend a traditional prom. The first one was hosted in 2013.

Past prom themes have included an '80s prom and Mardi Gras.

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