With Halloween around the corner, Five Counties Children’s Centre is bringing back its accessible “All-o-ween” events for a second year in Cobourg, Lindsay, and Peterborough.
Along with an accessible and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience, the events include food, kids’ crafts, and a storyteller sharing a fall festive tale. Kids coming to All-o-ween can dress up in costume, wear orange and black, or come just as they are.
The event is open to clients of Five Counties and their families — both those currently receiving treatment through the centre and those on a wait list for services.
“We’re all in for All-o-ween to make the scariest night of the year an enjoyable evening for kids of all ages and abilities,” Hayley Hodges, Five Counties’ client and family experience lead, said in a media release.
She noted Five Counties received many positive comments from parents and families of the 250 children who attended the inaugural All-o-ween events last year in Peterborough, Lindsay and Cobourg.
“We want to build on that momentum and feedback to make All-o-ween in 2025 an even better night of fun for participants,” Hodges said
All-o-ween events run from 4 to 7 p.m. at each of the centre’s main sites, including Tuesday, October 28 at 872 Dutton Road in Peterborough, Wednesday, October 29 at 800 Division Street in Cobourg, and Thursday, October 30 at Five Counties at 9 Russell Street East in Lindsay.
To attend All-o-ween, advance registration is required. Families can book a spot for each event at www.fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or by calling the centre at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215. Siblings of Five Counties kids are welcome to join the fun as well.
Hodges said All-o-ween fits nicely into the work done by Five Counties staff in supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communications needs.
“As a kid, Halloween is one of the best days of the year, so giving every child the opportunity to take part in an event like All-o-ween means fun for everyone.”
To make Halloween inclusive and accessible for all children in the community, including those with special needs, Five Counties spokesperson Bill Eekhof shared a few tips with kawarthaNOW.
Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy
For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway, or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use a vehicle’s trunk as a candy stop.
Clear the path for trick-or-treaters
Remove potential obstacles and ensure access to the treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges. Consider parking vehicles on the street or in the garage to create even more space.
Decorate for Halloween with care
While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism, or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful about decorating so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.
Communication counts
Some children may say “trick or treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly, or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much.
Seeing blue? That’s OK.
Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. Adjust interactions as appropriate if a trick-or-treater is carrying a blue pumpkin.
Use some “show and tell” techniques to hand out treats
To accommodate children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.
Offer non-candy options
Consider having non-food treats on hand so all kids can enjoy the holiday.
A sign of the times
Those who want to make an even stronger statement can place a sign on their front lawn indicating the home is an accessible and inclusive trick-or-treating stop.
Treat Accessibility is a Toronto-based grassroots organization that offers additional tips to make trick-or-treating more accessible. It also offers people a trick-or-treating sign that can be printed out and posted on Halloween to indicate to kids and families that the home is accessible. For more information, visit www.treataccessibly.com.
