Embrace an Accessible Halloween!

Blog: Embrace an Accessible Halloween!

It’s back! Halloween is upon us once again.

That means costumes, candy and plenty of excitement for kids. But parents of disabled children know that Halloween can present certain challenges and obstacles. Trick-or-treating can be hampered by neighborhoods or homes that aren’t wheelchair accessible. Costumes can be uncomfortable if they aren’t sensory-friendly and unwearable if they don’t accommodate medical devices. And dietary restrictions can clash with the high candy intake at the heart of the holiday.  All of these issues can interfere with the joy of the occasion. But they don’t have to. Planning ahead of time can make all the difference. Here are some creative ways to make Halloween a joyful day for children of all abilities.

1. Make costumes comfortable
If your child hasn’t settled on a costume yet, creating or purchasing an adaptive and/or sensory-friendly costume can make trick-or-treating a great deal more fun. Costumes that integrate your child’s wheelchair are a terrific way to go. There’s still time to order from Rolling Buddies, where you can find wheelchair decorations you might not find elsewhere. You can also find wheelchair accessories, adaptive and sensory-friendly costumes at Halloween.com, Target, and Amazon.

2. Try trick-or-treating alternatives
If mobility challenges are an issue in your neighborhood, see if you can find a neighborhood nearby that’s easier to navigate. If not, why not host a neighborhood get-together where kids and parents can socialize and enjoy Halloween-themed, inclusive and sensory-friendly games and activities? This option also gives you the leeway to control your child’s candy intake. Instead of allowing them to indulge in unhealthy treats, prepare some tasty yet nutritious snacks that won’t disrupt your child’s diet. Another alternative? Let your child dress up but stay home and answer the door and greet other kids.

 3. Have a home candy hunt
If mobility is an issue, but candy isn’t, try setting up an at-home candy hunt. Hide treats around or outside your house where your child can find them. Invite siblings, neighbors and friends to join in to make the experience even more special.

 4. Participate in an inclusive community trick-or-treating event
Check your neighborhood newspaper or website to find out if there are accessible community-based Halloween events nearby. Many chambers of commerce and shopping centers offer these events, which can be safer, less overwhelming and more inclusive than typical trick-or-treating experiences.

5. Be flexible
If your child wants and is able to trick-or-trick but changes their mind once you venture out, don’t sweat it. Go home and have a quiet evening. Halloween will be back next year!