There’s Good News: ‘Permission to Dance’ Prom gives Central Oregon residents with disabilities a night to shine
Spencer Sacks
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The red carpet rolled out Saturday night at the Riverhouse Lodge for a special celebration, the second annual “Permission to Dance” prom, created for people with disabilities to enjoy a night of music, dancing, and connection.
From sparkling dresses to smiling faces, guests experienced a full prom experience — complete with a DJ, photo booth, food, and plenty of fun giveaways.
“I have been waiting for this day,” said Lydia, one of the prom participants. Another attendee, Makaio, said his favorite part was meeting the DJ and even getting a chance to pick a song to play.
The evening wasn’t just memorable for participants, but for their families as well.
“And just to bring some joy in the lives of these kids,” said Wendy Edde, mother of one of the participants. “It’s all inclusive, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together and really support.”
Volunteers and community members made sure every guest felt celebrated. Carlie Shields, who flew home from college just to help with the event, said it was worth every mile.
“It’s very meaningful, because it’s giving kids an opportunity to express themselves in ways they may not feel comfortable in other settings,” Shields said.
Of course, no prom would be complete without a King and Queen — and plenty of smiles on the dance floor.
Every person who attended left with a story to tell — and a memory to keep — from a night where everyone truly had “permission to dance.”
Earlier story:
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Second Annual Permission to Dance Prom will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Riverhouse in Bend, Ore. Due to the event’s popularity, it is currently full.
Scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the prom provides attendees with a traditional dance experience in a supportive and welcoming environment. The evening will feature a live DJ, an energetic dance floor, appetizers, desserts, and a photo booth to document the celebration.
KTVZ’s Spencer Sacks will be at the prom and will have a full report from the sights and sounds of the fun event. Tune in tonight for KTVZ News at 10pm on Fox and KTVZ News at 11pm on NBC.
The prom is completely free of charge for all participants. This accessibility is maintained through donations from individuals, businesses and community partners throughout Central Oregon’s three counties.
Major sponsors for the 2026 event include The Riverhouse and the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon. Various other organizations committed to inclusive community programming also provided support for the evening.
Robert Tadjiki, the event organizer, emphasized that creating environments where individuals with disabilities feel accepted requires active planning. He noted that the prom serves as a significant opportunity for connection within the region.
“Opportunities for individuals with disabilities to truly be themselves and feel accepted in their community don’t just happen—they take intention and effort,” Tadjiki said. “That’s what makes this night so meaningful. Permission to Dance Prom is a chance for people from across Central Oregon to experience the joy of dancing, connection and celebration. It’s not just a gift for those attending—it’s a reminder for all of us to celebrate life, inclusion and what it means to belong.”
Organizers hope to grow the event each year. They plan to use the annual celebration to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive community experiences for individuals with disabilities.