Halloween is fun time for kids of all ages, but it is also an important time to think about making sure everyone is included, no matter what their disability might be… i.e. true inclusion.

Inclusion is an important part of building a better community together by ensuring that everyone can participate fully and have a good time without feeling marginalized.  Remember – not all disabilities are apparent!  A child may have a disability that is not outwardly obvious but that you should consider – including dietary issues like allergies, or behavioral issues like autism or ADHD, among many others.

How can we make sure that we are being inclusive of all on Halloween?

Here are some guidelines to follow for your own children and other children in your neighborhood as you prepare for your Halloween festivities:

• Have known allergy-free candy items to pass out  – Here is a current list of the top 10.

• Add some non-food treats to your Halloween candy bowl too – such as play-doh, pencils, erasers, glow sticks, spider rings, bracelets, or temporary tattoos.

• If you are hosting a party, be sure to have some non-food and non-scary activities ready so that kids don’t feel left out.  This can be an art project like pumpkin painting or a game like hidden words.

• Remember Halloween can be a scary time for some – particularly to those with anxieties.  Here are two ides for what to do if your child has anxiety about Halloween or about Halloween activities:   When Your Child is Afraid of Halloween & Halloween with your Special Needs Child.

• Many kids with sensory issues are unable to wear scratchy costumes or tolerate make-up.  Here are some comfortable costume ideas for those with sensory disabilities:  Sensory-friendly Halloween Costumes.

• For some children, it helps to teach about and practice trick-or-treating before you go out into the crowds.  Here is a helpful visual lesson: Learning How to Trick or Treat – A Social Story with Visuals for Learners.

• Talk to your neighbors and/or city council to encourage others to offer allergen-free candy and or alternatives for trick or treating.

Finally, Halloween is a great time to motivate creativity with costumes and decorating.  We love to see clever ideas that incorporate Assistive Technology into Halloween costumes!

Here are some more links to costume ideas for people that use AT like wheelchairs, walkers, etc.:

• Clever costumes that incorporate amputations and wheelchairs
• Children that use a wheelchair costume ideas
• Adult and children costume ideas for wheelchair users