The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation have put together some tips for making an accessible costume.
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that costumes are short enough to prevent entanglement in the wheels or contact with flames.
- Masks can limit or block eyesight, and cause issues while traveling around the neighborhood. Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats that won’t slide over your eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there is not an allergic reaction.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your or your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long, as it could cause an injury.
- Try to plan out your trick-or-treat trail before heading out, that way you can plan ahead for anything regarding your specific needs (needing to empty bladder bag, avoiding sidewalks without curb cuts, seeing where local events like trunk-or-treat are happening, etc.) and prevent fatigue.
- Have fun! You should enjoy making and wearing your costume for the holiday.
You can also learn more by visiting organizations such as Magic Wheelchair and Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes for more ideas and tricks on making accessible costumes.