10/31/2025
Halloween can be a challenging time for many people. The best thing we as a community can do is make sure we stay safe and use positive judgement. Many people are part of the disabled community and not all disabilities are visible. So let's make this Halloween safe and accessible for all.
Here are a few tips for making this Halloween safe and accessible:
-Always bring a buddy. When in doubt, bring friends. There is always more safety in numbers.
-Use sidewalks, crosswalks, and proper traffic safety procedures.
-Wear bright and colorful clothing that can be seen in low light conditions.
-Modify your costume to work for your accessibility needs.
-Practice the route you will take during the day so that at night you are familiar with your surroundings.
-Plan for sensory needs with noise cancelling headphones, and flashlights.
For those handing out candy here are a few tips to help make Halloween accessible to all:
-Reduce the use of flashing lights in your decorations
-Offer options that are gluten free, non-candy, and non-food related, ie. stickers, fidgets, and glow sticks (these provide alternatives for food allergies)
-Stand at the bottom of stairs or driveways for accessibility to individuals with mobility concerns.
-Allow the Trick or Treater to access communication in their own way.
-Be patient and kind with your actions and words.
-Allow teens and adults to participate in the festivities.
Understand the pumpkin color system for disabilities:
-Teal=non-food treats would be appreciated
-Blue=autism awareness
-Purple=represent epilepsy, this allows for everyone to be aware that seizures could take place, flashing lights could trigger these.
