Magic Wheelchair Nonprofit Empowers Educators, Encourages Inclusion
June 16, 2020 | Magic Wheelchair, the nonprofit that builds costumes for kids in wheelchairs, has centered its operations around epic costume reveals at live events such as Toy Fair New York and Dallas and comic cons. But with large gatherings off the table and its young recipients at a higher risk for contracting the coronavirus, the charity has shifted its focus behind the scenes to keep moving forward with its mission.
The group is now preparing to roll out smaller, socially distant driveway reveals in accordance with CDC recommendations and concentrating on the second phase of its Magic Wheelchair Community Education Program, which empowers educators to lead their own costume building teams and engage student participation (pictured).
“The result will be curriculum that any educator can pick up and use, while promoting inclusion, teaching empathy, and facilitating kids to help kids,” said Christine Getman, executive director of Magic Wheelchair.
“We’ve seen first-hand the joy Magic Wheelchair brings to not only the kids receiving their amazing costumes but all those involved with the organization and the build process,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “We’re excited to see our partner expand its program to reach even more audiences and encourage a playful and inclusive world.”
While its in-person costume reveals remained at a stand-still the past few months, the organization has also been able to share its mission and drum up national interest in other ways. Thanks to a recent Food Network appearance on the June 8 episode of Duff Takes the Cake, recorded prior to stay-at-home orders, Getman said they’ve already seen an uptick in volunteer applications and costume requests.
“The response to the show was a timely reminder that children with disabilities need opportunities to experience inclusion and hope, now, more than ever,” she said.
In the wake of COVID-19, Magic Wheelchair has also shifted its operations to allow families to meet virtually with builders and is expanding its builder resources with the goal of allowing anyone, with any background, to build costumes. Magic Wheelchair costumes are built on a first-come, first-serve basis and based on state-by-state builder availability and funding. For more information, visit magicwheelchair.org.