RISE graduation held today in Tuscaloosa

Kids graduating from the University of Alabama's RISE program held a pretty entertaining dress rehearsal this morning.

Before kids walk across the stage for their diplomas tonight, they'll perform skits with singing and dancing. RISE helps children with and without disabilities prepare for entering school.

In some cases, classes are designed to help those with specific needs. The mother of one student explains how people there helped her son prepare for life.

"To see the accomplishments that so many of these kids have made, especially the ones that were told they would never do these things, it's very special," Elizabeth Bearden said.

RISE has been on the University of Alabama campus for 30 years. This year's graduation started at 6 p.m.

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