Champion accessibility this Halloween

October 22, 2024

With Halloween quickly approaching, York Region wants to ensure everyone who wants to participate can feel included and have a positive trick-or-treating experience. Children and families living with disabilities or those requiring accommodations can sometimes feel excluded from activities when their needs are not considered. Remember accessibility not only helps people with disabilities; it benefits everyone.

If you’re participating in Halloween, here are actions you can take to keep accessibility top-of-mind:

  1. Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep to communicate  you have non-food treats available. This gesture promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters affected by food allergies or other conditions.
  2. Place an Accessible Trick-or-Treating lawn sign on your front lawn at least a week before Halloween to show your home is providing an accessible trick-or-treating experience
  3. Place your treat bowl, teal pumpkin or sign close to the sidewalk or at the bottom of your stairs and ensure the area is well-lit. Stairs may be a challenge or tripping hazard for those mobility-related disabilities.
  4. Some children may be non-verbal. Don’t request verbal responses from children and be patient with those who do not respond to questions or provide social feedback.
  5. Avoid including flashing lights or startling scares in your Halloween decorations. They can be problematic for those living with epilepsy, sensory sensitivities and/or anxiety.

We can all make a difference in our neighborhoods and be champions of accessibility and inclusion.

Let’s have a safe and accessible Halloween this year. We can all make a difference in our neighborhoods and be champions of inclusion and accessibility.

York Region is committed to a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Learn more at york.ca/inclusiveyr