• Accessible Halloween Embrun, Ontario, Autism, Special Needs Event, ADHD
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Our First Accessible Halloween

Our First Accessible Halloween

Halloween is a time of excitement and creativity for children all around the world. The thrill of dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating with friends is an experience many kids look forward to. However, for children with special needs, the holiday can pose unique challenges that often go unnoticed. That's why, on Saturday, October 28 2023, from 1:30 to 4:00 PM, our community came together to organize an accessible Halloween event tailored to the needs of kids with special needs. In this blog post, we'll share the heartwarming stories and experiences from our inclusive Halloween celebration.
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When Ability Hive reached out to us about organizing and participating at this event, we were really excited as we know there are a lot of families who would love to get access to these type of events. Creating an accessible Halloween event is not just a nice gesture but an essential one. It ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and enjoy the festivities. Accessible events promote inclusivity, foster a sense of belonging, and provide a platform for kids and adults with special needs to engage in age-appropriate activities.

  • The Setup

    Our inclusive Halloween event took place in a local community neighborhood that was wheelchair-accessible. The event was free for all participants, thanks to the generous support of local businesses and volunteers.

  • The key features of our event included:

    1. Sensory-Friendly Environment: We created a calm and comfortable atmosphere to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities. No strobe lighting, quiet spaces, and sensory stations with soothing materials were available.
    2. Adapted Trick-or-Treat Trail: We set up a trick-or-treat trail where kids with special needs could go from station to station, collecting treats. Each station was equipped with volunteers who understood the diverse needs of the participants. We offered non-food treats for kids with feeding tube as an example or friends in the spectrum who preferred sensory toys.
    3. Allergies: In addition to ensuring the physical environment was accessible, we recognized the importance of providing allergy-free treats. Such as nut-free candies, gluten-free snacks, and dairy-free options. This meant that children and adults with food allergies (which are very often comorbidities with their conditions) could also enjoy the thrill of trick-or-treating without the worry of allergens.

''Just goes to show the power of what one person can do to make a difference in the community.''

  • Personal Stories

    One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was witnessing the joy on the faces of the children and their families. Parents of children with special needs expressed their gratitude for the inclusive environment. They shared stories of how their children often felt left out during Halloween but were now able to fully participate and enjoy the festivities.
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See us in action!

This event demonstrated that a little extra care and thoughtfulness can make all the difference for these kids, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience.

Morning Preparation

Friendly Ghosts

We designed a face-in-hole Halloween board with interesting textures. Friends can take pictures and also use it as a sensory board. We also, made it chair accessible on one side.

Have a peek

knitting mama spider

We had a fun idea: creating a big mama spider knitting a scarf with her web while the little baby spiders play with a knitting ball.

Have a peek

  • In Conclusion

    Our accessible Halloween event on Saturday, October 28th, was a testament to the power of inclusivity and the positive impact it has on the lives of children and adults with special needs. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, we ensured that these children could fully enjoy the magic of Halloween. The success of the event wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and support of our volunteers, sponsors, and the local community.

  • As we look ahead to next Halloween, let this event serve as a reminder that inclusivity and accessibility should be at the forefront of all community activities. Every child deserves the opportunity to create lasting Halloween memories, regardless of their abilities.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who came to see us this year! Thank you to all volunteers. Thank you to all the people who helped to share our event. Thank you to people from other cities who came to help us. To all the parents, thank you for your trust, we are truly grateful and happy you are now part of our community. See you next year!