SPOOKTACULAR Halloween costumes for kids with disabilities!

Halloween is exactly two weeks away and you are starting to think to yourself, I can’t believe Halloween is so close, I haven’t figured out costumes yet! You might even be thinking, I have no clue where to begin! Well take a deep breath, because we have some ideas and tips that will help you create the best Halloween costumes on the block. SENSORY FRIENDLY COSTUME TIPS

• Make sure that any costume material isn’t too uncomfortable (scratchy, too tight, slippery)
• Avoid make-up or masks if your child has any facial sensitivity
• Try to use everyday clothes to create a costume (see the Minion picture below)
• Do not incorporate clothing items that your child won’t wear in other situations
• Prepare your child by discussing costumes with them beforehand & make sure they understand
• Be flexible! The costume doesn’t have to be an exact replica, and they will look great even if there is only a slight resemblance.

DIY COSTUME IDEAS

In case you haven’t frequented Pintrest or thrown a wedding lately, the trending acronym DIY stands for Do It Yourself. DIY costumes are my personal favorite because you get to experience the joy  of dressing up while having the satisfaction of creating something. They are like the adult version of artwork that you would post on the fridge. Warning: Making your own costumes will leave you feeling so accomplished that you may end up wearing your costume everywhere or posting 300 photos of your costume on Facebook. Either way we think that you should embrace the experience. After all it captures the true spirit of Halloween, FUN! Here are some basic items you will most likely need when creating your own costume:

• Duct Tape
• Cardboard
• Paint/Spray Paint
• Scissors
• Felt/Fabric
• Glue/ Hot Glue Gun

This is a great way to be creative and incorporate your child’s wheelchair into the costume like the Dr. Who & Buzz Light-year costumes below.

COSTUMES ON A BUDGET

You might be looking at the costumes above and thinking that you do not have an artistic bone in your body and there is absolutely no way you would be able to make any of those costumes. This is where I would recommend either searching at your local thrift store or in the depths of your closet to find Halloween costumes that won’t break the bank. The best way to find a costume at a thrift store is to try and match the outfit of a favorite character or clothes from a specific time period. Even though you don’t have to be artistic to make these costumes, they still require a bit of creativity.

Again, don’t be afraid to incorporate your child’s walker or wheelchair in their costume, by doing so you will help your child feel included & empowered! Here are some awesome examples of costumes you can replicate:

No matter what you decide to wear, we hope you have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween! 

Do you have any other accessible Halloween costume ideas? Share them in the comments below!

Reference Links for Pictures:

• http://www.buzzfeed.com/wtfpinterest/34-halloween-costumes-made-from-a-cardboard-box-71lu
• http://www.oddee.com/item_98434.aspx
• http://www.horizongoodwill.org/5-diy-halloween-costume-ideas/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133067363965635563/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133067363965535585/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133067363965372201/
• http://kidzorg.blogspot.com/2010/10/more-fun-costume-ideas.html

P.S. Have you noticed that we are Dr. Who fans yet?