Have a safe and fun Halloween this year at Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages — best of all, it’s FREE! All kids and parents, with and without disabilities, can enjoy an accessible and inclusive trick-or-treating experience that makes inclusion the sweetest part. These village experiences include curb-side and accessible trick-or-treating with each other and also with local neighbourhood kids. This year, they are hosting Halloween events across Canada for all kids, with events in Ontario taking place in the York area of Toronto and Hamilton.
Halloween… for everyBODY, every year!
Did you know that 22% of our country’s population identifies with having a disability? Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages strive to prove that an inclusive Halloween is the best kind of Halloween! With help from companies like Canadian Tire, RE/MAX, and Kinder in Canada, the Treat Accessibly initiative helps create a safe and fun Halloween experience for all kids and all families.
Originating here in Toronto in 2017, Treat Accessibly began its efforts with just one lawn sign! However, last year, that number grew to more than 200,000 homes displaying their FREE lawn signs. This grassroots movement encourages homeowners across the country to trick-or-treat from their driveways. Families can support their neighbours with children with mobility, sensory or intellectual disabilities, and make sure Halloween is fully accessible so all kids can have fun. Parents, don’t forget to join the party and wear a costume too!
How to Register
Register for a free event location near you, where kids and parents with and without disabilities are all welcome to enjoy some edible and non-edible treats! Along with accessible trick-or-treating fun at up to 30 homes, families can also see performances by magicians, a DJ plus a variety of costumed entertainers.
However, be aware that space is limited and only those registered will be admitted. This way, organizers can limit the number of attendees on-site at one time to keep everyone safe. Find an event near you here!
Want to Get Involved in Your Own Neighbourhood?
In addition, you can also spread the message of Accessible Trick-or-Treating on October 31st with a free Treat Accessibly lawn sign! You can either order one online here or print one yourself here! Don’t forget to show off your Treat Accessibly lawn sign in front of your house at least one week before Halloween to give families plenty of time to plan their trick-or-treating route.
Accessibility Tips
Why not gather with your neighbours and create a memorable Halloween event that can be enjoyed by all?! It’s easy for families to make the most of their trick-or-treating experience and make an accessible trick-or-treating station with just a few simple steps. Here are some tips on how to make your home’s trick-or-treating area more accessible:
- Ensure your trick-or-treating station is located somewhere easily accessible to all, such as a driveway or wide pathway.
- Provide barrier-free access and include a ramp if required.
- Make sure your trick-or-treating station is well-lit, as well as the path leading to it.
- Allow easy access by parking your vehicle elsewhere.
- If your home doesn’t have a driveway, you can use your vehicle to trunk-or-treat.
- Consider stocking some non-edible treats such as stickers, pencils, crayons and small toys.
- Make sure that your decorations can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Don’t use strobe lights or loud noises, which may be alarming for some trick-or-treaters.
- Keep pets safely away from the front of the house, since they can be intimidating.
- Most of all, create a safe environment!
Show your support for this important movement and help make Halloween more accessible here!
Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages
Toronto
When: September 28, 2024
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Queens Drive, York (Toronto), Ontario
Website: www.treataccessibly.com
Hamilton
When: September 28, 2024
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Cartier Crescent, Hamilton, Ontario
Website: www.treataccessibly.com
Facebook: @treataccessibly
Instagram: @treataccessibly
YouTube: @treataccessibly
TikTok: @treataccessibly
Website: www.treataccessibly.com
Find treats not tricks with our list of Halloween in Toronto and the GTA here!
