Graduating High School Seniors with Disabilities Can Win the Ultimate Prom Experience

Jan. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- TLC Mobility Foundation has announced that it will again host PromAbility™, a creative on-line initiative built on personal expression and social advocacy to support graduating high school seniors with disabilities as they prepare for higher education or entering the workplace.  

First introduced in 2009, PromAbility will be launched during Florida Disability History and Awareness Week, in October 2012.

TLC Mobility President, Lisa Hamilton-Johnson says “PromAbility focuses on the potential and abilities of people with disabilities and the added value they can bring to society as a whole when their ability is recognized and nurtured at a young age.”

According to the Florida Department of Education, approximately 375,000 K-12 students with disabilities are served in Florida schools.  Many of them, especially those with physical impediments are often unable to enjoy their own prom festivities due to lack of funds to cover the cost of special needs transportation and other necessities. Over a 7 months period, TLC Mobility will reach out to high school students with disabilities in Florida’s Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, with an unrivaled opportunity to win the ultimate prom experience as well as opportunities for mentorships with area businesses and professionals.

Students entering the contest are invited to submit their original essay, poem, or song via a video that responds to a pre-selected contest subject.  This year’s subject will be announced October 1, 2012.

In addition to the usual range of attractive prizes for winners such as limousine service for prom night, prom ticket, attire, hairstyling, accessories and electronic gifts, TLC has also announced one-on-one mentorships with area professionals for the grand prize winners.

Sponsorships
TLC Mobility has invited companies and individuals to sign on to help ignite the ability in young teens and promoting diversity through the array of sponsorship opportunities being offered.

“People with disabilities are among the most under-represented in the work environment and one way to change that is to support young people with disabilities as they prepare to enter the workforce helping them build confidence and skills through guidance and mentorships. As more of this population is employed and becomes successful, the workforce will become more friendly and accessible to others.” says Ms. Hamilton-Johnson, adding, “Let us not forget that there are real benefits in having a diverse and inclusive workplace.  A harmonious environment will improve overall performance.” Participation of corporate and individual sponsors will help provide prizes, support mentorships for the winners and the initiative’s finale − a gala evening celebrating ability amidst a vibrant partner showcase.  

Inspirational testimonials
PromAbility organizers also plan to integrate testimonials from high achievers with disabilities from a variety of fields to serve as an inspirational source for young teens to help them discover their passion, open doors they didn’t think possible and strengthen them as they embark on their new life’s journey.  The campaign will also make full use of social, teen and all other media opportunities during the campaign. In the meantime, South Florida high schools students and participants can keep track of developments at www.PromAbility.com.

For further information please contact: Lisa Hamilton-Johnson at 561.929.8950 or email Lisa@tlcmobility.org  
or Yvonne Duncan:  561.372.9196, email Yvonne@tlcmobility.org

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At TLC, we believe transportation is more than a ride. We use transportation services, events and activities throughout the year to create positive memories to promote the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities and those without disabilities into family, work and play — creating richer experiences for everyone. For more information on the TLC Mobility Foundation visit www.tlcmobility.org.