Student-organised ball “a real treat” for IDEA clients

Student-organised ball “a real treat” for IDEA Services clients

About 60 Dunedinites with intellectual disabilities will take to a red carpet laid in their honour this week, as they attend a ball organised for them by Occupational Therapy students from Otago Polytechnic.

They will be accompanied by their IDEA services support workers on their evening out this Thursday 12 May at the Sargood Centre. They will enjoy live music, refreshments and will be able to make use of a photo station to ensure some lasting mementos of the night.

Eleanor Doig from IDEA Services says attending a ball is a social high point for any person.

“It’s a chance to dress up, go out with friends and have music, flowers and photos – a real treat!” she says. “The people we support often have less opportunity for such occasions than many others, so it means a great deal to them – and the staff who support them – for these young Occupational Therapy students to spend all the time and energy involved in setting up and running this Ball.”

And it’s an exciting experience for the students involved, too.

“We are really looking forward to hosting the ball-goers and ensuring they have a special night of fun and enjoyment,” says Edward Leach, one of the student organisers.
The ball is one of six events organised by the group of 60 first-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students to support local charities or causes.

The others are a quiz night and raffle to raise funds for the Dunedin Physio Pool; a candle-making workshop to raise funds for the Cancer Society; a winter warmers workshop for the Dunedin Night Shelter Trust; a dreamcatcher workshop to raise funds for Autism New Zealand; and a Paralympic Games showcase.

“The theme of this project is ‘making a difference’, and the students have devised and developed all of these events themselves,” explains Senior Lecturer, James Sunderland. “It’s a great way for students to learn more about their communities and build relationships ahead of their second semester fieldwork placement, which will see them work within a community group for 14 weeks.”

IDEA Services Ball
Thursday 12 May, 6.00pm-8.00pm
Sargood Centre, Logan Park

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