‘No one gets left behind’: Accessibility shines for Halloween in Cobourg
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Maybe you can still recall the joy of Halloween as a youngster, eagerly awaiting the big night and the chance to possibly stuff a pillowcase full of candies and chocolates, and then delighting in your stash upon your return home from an excursion filled with haunted-inspired homes.
Maybe, it’s your kid’s favourite night of the year, trumping Christmas and costumes are planned long in advance. Maybe, it’s a family affair and the whole household rallies around a theme every Halloween.
Then, try and imagine what it would mean if for one kid they were forced to wait at the end of a driveway while their siblings or parents had to get their treats for them and watch from afar the joy those kids were able to have. Imagine, your kid can’t participate, yet their siblings or all their classmates can.
Accessibility matters.
And it’s set to shine during one of the darkest times of the year with the return of Five Counties Children’s Centre “All-o-ween” event.
For Cobourg, this marks the third straight year for the event, which aims to ensure the popular trick-or-treating experience is more inclusive and all kids of all abilities can participate.
“The best part of All-o-ween is seeing the absolute joy on the faces of kids and families because they get to enjoy a relaxed and inclusive trick-or-treating experience,” said Hayley Hodges, client and family experience lead at Five Counties and All-o-ween organizer. “Many families say All-o-ween is a very meaningful event for them since they might not otherwise be able to go out trick-or-treating with their child over Halloween.”
This year’s event is set for next Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Five Counties’ 800 Division St. (unit 2) location.
Hodges acknowledges the significance of accessibility year-round – but All-o-ween is also personal, she shared.
“As someone who uses a wheelchair, going out for Halloween as a child was always challenging,” she recalled. “Most homes had steps so I couldn’t go up to the door to trick-or-treat.
“I had to rely on my siblings to collect candy for me when they went to doors. From the bottom of the driveway, I would sit in my wheelchair, wave and wait.”
And yet, with events such as Five Counties’ All-o-ween, people in Northumberland in recent years are looking to change that for the next generation.
“Halloween is one of those days or festivities that every child should be able to experience and enjoy,” said Hodges. “And by organizing All-o-ween, we can ensure everyone participates and no one gets left behind.”
Last year, All-o-ween made a difference for more than 200 local kids and youth of all abilities who made their way to Five Counties’ locations.
The focus this year again will be an accessible, inclusive and indoor sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for Five Counties’ kids, their siblings and families. Staff explained the event is geared to those currently receiving treatment through Five Counties, those who previously came to Five Counties or those who are on the wait-list for services.
However, families are being asked to book spots via www.fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or by calling the centre at 1-888-779-9916 ext. 215.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Kids can dress up in costumes sporting orange and black or just come as are they are and visit the centre sites, offices and treatment spaces decked out for Halloween.
Five Counties staff said they, alongside volunteers and community partners, are pumped up to hand out treats and toys, and there will also be crafts for the kids, eats and additional family-friendly activities.
Registration helps with logistics for the event.
When families register, they are assigned times to arrive for each All-o-ween event, “ensuring that the space isn’t too busy or overwhelming for kids,” explained Five Counties staff.
In addition to festivities in Cobourg this year, Five Counties has also expanded All-o-ween with similar events in Peterborough and Lindsay.
AN OVERALL MORE INCLUSIVE HALLOWEEN:
In the community, neighbours can also do their part when it comes to inclusivity.
And this has already been happening more in recent years, with Hodges saying she is seeing more people prioritizing inclusion on Halloween when she takes her own kids trick-or-treating now.
There is a greater awareness out there, with more people setting up candy stations in garages or at the ends of driveways to make it more accessible, she explained.
For people wanting to promote an inclusive, barrier-free Halloween experience, Five Counties does have some tips:
For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.
Clear paths for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit.
Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for kids with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more kids can take part in trick-or-treating.
Communication counts. Some kids may say “trick-or-treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. When in doubt, a smile and wave can say a lot.
Use “show and tell” to hand out treats. For instance, if you encounter kids with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are getting.
And there’s always “a sign of the times” – meaning you can put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop.
The Treat Accessibility organization promotes several locations where people get signs or print out their own versions.
You can also learn more about the Padulo family – Treat Accessibly’s founders – and their story and how they’ve been hailed “the Santas of Halloween” via www.treataccessibly.com/media.
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