Dream date
LATHAM — Audrey Vasquez had never imagined that her daughter Maya would get to go to prom. Maya’s busy days of school and various therapies put her in a continuous loop of hard work alongside her peers, many of whom share similar experiences of being enrolled at The Center for Disability Services from a young age. Maya has been with the center since she was two.
Maya was born with cerebral palsy. Her parents, Eric and Audrey, were told not to have high expectations for Maya’s future. However, Maya has far exceeded those expectations with the determination and spirit of what Audrey describes as “the happiest kid.”
Since Maya started her journey with the Center for Disability Services in the preschool program, school has become one of her favorite places to be. “Having physical, occupational, and speech therapy along with other things since she was that age [two] to this day— she’s come a long way,” said Audrey.
Being surrounded by a good support system was essential. “They’ve played a large role,” said Audrey regarding the Center for Disability Services. “Personally, from our experience, the Center has been able to provide what Maya has needed. We feel very lucky and blessed for that. We’re lucky to have them as a part of her life to guide her and help her learn how to be part of the world around her.”
Now 15, Maya navigates in a power wheelchair and communicates with a speech device and sign language. She has had several intensive surgeries but has “recovered like a champ every time,” said Audrey. “There are things that I wouldn’t be able to handle personally, and she’s taken them in stride, coming out stronger on the other side. She always amazes us with what she’s capable of and how she handles things.”
In June, the Center for Disability Services and NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) joined forces to host a prom night for students with disabilities. Thirty-five high school-aged students from the Center’s Langan School, including four 2024 graduating seniors, attended with family members, Center staff, and representatives from NYSID. The attendees included Maya and her parents.
“Everyone should be able to experience the joy a prom can bring. The individuals attending this prom give so much to their families and their friends at the Center for Disability Services, and this is one simple way we can give back,” said NYSID President and CEO Maureen O’Brien.
“It’s not something that she gets to have every day,” said Audrey. “It’s always work, therapy, and important doctor’s appointments. To be able to step back and give her that break to do something that’s exciting was cool.”
“All of these young people more than deserve the opportunity to step back from all of that stuff and cut loose, have a good time, be with their peers, and do something exciting and fun that they’re all enjoying,” added Audrey. “To be able to take a break from the day-to-day and everything that they’re used to, separate from that, and enjoy themselves— they’re the happiest kids, and they deserve it. They work so hard.”
When Audrey was told about the prom, she described the ‘heartwarming’ experience as a parent getting to witness Maya’s joy firsthand. Maya was ‘thrilled’ when she heard the news about the prom, immediately launching into preparations.
For the Vasquez family, like many of the families that take part in the Center’s work, this is another milestone event in their children’s lives. Maya is accustomed to exceeding expectations and achieving her goals, but, for Audrey, it’s still fulfilling to see every time.
“For everything that she was told she would never do, she surpassed that in so many ways,” mused Audrey. “We want her to be the best that she’s able to be, and she’s very much on her way to that.”
For Maya, it was pure excitement, which was heightened by the preparations. Trying on prom dresses at the store was not possible due to the lack of accessibility; however, the Vasquez family came up with a solution: they would buy the dresses, take them home to try on, and return the dresses that Maya didn’t like.
“It was a couple of trips to the store back and forth. Maya would indicate what she was interested in trying on and what she wanted absolutely no part of; she’s very big on her fashion and her looks,” said Audrey. “She has a say in everything.”
By the second trip, they found the dress that was just right: a lilac-colored gown strewn with florals and silvery embroidery. “She truly does enjoy that getting-ready moment,” said Audrey. “Just being a young girl getting ready for something exciting. She loved every part of it, from getting dressed to getting her hair and makeup done to putting on her shoes. It was a heartwarming experience to get to see her enjoying that moment.”
The prom, which took place at the Holiday Inn Express in Latham, featured music, cupcakes, dancing, photos, and more festivities for the attendees to participate in. “It was super fun,” said Audrey. “Maya loved dancing. She was on the dance floor the entire time with her friends. It was everything that it could have been, and it was great.”
“The Langan School Albany Prom was nothing short of magical for our students and their families,” said Gregory Sorrentino, President and CEO of the Center for Disability Services. “The venue was accommodating and welcoming, the music, food, and atmosphere were fitting of a prom event, and the prom attendees were excited and appreciative of the opportunity to share in their special evening.”
Meanwhile, Maya is already looking forward to the next dances planned by the Center. “It’s much needed, much deserved, and much appreciated,” said Audrey regarding the prom. “I’m thankful that she was able to have that experience.”
