Reboot-Accessible Halloween 2021

Slowly but surely, after a long two years of dealing with Covid, the world is at least opening back up to some of the normal activities that we have had in the past.

I’m so happy life is resuming to some things that we have enjoyed because I’ve missed many traditional activities.  I have missed my beloved holidays like fireworks displays for Fourth of July, Downtown’s Dayton Children’s Christmas Parade, and Trick-or-Treat for Halloween.

Trick-or-Treat was always one of my favorite activities during, Halloween. The whole idea of dressing up in a costume of your choice is very exciting. This year, I’ve been invited to one of my good friend’s Halloween parties that I’m looking forward to. Perhaps, I’ll share a picture or two later for I’ve already picked out my costume and it’s super cute!

Many children look forward to trick-or-treating in any form whether it’s traditional or trunk-or-treat. It doesn’t matter if a child has a disability, he or she still loves the activity of getting dressed up and going to receive special treats.

Sometimes it can be difficult for children with disabilities to participate in trick-or-treating due to physical or mental barriers. As I strive to do my part to share information, attached are a few standard tips for you to keep in mind as you pass out treats.  And of course, I had to do it in Shari style, so I added my own twist to the list!

• For houses with steps or things that may obstruct your pathway, clear a path or just come down to hand out candy. Some children with disabilities may use mobility devices such as, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and scooters or may have a vision impairment making it almost impossible to come to the door. If you make sure your path is clear, trick-or-treating becomes more accessible. If you see a child still having difficulties, just come to him or her and engage in a conversation; interacting with the kids is half the fun.

• Chill those lights for a minute-I know many purchase strobe lights to make their houses look cool and Halloween like, but for some with disabilities, the blinking lights are overstimulating. If you noticed a child having difficulties, could you shut them off for a minute until he or she leaves?

• Treats doesn’t always mean food. We live in a time where many are allergic to different foods, especially peanuts. Although trick-or-treat means getting food/candy treats, you could pick up some cool stickers, books, or pencils for the kids that can’t have food treats. This is a great alternative and they will appreciate it. Believe it or not, you will also be known as the cool house that passed out something different.

• Encourage trick-or-treat inclusion-I haven’t seen this tip listed anywhere but if parents could encourage non-disabled children to trick-or-treat with children with disabilities that would be so awesome. Although I love my mom, I’d have rather experienced trick-or-treating with the kids in my neighborhood.

Click link to learn of more accessible trick-or-treating accessible tips.

https://thenoraproject.ngo/nora-notes-blog/tips-for-creating-an-accessible-halloween-for-all

As we gear-up for one of the biggest kid events, keep in mind how to make sure the experience can be good for all.