It is almost October 31st, which means that it is almost Halloween, and I am SO EXCITED! Spooky decorations, Halloween parties, and fantastic costumes are in full swing. It’s a season where everyone, regardless of age, can join in the festive fun. But can people with disabilities join in as well? For those seeking inclusive and adaptive Halloween ideas, I’ve got you covered. Here are the best ideas I’ve seen to help everyone enjoy Halloween to the fullest.
Costumes:
There are many aspects of Halloween that can be exclusive. As such, they may need to be adapted to be inclusive for kids (and adults) of all abilities. The most important, and likely time-consuming part, is your Halloween costume. Searching and finding the perfect costume is always a feat.
I’m from Winnipeg, where we often had snowstorms around Halloween. So we always had to think about how to adapt costumes to fit under a snowsuit. This is the first year I’ve had to consider how to adapt my costume to fit my disability.
Because I have a feeding tube in my abdomen, there are certain types of clothing I can’t wear. For example, high-waisted bottoms and crop tops where the material ends where the feeding tube are too irritating to wear. Very tight clothing that completely covers the tube is also usually too painful to wear. Anything that rubs against it is a no-go. Even things like cross-body purses don’t work for me. So, this year, I need an adaptive costume.
What is an adaptive Halloween costume?
Everyone wants to have a fun Halloween. Adaptive Halloween costumes are made to accommodate those with disabilities, including people in wheelchairs, those with sensory needs, or other conditions. These costumes focus on easy access and comfort. They have accessibility features that may include things like stretchy and comfortable fabrics. They might have removable accessories or hidden openings for medical devices, such as feeding tube access. Or they might be designed for easy dressing or to fit over mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
Adaptive clothing is designed for people who have specific needs that traditional clothing cannot accommodate. It may make it so that the clothing fits better, modifies it to allow easier access to things like G-tubes or ports through open backs or hidden flaps, is easier to put on for those with difficulties dressing themselves due to disability or mobility issues, or accommodates aids.
My number one tip is to think through your costume and try it on before you head out, whether that be to a Halloween party or trick-or-treating. Because costumes often involve things we don’t normally wear, like hats, props, and other accessories, you may not even realize how annoying or painful a part may be until you try it.
For example, I also can’t have a costume that would require me to carry a prop all night. I get tired easily. It is difficult for me to hold things for very long. Last year, I was Little Red Riding Hood, and my cat was the wolf in grandmother’s clothing. I carried her around in a basket all evening. I would definitely not be able to do that this year.
Disability-Friendly Costumes:
Get creative with do-it-yourself (DIY) costume ideas! These can be easily customized to suit individual needs. From friendly ghosts to literary characters, DIY costumes provide a personal touch and endless possibilities for adaptation. I think this is the easiest way to get inclusive costumes, because you can ensure it has what you need. It also gives you the most costume options. For example, even though I have a feeding tube, my perfect halloween costume does not need to accomodate feeding tubes, because I only use mine overnight and won’t need access during the day or evening. Making your own costumes allows you extra flexibility to include the adaptive features that you need.
Costumes that accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices have gained popularity for their inclusivity. From a magical Cinderella carriage to a pirate ship, the great options are endless. Transform your loved one’s wheelchair into the centerpiece of their costume, giving them a unique and memorable Halloween experience. Consider using items like decorated walkers or mobility devices as part of the costume.
Sometimes, a small accessory can make a big impact. Inclusive costume accessories like hats, wigs, masks, or props can be easily adapted for any individual, regardless of their abilities.
Adaptive Costumes for Kids:
Ensure your little ones are comfortable and confident this Halloween with adaptive costumes designed with sensory-friendly features. These costumes often include tagless designs, flat seams, and easy-on, easy-off options, making it a perfect choice for children with sensory sensitivities. It’s so important to have a comfortable costume, especially if they will be wearing it for an extended period of time.
There is a wide variety of adaptive clothing now. They include things like zippers that can be pulled with one hand, magnetic buttons or Velcro closures, or clothing that can be put on with one hand or while seated.
If your child wants a specific costume that may not have the most friendly material, instead of getting a perfect fit, get one a size bigger. This way they can fit a comfortable layer or soft materials underneath against their skin.
Group Costume Fun:
A group costume is an excellent way to promote inclusivity and foster a sense of togetherness. Coordinate themed costumes with friends or family to ensure everyone feels like they’re part of the Halloween excitement. This way, you can still have a big impact even if you can’t wear a full costume.
Where Can I Buy an Adaptive Costume?
If you’re not into the DIY, there are several major retailers that have large adaptive costume sections with many of our favorite characters. As an added bonus, most of these are also online retailers, and you can order your costume online, which works well if you don’t need to try it on in person.
For example, Party City has options to turn your wheelchair into different carriages, like an Ice Carriage from Disney’s Frozen, a Batman Batmobile, or a Paw Patrol Car.
Target also has a large selection of adaptive costumes. Some Target inclusive halloween costumes include ones from movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more general costumes like a bumblebee, a shark, and a unicorn.
Disney:
Disney has adaptive costumes for Cinderella, Spider-man, and Minnie Mouse, as well as several wheelchair covers, including a Cinderella Coach and a Buzz Lightyear Spaceship.
