Everyone knows that one way to become legendary on Halloween is to give out full-sized candy bars. What may be less well known, however, is how to give them out in a way that welcomes and includes every child.
Small changes, big impact
As the evening of tricks and treats approaches, planning accessible ways to partake in the day’s traditions can ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time.
“It's not too complicated. I think really the goal is just to make an experience that everybody who wants to participate in can participate in,” says Nolan Martens, the director of Clover Creek Learning Centre, an organization in Winkler that offers programming for children with autism. “I think there are a few simple ways that we as community members can make adjustments [to do] that.”
According to Martens, something to think about for Halloween is how accessible the path to the house entrance is. Is there a vehicle or another item in the driveway that could impede someone’s ability to reach the door? Are there steps that could be an obstacle?
“A solution to that, and what you sometimes see, is that people will set up curbside stations. You can set up a table and maybe have your candy at the curb,” he says. “That way, you're just cutting that part right out [so that] people can just walk by, and you can chat with them there.”
Martens also suggests being mindful of incorporating strobe lights or sudden noises in displays. While for some children and families, this is the landscape of Halloween, others may be sensitive to the unfamiliar sights and sounds.
Different types of communication
It’s likely that those who remember going out on Halloween as a child look back on screaming “trick-or-treat" at neighbourhood doors fondly. It is a tradition that has always been a part of the evening, but for some children with alternative ways of communicating, how they engage with the trick-or-treating process may be different.
“Communication . . . is something to consider,” says Martens. “Everybody communicates differently and [children can] be at different places in their communication journey, so I think just being aware of that too is very important.”
Other things to keep in mind
For anyone who would like to go above and beyond to create an accessible experience, here are other tips and tricks to consider via the Treat Accessibly initiative:
-Ensure that pets, which are sometimes intimidating to trick-or-treaters no matter how friendly they are, are kept safely away from visitors.
-For children who cannot eat candy, have non-edible items like pencils, stickers, or small toys on hand, too.
-Some trick-or-treaters may not be able to see their treats, so explain what you are putting into their bags.
-You may see trick-or-treaters that appear older, but they are still happy to be included in Halloween traditions.
A welcoming community
For Martens, taking the time to reflect on the needs of everyone in the community during events like treat-or-treating is becoming a trend. He’s glad.
“That's just the direction we're going, which is awesome,” he says. “There are little adjustments that can be made that can go a long way in helping others. I think sometimes, it's trying to put others before ourselves. I think that goes a long way. Not just for trick-or-treating, but obviously for being a good citizen.”
A new resource in the Pembina Valley
Martens’ expertise when it comes to accessible trick-or-treating stems from his position of educator at Winkler-based Clover Creek Learning Centre. The organization offers programming to children with autism through something that all children love to do — play. From one-on-one play sessions to group settings, Clover Creek helps children develop important life skills while also embracing and building bonds with each child.
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“We have this special opportunity where we get to connect with numerous families in the area,” says Martens. “We offer weekly sessions and we focus on areas that the parents suggest. Ultimately what we're trying to do is create a positive experience and learn through strength-based learning.”
Right now, Clover Creek has a staff of three educators, including Martens.
“We just opened our doors in 2022, so we’re kind of starting out small and just trying to grow with it as it goes,” he says, adding that the centre currently works with 30 children from Pre-K to the eighth grade.
“Every single child is so unique in their own way,” says Martens. “We're working . . . with the family and the children discovering [their talents] and it's just really special to get to be a part of it . . . . It's just really incredible.”
For more information about Clover Creek Learning Centre, its specialized facility, and what it offers, visit the centre’s website. Martens also invites anyone who is interested in seeing the facility to send him an email to set up a tour.
As for Halloween, as Martens says, with a few minor alterations to the evening, it can become a rewarding and community-bonding experience. As you’re putting out your pumpkins, fake cobwebs, and friendly ghosts, make accessibility another part of the treasured tradition.
~With files from Jayme Giesbrecht~