Making Halloween Inclusive for All!
What You Can Do To Make Halloween Inclusive For Kids Of All Abilities
Halloween is here and it’s time to get spooky. Halloween is a time when kids enjoy carving pumpkins, dressing up as their favorite characters, and going trick-or-treating. While we’re having fun, let’s not forget that every trick-or-treater is special in their own way. Making sure all kids have a fun time during Halloween activities is important to building a stronger community. Don’t forget – not all disabilities are visible! There are many children with disabilities that aren’t noticeable, but there are steps you can take to be prepared. Here are some tips provided by Wane Local News to help you make Halloween fun for all!
Keep a separate bucket of peanut-free candy for kids with allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project, a campaign to get people to give out allergy-safe treats on Halloween suggests that putting a teal pumpkin on the doorstep signals that you give out non-food goodies that are safe for anyone trick-or-treating.
For kids who can’t eat candy, have a bucket of toys or non-candy treats. Non-food treats can be just as fun as candy. Some options are glow bracelets, bubbles, and playing cards.
Trick-or-Treating displays should be placed to the end of the driveway in order to avoid navigating driveways and sidewalks that could be difficult for those in wheelchairs or unable to walk easily.
“Don’t make a child say, Trick-or-Treat.” Ameridisability.com notes that children who don’t shout the famous phrase may be seen as rude when they’re nonverbal or have disabilities. They recommend searching online shops that sell personalized bags etched with communication such as, “Hello. I have special needs. I cannot say trick-or-treat but I am trying!”
They can be found on Etsy at AwearGifts, RiverStreetGifts, LusCraftasticShop, TheresAlwaysMoore, or you can get creative and make your own.
Take some time to learn Halloween words translated into American Sign Language. Here is a great YouTube video from certified instructor, ASL Meredith that you and your kids can learn before it’s time for trick-or-treating.
Learn ASL: Halloween Vocabulary in American Sign Language
Costumes For Kids With Disabilities
Halloween costumes let kids show off their creative flair, but for some kids who use a wheelchair or walker, finding a costume can be tricky. Luckily, in 2019 Target launched Hyde & EEK! Boutique costumes that were designed with all kids in mind. Target’s affordable adaptive and sensory-friendly, “Hyde & EEK! Boutique collection features robots, dragons, space travelers, mermaids, unicorns and more, each with special design details like open backs for easy dressing, wheelchair-friendly fits, hidden openings and pockets for abdominal access and removable accessories, creating extra flexibility for those with sensitivities.”
If you’re looking for DIY ideas for Halloween costumes, here are a few common materials. You can make anything from a car to a plane with these items if you’re designing your own costumes for Halloween.
- Pipe cleaners
- Pool noodles
- Cardboard
- Tissue paper
- Felt
- Paint
- Tape
Check out this DIY costume featured on ABC News of 4 year old Caleb McLelland as “Superman flying through the clouds” in a wheelchair. This costume was designed by his mother Cassie McLelland for Halloween.