The Brighton Accessibility Advisory Committee is proud to offer free accessible trick-or-treat signs for residents who are able to offer accessible trick-or-treating at their homes.
Treat Accessibility, founded in 2017 by the Padulo family, is a grassroots movement focused on making trick-or-treating accessible and inclusive for every BODY.
The movement came out of a realization that because the Padulo family’s house had stairs, it was not accessible for someone in their neighbourhood who used a wheelchair to trick-or-treat. The Padulo family changed where their candy station was located and thought; wouldn’t others also want to know how to make Halloween accessible and inclusive for all?
Over 1 in 10 school-age children in Canada and the United States identify as having one or more disabilities, facing barriers that can prevent them from being included in the joy of trick-or-treating alongside millions of parents, siblings, caregivers, and friends.
Some trick-or-treaters may have difficulties navigating inclines, stairs, curving walkways, etc.
Before Halloween, pick up your free sign at select grocery stores in Brighton, at the Brighton Public Library, or at the Codrington Trunk ‘N Treat event on Oct 25 from 4pm to 6pm.
Accesibility Tips:
Make sure the path to your trick-or-treating station is well-lit.
Clear your driveway and pathways of any obstacles.
Park your vehicle on the street or in your garage to allow easy access.
Set up your trick-or-treating station at the end of your driveway or in your garage.
If your home doesn’t have a driveway, using your vehicle to trunk-or-treat. Show your creativity and decorate your vehicle to make it extra special.
Refrain from the use of strobe lights and high-pitched, sudden loud noises which may be alarming for some children.
Some pets can be intimidating, so make sure they are safely kept away from the trick-or-treating station.
Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats such as stickers, small toys, colouring items, etc.
Kindly keep in mind not everyone can see or speak.
Don’t forget to place your Treat Accessibility lawn sign on your front lawn one week before Halloween.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
