Young people living with disabilities make their debut at Coffs Harbour's first all-inclusive debutante ball.

Christine Davis never thought she'd see her granddaughter Kaitlan getting dolled up in a puffy white dress for her grand debutante debut.  

While debutante balls have been celebrated around the country for years, Ms Davis found none of the traditional balls accommodated for the 19-year-old's disability.

"It's something that our young people don't get the opportunity to do. Dress up, feel pretty and enjoy a day with their friends just being themselves," Ms Davis said.

Kaitlan (Above, second from left) was born with a rare chromosomal anomaly that has impacted her development.

She also has a range of other disabilities, which have resulted in a steady decline in her health in recent years.

Ms Davis and her husband Will saw an all inclusive debutante ball as an opportunity to celebrate her vibrant personality and give her a moment to shine.

"I'm hoping she can look to the future and enjoy what days we have left with her," Ms Davis said.

Making an inclusive ball a reality:

Ms Davis realised many other parents of young people with disabilities in the community also wanted to be able to give them a debutante ball experience. 

The collective efforts of Coffs Coast Autism, parents and support workers saw the all-abilities debutante ball brought to life.

While the fanfare and attire remained the same, the ball catered to the varying ages, genders, and abilities of its debutantes.

Each debutante was announced in a subdued manner and given the support needed to walk the stage in their own time.

There was no customary curtsy, as a number of debutantes weren't able to stand or walk unassisted.

A sensory play area was also set up for those needing a quiet spot away from the excitement.

Volunteer organiser Lee-Ann Lloyd said the community was inspired to create a space for inclusive events in Coffs Harbour.

"I really enjoy being a part of anything that gives anybody an opportunity to do something that maybe the rest of us take for granted," Ms Lloyd said.

Living out a dream:

While local mum Lyn Legge (Above right with daughters)  never experienced her own debutante debut, the all-abilities ball allowed her to share that experience with her daughters Tiana and Hannah. 

"I didn't get to make my deb and so I thought it would be really nice for them. It's something they'll be able to look back on and feel really proud of themselves," Ms Legge said.

As the ball was open to debs of all ages, it meant 17-year-old Tiana and 23-year-old Hannah could make their sibling debut.

"It's been really exciting. Trying dresses, working out how they're doing their hair … I don't think we've put so much planning into anything!" Ms Legge said.

The uniquely inclusive atmosphere and familiar faces in the crowd meant the bashful sisters could make their debut with confidence.

"People will accept them for who they are without any judgement. I know all the other people there are as excited and pleased for them as we are," Ms Legge said.

A ball like no other:

On the big night, joy and electricity buzzed through the room.

As the debs gathered their corsages and gracefully walked the stage, it was the confident smiles on their faces that stole the night.

It's hoped this year's debutante ball will inspire future inclusive events for the region.

"I believe what it does is give people in the community who have young people with disabilities a little bit of hope that their young people will grow up in a community that is supportive,' Ms Lloyd said.

Original Story By | Samantha Aishia