A local mother hopes to turn a simple yet powerful idea into a new annual tradition — a fully inclusive dance event designed to accommodate people of all abilities.

Chelsey Goodwin is in the early planning stages of launching “Molly & Elliot’s You Belong Dance,” envisioned as “a dance for every body.” The event, still seeking sponsors and a venue, would be intentionally structured to ensure individuals living with different abilities or additional support needs are not only invited, but fully included.

“I have two children with autism who are nonverbal. I have a boy and a girl, and they’re absolutely amazing,” Goodwin said.

Her children, Molly and Elliot, inspired the concept after Goodwin noticed that while Moose Jaw offers a variety of themed dances and community events, few are designed with accessibility and sensory needs at the forefront.

“I noted that … there wasn’t anything specifically for everybody, and every version of everybody with no judgment,” she said. “That is kind of what pushed me to explore the idea of having an all-inclusive dance.”

The vision includes many of the traditional elements of a school dance — a DJ, music, and lights — but with thoughtful adaptations. Goodwin said sensory considerations would be central to the planning.

She hopes to secure sponsorships to purchase noise-cancelling headphones and create a designated sensory space with dim lighting and a quieter atmosphere for anyone who needs a break from the stimulation.

An accessible venue remains one of the first hurdles. No date has been set, as sponsorship support will determine the location and scope of the event. Goodwin said she is open to indoor or outdoor options, as long as accessibility is prioritized.

“I’m hoping to find a venue that has accessible bathrooms and accessible areas for people in a wheelchair or not in a wheelchair as well, (including) a little extra space for a sensory area,” she said.

For now, she is calling on the community to help shape the event from the ground up.

“I think everything starts with an idea, and then you work as a community to make it come true,” Goodwin said. “I just feel that Moose Jaw is such a great community, and I’ve seen so many wonderful things happen as a parent to two kiddos with autism.”

Support could range from financial sponsorship and donated services to printing tickets or helping promote the event. Goodwin said inclusion also means being mindful of cost. She is exploring options such as sponsorship-supported tickets or pay-what-you-can pricing so that families are not excluded for financial reasons.

“Inclusion means accessibility in every way, including cost,” she added.

If funds remain after expenses, Goodwin plans to donate them to the Kinsmen Caf? on South Hill, which provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“We love the inclusion they bring and admire that they create opportunities year-round for individuals of all abilities,” she noted about the inclusion-focused caf?.

She added that kindness and understanding must remain at the centre of the effort.

“I just really want to stress that everyone be mindful of everybody’s abilities and needs, because even though they may not be visible, they’re there,” Goodwin said. “I just think we need to bring a lot more kindness into the world, and understanding with each other.”

More than anything, Goodwin said the dance is about belonging.

“This dance is (about) everyone coming together, and it’s not just Molly and Elliot. We all belong. It’s everyone’s dance. And I want everybody to be a part and for everyone to be involved,” she said.

Community members interested in sponsoring, volunteering, or collaborating can contact Goodwin at 306-630-4746 or by email at MindEmpowerME@outlook.com.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express