In a September 2023 Disney Parks Blog Post, Ariella Hendrix, licensed costumes product design manager for Disney’s Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, was interviewed. She oversees the development of licensed Halloween costumes and roleplay items for Disney.
She has been championing inclusivity throughout her career, and is growing Disney’s collection of adaptive costumes and wheelchair wraps. Ariella said that Disney wants “to ensure that children with disabilities have costumes that specifically meet their needs”, and that “It all comes back to a desire to develop costumes that make individuals feel truly represented”.
Easy Halloween Costume Ideas:
Do what’s most comfortable for you! If you still want to participate but don’t want to put tons of effort into dressing up, fear not!
There are so many costumes where you can wear pajamas or sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Some ideas include:
- Cats, bats, or other animals
- Ghosts or witches
- Sleeping beauty
- Lumberjack (throw on a flannel)
- Angel or devil (just wear white or red)
Halloween Activities:
People with sensory issues may be easily triggered. There are so many new things happening, like Halloween set-ups, such as fog machines, loud noises, and flashing lights. Some children with sensory sensitivities may not be able to wear certain costumes or may feel overwhelmed on Halloween night due to all the new experiences. Some children may require a sensory-friendly costume.
- Allow your child to touch costumes in the store and choose which one they think will be most comfortable. See if you can find a store that allows you to try the costume on in-store. You can also have your child practice wearing the costume prior to Halloween night.
- Ensure your child knows that if they get overwhelmed at a party, event, or while trick-or-treating, that they can stop. Come up with a plan for what to do and tell your child about it.
- Speak to your child about what they can expect on Halloween. Make it fun! Show them different Halloween decorations and costumes in advance, so they can prepare for the different sights, sounds, and smells (pumpkin guts!) they may encounter.
Trick-or-Treating:
For most kids, trick-or-treating is the most fun part of Halloween. But it can be hard for children with illnesses or disabilities that don’t allow them to safely eat candy. I often feel like I am left out of the festivities because I can’t eat.
- Teach Food Safety Rules: Halloween is a great opportunity to reiterate food safety rules. Teach your kids not to eat home-made treats from people they don’t know, even on Halloween. If they are old enough, go through candy and chocolate labels with them so they can help identify which treats are safe for them to eat, if any. Many Halloween treats are full of allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts.
- Food-Allergy-Safe Costume Parties: For children with food allergies, Halloween can be a tricky time. Consider hosting a food-allergy-safe costume party where kids can indulge in delicious, allergen-free treats without worries. It’s a great way to ensure everyone feels included and safe during the festivities.
- Treat Food Alternatives: Many people with disabilities may have food-related issues such as diabetes, swallowing issues, or oral motor challenges. Children with severe illnesses may not be able to have a lot of sugar or eat outside of a regulated meal plan. I, for example, can barely eat at all due to a stomach illness. But, I still want to participate in Halloween! You could consider adding some non-food treats to your Halloween parties and events. You can always put on a fun Halloween movie or playlist. You can elaborately decorate your home. Or, just add some spooky scented candles.
Adaptive Trick-or-Treating:
For children with mobility issues, consider organizing adaptive trick-or-treating events within your community. This ensures that all children can join in the thrill of collecting treats and enjoying the Halloween spirit.
If you’re handing out candy, there are several ways to make trick-or-treating accessible for kids that may come to your door. For example:
- Make sure your front door is well-lit and accessible for people with disabilities
- Consider wearing a costume that doesn’t involve a mask, or at least where your mouth and eyes are visible for those who lip-read
- Remember that some children are non-verbal, so don’t force them to speak in order to ‘deserve’ or ‘earn’ candy.
These easy things can have a huge impact on children with disabilities.
Final Tips on Inclusive Halloween Celebrations:
- Halloween-Inspired Crafts and Activities: Celebrate the season with Halloween-inspired crafts and activities designed for various abilities. Create pumpkins, spooky decorations, or engage in sensory-friendly Halloween-themed arts and crafts. Decorating is a huge part of the fun of Halloween.
- Give Back: Use Halloween as an opportunity to raise awareness for specific causes or conditions. Support your loved one’s interests by creating costumes with a message, shedding light on important issues. Host a Halloween party and ask your guests to bring a food donation, or take your kids to donate some of their extra candy to food banks.
- Create Your Own Traditions: It’s okay to create new Halloween traditions. If your child doesn’t want to go trick-or-treating, or may find it too overwhelming, there are so many other ways of participating in this holiday. You can make special snacks and watch a Halloween movie, or do a candy swap with some lose friends. Halloween charcuterie boards are all the rage. I made one last year with caramel popcorn, reese’s pieces, chocolate covered pretzels, gummy worms, candy corn, and other Halloween themed treats. You can go to bulk barn and buy a bit of several different types of candy to have on Halloween.
Conclusion:
Incorporating adaptable and inclusive Halloween ideas into your festivities can make this holiday season more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re crafting DIY costumes, hosting allergy-safe parties, or ensuring wheelchair accessibility, the possibilities are endless for creating the perfect Halloween fun that accommodates all abilities. After all, Halloween is about celebrating diversity, imagination, and the joy of coming together as a community to share in the magic of the season.
The best costumes and events for Halloween are those that allow everyone to be a part of the fun. With these adaptable and inclusive Halloween ideas, you can make sure no one misses out on the excitement of this spook-tacular holiday.
Have a fantastic, inclusive, safe and fun Halloween this year!