Creating an Inclusive Halloween with Treat Accessibly

In recent years, Halloween has evolved into a celebration of creativity, community, and, of course, candy. It’s a time when neighbourhoods come alive with the laughter of children, and front yards transform into spooky wonderlands. But for some children and families, Halloween can present challenges that hinder their participation in the festivities. That’s where Treat Accessibly comes in – a movement that’s all about making Halloween accessible and inclusive for everyone.

The Power of the Treat Accessibly Lawn Sign

The Treat Accessibly lawn sign serves as a powerful symbol of support for accessible trick-or-treating. By displaying this sign on your front lawn, you send a clear message to your neighbourhood: you welcome families with children who have disabilities to join in the Halloween fun without any barriers.

Tip: Place the Treat Accessibly lawn sign the week before Halloween. This early placement gives families and caregivers ample time to plan their trick-or-treating route.

Making Your Trick-or-Treating Station Accessible

Creating a barrier-free trick-or-treating station is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to ensure that every child can enjoy your Halloween setup:

Providing Barrier-free Access

Some trick-or-treaters may face difficulties navigating inclines, stairs, or curving walkways. Choose a location for your trick-or-treating station that’s easily accessible to all. Fun railing shoots to deliver treats can also help kids who can’t climb stairs! (Think back to Covid – this was a great social distancing measure too).

Illuminating the Path

Ensure that the path to your trick-or-treating station is well-lit. Proper lighting not only adds to the spooky ambiance but also enhances safety.

Clearing Obstacles

Clear your driveway and pathways of any obstacles that could impede mobility. A clutter-free path is a welcoming one.

Parking Matters

If possible, park your vehicle on the street or in your garage to allow easy access to your home. This helps keep the area around your home accessible.

Get Creative with Trunk-or-Treat

Your home doesn’t have a driveway, why not utilize your vehicle for trunk-or-treating? Decorate your vehicle to make it extra special and in theme with Halloween.

Decorating with Inclusivity in Mind

When decorating your trick-or-treating station or front yard, think about inclusivity:

Avoid Strobe Lights and Loud Noises: Refrain from using strobe lights and high-pitched, sudden loud noises that might be alarming for some children.

Pet Safety: Ensure that any pets are kept safely away from the front of the house, as some children may find them intimidating.

Being Inclusive to All

Remember, everyone is different, and different disabilities can affect how someone interacts with others. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Consider Non-edible Treats: Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats like stickers, pencils, crayons, or small toys. Store them separately from edible treats.

Age Doesn’t Define Excitement: You might see trick-or-treaters who appear older, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t excited about your treats. Embrace the spirit of Halloween without judgment.

Communication Matters: Some trick-or-treaters may not be able to see what they are getting. Take a moment to explain the delightful treat you’re providing, showing kindness and understanding.

Treat Accessibly has set an ambitious goal of recruiting 400,000 homes by 2025 – one for each of the 400,000 Canadian children who live with a disability. This movement is vital in promoting inclusivity, removing barriers, and ensuring that every child can fully participate in the Halloween festivities.

RE/MAX Canada’s Commitment to Treat Accessibly

RE/MAX Canada proudly continues its support of Treat Accessibly in 2023. This movement aligns perfectly with our values and vision for a more inclusive community. We recognize that more than 400,000 children and youth in Canada face disabilities that create obstacles in their everyday lives, including trick-or-treating. Treat Accessibly is all about removing those barriers and making sure every child can enjoy Halloween to the fullest.

What Can You Do?

You can be a part of this inclusive Halloween movement too! Here’s how:

Distribute Candy from an Accessible Location: Offer treats from an obstacle-free location on your property, like the foot of the driveway, or from a railing shoot so kids who can’t climb stairs can participate too!

Display the Treat Accessibly Lawn Sign: By posting the Treat Accessibly lawn sign in advance of Halloween, you alert your community that you’re handing out treats in an accessible way. Contact your local RE/MAX office to find out how to get your free lawn sign.

Support from RE/MAX Agents: Fill out the form linked HERE and a RE/MAX agent will come by your home and drop off a treat accessible sign for you to display. They will also stop by after Halloween to pick them up!

The Heartwarming History of Treat Accessibly

The Treat Accessibly movement had humble beginnings, starting with a single lawn sign in 2017. It all began at the Toronto home of 11-year-old Siena and her parents, Natasha and Rich. Their mission was simple: to ensure that one little neighbour, who used a wheelchair, would be welcomed and included in the Halloween festivities. They removed stairs from the experience and “treated” from their driveway. To spread the word, they posted a Treat Accessibly lawn sign, and what happened next was remarkable.

People across their community saw the sign and joined the movement. RE/MAX Canada is extremely proud to support Treat Accessibly, and we’re thrilled to see the movement’s continued growth since we piloted the lawn sign program with our network in 2018. Our offices, agents, and the communities around us have rallied to support this program, making Halloween a fun night for kids of all abilities. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of equality and encourages people to think in a more inclusive way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Treat Accessibly is more than just a movement; it’s a symbol of hope, inclusivity, and community spirit. By participating in Treat Accessibly and following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the magic of Halloween. Let’s make this Halloween accessible and unforgettable for all!