Buddy Ball, which took place on May 23, is an event for ACT students across the district to attend a dance event tailored more to their needs than ASB-planned events, The Differences Among Us president, senior Carlie Breiner said.

“It’s a space where [ACT students] can dance,” Breiner said. “They can also have a social event that is more inclusive to them. We dim the lights, just to make sure that it’s accessible and accommodating to all of their needs.”

Breiner said the two most difficult parts of planning were the attention to detail required and the generation of new ideas to make the experience unique for repeat attendees.

“This year, we had a photo booth, and it was really fun. We also did balloon animals because [the event] was safari themed,” Breiner said. “We had this big line [made out of] a bunch of hand prints, where attendees could write what makes them happy on each of the hands. Then they came together to make a really cool lion.”

TDAU social media manager, freshman Tayla Yip said the new officer team planned Buddy Ball by following instructions outlined by previous officers while continuing to pitch new ideas. Officers had to accommodate triggers that ACT students may be sensitive to and establish measures to ensure students’ safety, Yip said.

“I’ve pitched ideas such as the games that we did [and] the lion hands that we did,” Yip said. “We were going to do things like pin the tail, but we were scared it was dangerous, so we resorted to a face painting station.”

At the event, TDAU activities director, freshman Ethan Young said people signed up to manage various games, such as cornhole, chess and checkers.

“My role was with the board games, like small games we had at Buddy Ball,” Young said. “I stood there, interacted with [the buddies], taught them how to play the game, played with them and just made sure they had a good time too.”

Personally, Breiner said her motivation to plan and improve events like Buddy Ball comes from her sister, who has autism.

“I’ve always heard [my sister] talk about how it’s really fun to hang out with a bunch of people, especially those who are neurotypical,” Breiner said. “So, to provide students like her with the opportunity to be able to engage with different people on campus that they might not necessarily be able to engage with typically … is really fulfilling.”