Monroe Township Community Affairs will host a free night of dancing for adults with physical and mental disabilities on Friday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Pfeiffer Community Center.
The event was created by community affairs to provide people with disabilities a place to gather with like individuals.
“There’s not much for people with disabilities in the area to do,” said Community Affairs supervisor Brandee Derieux. “So we decided to do an event three times a year for kids and adults.”
The kid version Derieux referenced has not yet been scheduled, but the May 15 dance is the second for adults. The events are designed with the needs of attendees in mind. Music will not play too loud and there will be no strobe lights, given that some people with disabilities are sensitive to them. Guardians are welcome.
“We make sure to watch that stuff since some adults still can’t handle it too well,” Derieux noted.
There will also be a sensory table at the event to provide relief, sensory items available for use, a selfie station and face painting.
“Around 60 to 75 people are expected to attend,” said Derieux. “Though the last one had over 100, since some of these people have helpers with them to provide assistance. It has slowly grown with each event since people really love it.”
Participants can register in advance through a Google Doc found on the community affairs Facebook page, where they can indicate whether they will need a guardian, possible food allergies, sensory issues other medical conditions. An emergency contact is required.
Other upcoming events include spring arts and crafts at the Pfeiffer Community Center on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m., and the Moving for Mental Health Walk on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m.
Participants enjoyed the Valentine’s Day dance for adults with disabilities in January. Another dance is scheduled for Friday, May 15.
