Special Kids Day

Special Kids Day is a holiday dedicated to children with disabilities and their families, observed each year on the first Wednesday in December. The aim is to create a safe, welcoming, and barrier-free environment where children with special needs, along with their families, can enjoy holiday traditions with dignity and joy.

History of Special Kids Day

Special Kids Day began in 1990 when two business owners recognized that children with special needs rarely attended typical holiday events at malls or public venues — largely due to architectural and sensory barriers such as lack of accessible parking, ramps, elevators, or quiet rooms for children sensitive to noise. That first event was modest: about fifteen children attended. ¹

Over time the idea grew. What started as a small, local event at a mansion in Elmhurst, Illinois, evolved into a non-profit organization (a 501(c)(3)) devoted to hosting inclusive, celebratory events for children with disabilities and their families — with proper accommodations to ensure comfort, accessibility, and joy.

Why is Special Kids Day important?

Special Kids Day plays a vital role in promoting inclusion, awareness, and compassion. Many traditional holiday events inadvertently exclude children with disabilities due to physical or sensory barriers. Offering an event designed to remove those barriers sends a powerful message: that every child deserves inclusion, celebration, and festive joy.

It also offers families a chance to share holiday traditions together, without worry or stress, in an environment tailored to their children’s needs. That sense of belonging and normalcy can make a big difference — both emotionally for the children and practically for parents and caregivers.

• It ensures children with disabilities get to participate in holiday experiences just like any other child.
• It gives families a space where their children’s needs are understood and accommodated.
• It raises broader social awareness about inclusivity and accessibility.
• It helps build a community among families of children with special needs.
• It creates happy, memorable holiday experiences for children who might otherwise feel excluded.

How to Observe Special Kids Day

Observing Special Kids Day can be simple, caring, and deeply meaningful. Communities can organize or support local events in accessible venues — ensuring ramps, elevators, quiet rooms and sensory-friendly spaces. For families, the day can be about connection, reassurance, and joy: sharing time together, letting children choose comfortable activities, and focusing on what makes them happiest.

Even if there’s no large event nearby, small gestures at home matter. A quiet holiday gathering with thoughtful gifts, crafts, or gentle games can honor the spirit of the day. Inclusion, patience, understanding, and acceptance are the heart of the celebration.

Here are some simple ways to observe:

• Find or create accessible events designed for children with special needs.
• Offer sensory-friendly activities like quiet games, gentle crafts, or soft music.
• Let children choose what feels best for them — listen to their comfort level.
• Invite friends or other families to join in, building community and support.
• Show kindness and acceptance, and make children feel valued and included.

Special Kids Day Dates Table

1. https://specialkidsday.org/[↩]