Inclusive Hallowe'en
There are multiple things people can do to make Trick or Treating more inclusive.
Previously, Disability Support has shared awareness for the the Teal Pumpkin Project - where non-food treats are given so kids with food allergies, dietary restrictions or other medical conditions that impacts eating can have fun with the treats they get. We also have an A to Z Game where people can get creative as well as check out some ideas.
The candies given out aren't the only thing that can leave people out with Trick or Treating. Navigating steps up to someone's doorstep can be tricky for little ones in costumes and inaccessible to children using mobility aids.
This is where Treat Accessibility has stepped up!
They suggest people set up in front of their home, or in a garage. Neighbours can even pair up together! You can get a sign (check out their website for details) to put up ahead of time so families will know which houses are accessible when planning a route. Here are their suggestions:
- keep the path well lit
- remove any cords or obstacles along the path
- park your vehicle on the street or in the garage to allow easy access
- set up on the end or your driveway or in your garage
- if you don't have a drive consider using your vehicle for a trunk or treat
- Refrain from using strobe lights and high pitched loud noises
- keep pets safely away
- Older trick or treaters get excited too!
- Describe the treats, as some may not be able to see the treats
- Not everyone communicates the same way, be patient and understanding
- Provide non-edible treats (like for the teal pumpkin project!)
There are also Treat Accessibility Hallowe'en Villages!
An area gets together and hosts an accessible trick or treat day, separate from the usual trick or treating time. These are hosted when it's still light outdoors. To avoid crowds, (free) tickets are obtained ahead of time for a specific time range for anyone (adults included) attending. Event planners might also shut off a road so there is extra space besides just the sidewalks so there's extra space for those using mobility aids.
I attended a village and it was wonderful - there were some excellent costumes, there were music stations and everyone especially the kids were having a ton of fun! Now I have my sign up informing people of my accessible trick or treat place for the 31st!
Last year 150000 homes participated and they hope by 2025 to have 400000
I have had an accessible location for the past 2 years, initially prompted as a way to actually keep myself self from contagious illnesses! This is my first year participating with their lawn sign.
What suggestions do you have for trick or treating being accessible or for anyone doing this the first time?
[An Accessible Trick or Treating sign is posted in front of a house decorated for Hallowe'en] Source Sarah Ryan, Global News
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@AffyAvo what a great informative thread! I love these new ideas. I wish we had this in more places.
Let the nightmares come to life….. let the fear in joy be harmless….. let the jokes be filled with love & care….. may your spooky nights be frightening and lit with a flickering light! ✨🎃
Man. Everyone is welcome at my house. You don’t say trick or treat? Here’s candy. You’re 57 years old? Here’s candy. You’re a stressed out mom with 4 kids who aren’t listening? Here’s candy.
A tip I have if doing this is don't go it alone! Especially if it will be cold (thankful our forecast is warmer than this week has been!) or you are in a area with a lot of trick or treaters. Just someone to refill a drink and cover for a bathroom break can be really helpful! Consider pairing up with a neighbour if no one in the household is interested.
While we don't get door to door trick or treaters in my apartment building as there is a secure entrance, I wanted to join in the teal pumpkin spirit and so when I was crafting up my amigurumi pumpkins this week, decided to make a teal one (even if the yarn says it's turquoise). I know some homes that give out candy also have non-food options available for those who need it, and was just thinking how much fun it would be to make up some little crochet pumpkins or bats to give away!
@EmotionsListener This is so pretty, you are definitely the Amigurimi Wizard! It would be a great thing for those with allergies to carry round too or place outside the house.
Its nearly Halloweeeeeeeen!
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@AffyAvo
This is an awesome idea! I have a chronic injury/physical disability so stairs especially alot of Halloween stairs is too much on my feet.
Here are my ideas:
Make your parent have another kid or go with a friend and force them to do stairs for you 😂 kidding
At my grandma's house there's a lady who uses one of the Long black flexible pipes or even a pvc pipe, and she has that go straight from her front door all the way down to the stairs. Not only is the candy shoot super fun and interactive, it's awesome, because she doesn't have a long driveway and she has really steep stairs.
