Inclusive Halloween Festival: Nonprofit crafts incredible costumes for kids with disabilities
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - For the fifth year, the nonprofit "May We Help" put together its inclusive Halloween Festival.
Around 100 kids with disabilities and their families took part on Sunday, many showing off their innovative costumes in the parade.
Sherry Langland's son, Chase, went as "Ghost Rider."
"He really just wanted a motorcycle, but he didn't really know what Ghost Rider was," said Langland. "I showed him pictures, and of course, he picked the scary one."
Chase has been taking part in the festival for years.
"Last year, we worked with U.C. students to create a taxi, because 'Crazy Taxi' is his favorite video game,” Langland said.
This was the second year for five-year-old Bennett.
His mother says he couldn't wait to come back.
"This is like Christmas for him,” said Bennett’s mom, Maria Homer. "I don't know what inspired the 'Mystery Machine' and 'Scooby Doo,' to be honest, but it popped into my head and I thought it would be such a good costume, especially for the wheelchair."
All the costumes in the parade were created by May We Help volunteers.
The nonprofit builds custom solutions for people with different disabilities.
"Oftentimes, if you have a disability, the only thing standing in the way of you getting on with your life is the right device or right technology, but what do you do if that device isn't in the marketplace?" said executive director Rob Seideman. "You call May We Help, and we will design that device or that technology for you."
Volunteers craft those devices free of charge, as well as some amazing costumes.
Seideman says the Halloween Festival is one of his favorite events.
"On a day like today, it's all about having fun,” he said.
The kids took part in several inclusive activities -- like golf, an adapted obstacle course, and a haunted house -- and received fun prizes.
"Sometimes, you kind of doubt humanity, and sometimes people aren't great, but then you come here and see all this and see how good people are, and it's just really heartwarming," said Langland.
May We Help is also hosting a Christmas event and will be giving out adapted toys.