Halloween is a time when people like to take on a different persona, show off in front of others, and generally let loose and have fun. For people with disabilities, Halloween means the same thing. It is a time when they can be whoever they want to be.
Costume shop owners are in a great position to customers with disabilities succeed in their Halloween costume goals, and parents of children with disabilities will be happy for the help. Being prepared to help customers with disabilities will show that your shop is in tune with the entire community. That's why the NCA developed the Halloween for All program in 2022, and we're continuing the program for Halloween 2023.
The heart of the program is a booklet that helps NCA members better serve customers with disabilities. It has 10 pages full of tips that can help ensure that your store is welcoming to these customers, including tips on making the individual's shopping experience successful, ideas for costumes that suit everyone's needs, and ideas on collaborating with organizations serving the disability community. This booklet was mailed to members last year, and this year we are mailing copies to NEW members who joined since last fall. However, everyone can read the digital version of the booklet by clicking here
Another element in the campaign was an Zoom conversation about the program. The meeting expalined the elements of the program and featured participants sharing their own experiences with serving customers with disabilities. Click here to watch the recording of this Zoom conversation.
We are grateful to the sponsors of this program!