At Rogers Centre Ottawa we’re always looking to share stories that celebrate community, innovation, and the people making real change and this one hit all the marks.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, we hosted the very first Pathways Prom. This isn’t your typical prom night. It’s something much more meaningful: a free, fully accessible, daytime prom created specifically for high school students with special needs.
The idea comes from the passionate team behind Prom Night Canada, who have produced thousands of proms across the country. While accessibility has always been one of their goals, they realized something needed to change. Despite best efforts, many students with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges were still missing out, unable to attend traditional proms because the spaces simply weren’t built with them in mind. Pathways Prom was created to change that.
Every part of the event was designed with inclusion at its core and included the following items:
- A DJ and dance floor for celebration
- Sensory-friendly activities
- Calm, quiet spaces for students who need a break
- Onsite support staff
- A fully accessible venue
It’s not just the event that’s impressive, it’s the community effort behind it. Ottawa-area school boards, the City of Ottawa, local partners, volunteers and some special guests; including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and The Ottawa Senators own Spartacat, came together to make this vision a reality.
But perhaps the most exciting part? This isn’t just a one-time event. The team at Prom Night Canada is hoping to turn Pathways Prom into a national model, one that can be replicated in cities across the country. Always free, always inclusive, and always led with care.
As the team says, “Every student deserves a prom.” And with this initiative from Prom Night Canada, that’s finally becoming a reality.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this amazing endeavor as it continues unfolds across the country. If you’re in the Ottawa area, know a student who could benefit, want to help spread the word, or get involved please contact Trevor Calof at trevor@studio44.ca.
Celebrating every student starts with moments like this.
