As Halloween approaches, children become excited about the idea of dressing up and going trick-or-treating. For children with disabilities, the reality of accessibility issues comes to light.

The history of Halloween

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years.  The tradition first started during the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration which marked the end of summer and the beginning of the winter season. 

The word Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day is a Christian observance on Nov. 1st that celebrates all saints.

History of trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treating has evolved from the Celtic traditions and medieval practices, such as “souling”. This included people going door-to-door, asking for food and money in exchange for prayers.

These practices became more organized, community-focused activities in the 1920s. Candy became a common treat distributed during this period.

Trick-or-treating with disabilities

Many children see Halloween as a light-hearted event. However, children with disabilities see this time as a mark of their uniqueness. Each child with a disability presents their own struggles when it comes to Halloween. These challenges can range from loud noises and sensory issues to accessibility issues.

“I think the main problem is accessibility, so going up driveways, going up stairs is hard. So people can make it a lot easier who have physical disabilities to go trick or treating.” Said Lea Carasio, a special education teacher at Colonia High School

Although children with disabilities are often overlooked during Halloween, there are still many options to celebrate!

1. Trunk-or-treat

One of the most well-known alternatives, trunk-or-treat, often takes place in a flat, large and well-lit parking lot. This is a great option for families who would like to enjoy Halloween but struggle to find accessible events.

Unlike traditional trick-or-treating, families decorate the trunks of their cars and help to create a safe and fun atmosphere for kids to explore. At this kind of event, children can go up to carts and receive candy at their own pace, without the anxiety usually felt from traditional trick-or-treating.

“I think trunk-or-treating is a good alternative for those with disabilities. I’m not a huge fan of trunk or treating because I feel like it takes away from the authentic experience of going door to door. It is definitely a nice alternative for some people who have autism or other disabilities, where it may be challenging to go door to door. They can still have the experience of getting candy and wearing their costume, but not having to go door-to-door.” Said Caroscio.

Furthermore, these events usually have games and activities, making sure that everyone can participate in the fun. Many places also include sensory-friendly hours, where lights and sounds are minimized, allowing children with sensory issues to join in on the fun!

2. Mall-o-ween

Mall-o-ween refers to a Halloween-themed event. As suggested by its name, this event is held in a mall and often features safe trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games, and events. Another great alternative for individuals with special needs, this provides a very safe and controlled environment.

“If you have someone who has sensory issues, sometimes malls are too loud and too crowded, which probably wouldn’t be a good choice. But you have someone with a physical disability, being in the mall, being on level ground, having access to the elevators and ramps, and things like that may be a good option for them.” Said Caroscio.

To find out whether your local mall has Halloween-themed events,  look on the mall’s website.

3. Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Although this option isn’t a community event like the previous options, it can also be a great alternative. This option not only alleviates the anxiety of going door to door, only to see the child has to rely on the parent getting the candy, but it can also be adapted to a large variety of needs.

Final thoughts

Although the accommodations mentioned above can fit many families, it is best to adapt as needed. Some other ways that families can adapt are finding costumes that can be incorporated into their disability, such as noise-canceling headphones or mobility aids. Each child has different needs, and it is best to remember that although one child is able, not every child is the same.