Occupational Therapy Department Hosts Inaugural ‘Once Upon A Time’ Prom

Occupational Therapy Department Hosts Inaugural ‘Once Upon A Time’ Prom

On Friday, April 12, the D’Youville Occupational Therapy department hosted the inaugural Once Upon a Time prom for members of the Fantastic Friends of Western New York community.  

Students enjoyed food, music, and the company of princes and princesses during the event held in the new, sixth floor D’Youville Academic Center study and event space.  

“People affected by special needs often encounter barriers, such as isolation from peers, social and physical deficits, medical needs, and [a lack of] available opportunities,” said Erin Lafferty, assistant clinical professor in the occupational therapy department. “The goal of the partnership between D'Youville and Fantastic Friends is to remove these barriers, and this event did exactly that. The success of this partnership was immediately evident from the feedback we received from parents, caregivers, and the students that attended.” 

This unique event also offered the D’Youville students who organized the prom to build on the soft skills employers are seeking.   

“Students take on active leadership roles, all while considering the needs of the Fantastic Friends community. This requires problem solving, utilizing information learned from coursework, and social responsibility,” Lafferty added. 

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