10/30/2025
Halloween is almost here🎃👻 Here’s some tips for creating an accessible & inclusive experience for all:
(You might not be able to do everything on the list this year, but do what you can & you’ll make it a better experience for someone in your neighborhood!)
🧡 Offer a non-food option for kids who cannot eat candy by mouth. There are most likely kids in your community with feeding tubes. Instead, you can offer things like temporary tattoos, stickers, mini play-doh, glow sticks, bubbles, coloring sheets, or Halloween jewelry. This is also helpful for children with food allergies!
🖤 Don’t require children to say “trick-or-treat” to receive candy. Some kids are shy. Some are non-verbal. There are countless reasons why a child might not say “trick-or-treat.” They should get candy regardless.
🧡 Offer candy regardless of age. Teens & adults with developmental differences may enjoy the tradition of trick-or-treating.
🖤 Provide a way for those who cannot access your front door to announce their arrival. You might consider a bell or using a baby monitor to watch for kids who might not be able to reach your doorbell. Keep slip-on shoes by your door so you can bring candy to them. Or, even better, give out candy at the end of your driveway which is more easily accessible.
🧡 Avoid the use of strobe lights as they can trigger seizures in some individuals. Loud music and fog machines can also be a sensory overload for some individuals.
🖤 Don’t require that a child be dressed in a costume to receive candy. Some children with sensory sensitivities may prefer to trick-or-treat in their everyday clothes.
🧡 Clear the path to your door of any obstacles. This will make it easier for those using adaptive equipment to reach your house safely.
🖤 Try to make the path to your door as well-lit as possible. This will help all trick-or-treaters but particularly those with vision impairments.
What other accommodations would help your family have a great experience trick-or-treating? Let us know in the comments!
