Special Needs Gala set for May 5 in Berea

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·3 min read

Apr. 25—Sierra Marling

School dances and celebrations are common coming-of-age events that most people share. However, not everyone can withstand the blaring music, flashing lights, overlapping sounds, navigate close-knit crowds or a dance floor.

For those students, medical barriers mark a clear boundary between those who can and those who can't.

Nicole Ingold is hoping to give children with moderate to severe disabilities (MSD) who might miss out on a chance to experience their own kind of party by throwing them a "typical" school dance in a safe environment called the Special Needs Gala.

The Special Needs Gala will be held May 5 from 6 — 8 p.m. at the Russel Acton Folk Center.

They will be able to dress up, socialize, and also retreat to calm spaces during the dance.

"We're sending out invitations to all of the MSD classrooms in Madison County," she explained, adding that there are many reasons why these students may have to miss out on a "typical" school dance.

"These are students that really can't be mainstreamed," she said. "Some of these kids have wheelchairs, or food tubes, and most of them have sensory issues. Their least restrictive environment is a separate classroom where the teachers and the paraeducators can really keep an eye on them."

According to Ingold, the event was inspired by her 14-year-old son, Ryan.

"He is very sensory sensitive. He has to wear sound-canceling headphones around if there's a lot of noise," she said. "I really wanted to create a comfortable space for him to be able to engage in a somewhat neurotypical event."

Ingold explained that a local therapy organization donates the use of sensory tools, such as dimming lights and calming mats and toys that will be used to create a "safe" space for attendees.

"It's just an escape for them if they get overly sensitive. What I found, actually, when we did this gala last year, is that these kids want to experience a "normal" event where they're celebrated, because they don't have people fighting for them a lot. They, a lot of times, get pushed into a dark corner of the school and everybody forgets about them — especially the older they get," she said.

This will be the second time the Special Needs Gala will be held. Ingold said it has only been possible due to partnerships from the Berea Police Department (BPD) and Berea Tourism.

She said the partnership between the organizations stemmed from questions she's been asking the Chief of Police about BPD's training regarding special needs people.

"Well, that chat turned into a field trip, and then it also turned into this gala to celebrate the students — not only to celebrate them, but also to bring in the city leaders to meet these students. So, when they are seen out in the community, they have a relationship already," Ingold recalled.

From there, she said the BPD and Berea Tourism partnered with her to make the event happen.

"They help fund it. They bring in their ideas and their creativity, and it's been amazing...We've had lots of ideas come in this year. We're planning to hire some actors to play Elsa and Anna from "Frozen," and they're going to greet the students," she said.

Dani Gift, Berea Tourism's Media Manager, echoed Ingold's statements.

"We are excited for the opportunity to show our support to the community by partnering with Nicole and Berea's MSD classrooms to bring a special evening to these students," Gift said.

Ingold said they welcome volunteers who would like to make encouraging signs saying things like, "You look great!" and to come early to cheer students on as they walk the gala's red carpet.

In addition, if homeschool or other alternative learning MSD children would like to attend, she may be contacted at ingoldnicole@yahoo.com or by phone at 859-353-7461.