Many kids enjoy Halloween, but there’s always been an obvious disparity in how easy it is for some kids to go all out in a costume compared to others. The long and short of it is this; kids with movement disabilities or sensory sensitivities often have to put a lot of hard work and effort into a costume that takes their needs into account. Stores that sell costumes rarely try to accommodate individuals with special needs. It’s not because they have any sort of prejudice, but likely because they just haven’t dedicated the proper resources or consideration to it prior to now.
Thankfully, Target has finally taken the steps to add some inclusivity to its HYDE and EEK! costume collection, adding in a handful of costumes that take mobility-handicapped children into account. Specifically, children in wheelchairs, who have often had to get extremely creative in making their own costumes for Halloween. Unfortunately, the number of costumes is limited to four right now, but the fact that they have been introduced at all is a step in the right direction. Besides, this isn’t the first time Target has sold sensory friendly costumes.
“We’re now bringing that spirit of inclusivity to our new Hyde and Eek! Boutique kids’ adaptive Halloween costumes, which we hope will bring more ease and joy to our guests’ everyday lives,” Target Spokesperson Kristen Mezzenga said about the special costumes.
While this isn’t anything groundbreaking, it is nice that some major retailers are finally doing a bit more to include special needs individuals in their products. Hopefully this won’t be the last time Target does this, which is unlikely since it wasn’t the first time either. And if we’re lucky, other retailers will begin to follow suit, which would be a great turn for the people that need them.
As for the small number of costumes that Target is offering right now, October and Halloween is still some time away, so hopefully they will be able to add a few more to the total repertoire before the holiday comes around. Until then, we can simply enjoy the good news and hope it grows into something better. Target has scored a good win with the people this time around, so they’ll probably be eager to repeat the success a second time.
To see all available costumes, visit target.com.
