Halloween Costumes for the Disabled

Halloween costumes for the disabled can be designed to be accessible for a variety of needs. These are 5 ideas for people with disabilities who may need Halloween costumes for wheelchairs and other needs.

Halloween Costumes for the Disabled: Dr Strangelove

This Peter Sellers character from the 1964 movie of the same name offers one of the funniest costumes for wheelchairs. To play this bizarre science adviser you just need your own wheelchair, any business suit and eyeglasses. Tousle your hair into slight disarray. Most important is the single black glove on the hand you cannot control. For one evening, you can probably copy the Nazi salute without offending anybody.

Halloween Costumes for the Disabled: Stephen Hawking

Alternatively, you can use your wheelchair to play a much more stable scientist. Wear any sports jacket and button down shirt. Wear eyeglasses with big squared frames. Incorporate your own voice synthesizer or use a facsimile. Carry a copy of A Brief History of Time.

Halloween Costumes for the Disabled: Dog House

You can spend Halloween in the doghouse without missing the party. Use cardboard to enclose your wheelchair in a replica of a doghouse. Wear a fake fur coat and attach a tail and ears. Put a dog collar and leash around your neck. Howl if you want to.

Halloween Costumes for the Disabled: The Producers

Anyone who saw The Producers will remember that dance scene of old women in walkers in hot pursuit of Max Bialystock. Use your own walker (if you're on crutches, get a walker for the evening). Dress up as an elderly woman. It will be much better if you can get more friends to join you but don't go breaking their legs.

Halloween Costumes for the Disabled: Ray Charles

Dress up as Ray Charles in a sparkly dinner jacket, bow tie and big dark glasses. Copy his mannerisms from the head movements to hugging yourself. Hang an elastic band around your neck threaded through a cardboard cutout of a piano keyboard. Sprinkle your conversation with titles from his most famous songs -Hit The Road Jack, Georgia On My Mind, I Can't Stop Loving You.

For any Halloween costume and especially Halloween costumes for the disabled, use good judgment to avoid creating any problems related to comfort or safety. Particularly with Halloween costumes for wheelchairs, ensure that any props can be removed quickly and that the wheelchair can still fit through a typical exit door.