
Happy almost Halloween! This week, I wanted to give some suggestions to make trick or treating accessible for disabled trick or treaters.
1. Have a few non candy objects to pass out for kids with allergies, celiac disease, IBD, and other disorders. Now that I have IBD, I have been having to pay more attention to my diet, and watch what I eat that could be inflammatory. I have been getting less candy as gifts as a result. It might be nice to keep 10 small toys you can get from the dollar store or party city, so that kids who otherwise couldn't participate in the trick or treating fun of halloween get something they can enjoy.
2. If your house has a step to get up to the door, consider keeping some candy on the driveway or anywhere before that step so kids with wheelchairs can come up to the door. When I was a wheelchair user, I saw how much the world was not accessible to me and just how many places do not accommodate wheelchairs. This can also help kids with other mobility aids as well including canes, walkers, and crutches.
3. Limit loud or startling decorations that can cause sensory overload. While halloween decorations can be pretty cool, and for me very scary, consider putting up decorations on halloween that aren't too loud, or smokey so that kids with autism or other disabilities that can result in sensory overload can walk up to your candy station. I am quite partial to pumpkin decorations, but I am very scared of anything horror related.
4. Keep a distance from trick or treaters with autoimmune disorders. Now that covid has a similar cycle as the flu, some trick or treaters with autoimmune conditions or on autoimmune suppressant treatments like bio blockers and chemotherapy might be nervous to get too close Allowing the option to step away, or throw on a mask for the duration of the exchange could protect those with a weaker immune system.
5. Keep a small bowl of candy or other inclusive options like cheap toys from the dollar store out during the earlier parts of the day, before most kids start trick or treating. One way that kids with sensory processing disorders, or kids with lowered immune systems could participate in trick or treating is to find a time that is not heavily populated. This would still allow these kids to participate in the trick or treating tradition.
Many disabilities, both visible and invisible, can impact the trick or treating experience. I hope these options provide ways to make the trick or treating experience inclusive to kids who might otherwise have a hard time being included. Thank you for reading about inclusive trick or treat ideas. If you have any questions or comments, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook. I hope to see you next week!
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