TAMPA, Fla. — Celebrating autism acceptance, the Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE) hosted its first-ever prom Saturday, April 26, at the Elks Lodge in Tampa.
As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, the prom, themed “The Neurodiverse Universe,” hosted the dance with the idea that everyone belongs and deserves to shine.
According to FACE, 26 students and 40 family members attended, enjoying space-themed décor and sensory-friendly accommodations designed to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.
FACE says the students were treated to donated dresses, makeup, and hairstyling services, ensuring they felt like stars on this special night, thanks to the support of volunteers and local businesses.
Watch footage from the prom, sent to ABC Action News by FACE, here:
“The inaugural prom marked an important milestone— one that honored friendship, individuality, and the power of inclusion,” said FACE in a news release.
To learn more about FACE or to support any future events, click here.
Brides, families fighting for refunds after event venue closes suddenly
“We’ve struggled so hard to scrape the money to be able to do this for her,” Irizarry said. “She’s my only girl and I wanted this so much for her.”
Couples and families who had weddings and events planned at a well-known venue that abruptly closed claim they’re out thousands of dollars and aren’t being given refunds. Annette Irizarry was supposed to hold her 15-year-old daughter’s quinceañera in August at the Clearwater location and said she’s now out the $6,160 she paid. Without that money, Irizarry said she can’t afford to have her daughter’s celebration somewhere else.
