This Halloween, a family in Hamilton will be offering treats to trick-or-treaters from the curb to enhance accessibility. They are participating in the Treat Accessibly movement, which aims to make Halloween more inclusive for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.
Mercedes Palermo, a resident of Hamilton’s Central Mountain area, strongly supports Treat Accessibly. She is particularly passionate about the cause because her six-year-old daughter, Camila, is autistic and faces challenges with sensory overload and new experiences during Halloween.
To make trick-or-treating more accessible, Treat Accessibly provides tips such as offering treats at ground level from a driveway or the trunk of a car to avoid stairs. Other suggestions include providing non-edible treats for those who cannot have candy and minimizing bright lights and loud sounds.
Palermo, who is a registered nurse, also runs a social media page called Autism Out Loud, where she shares insights on parenting a neurodivergent child. She encourages homeowners to let go of traditional expectations for trick-or-treaters and simply allow everyone to enjoy the festivities.
The Palermo family displayed a Treat Accessibly sign on their lawn to signal their commitment to an inclusive trick-or-treating experience. The Treat Accessibly initiative originated in Oakville, Ontario, in 2017 when founder Rich Padulo and his daughter Siena noticed a child in a wheelchair struggling to access houses on Halloween.
Since then, Treat Accessibly has expanded, distributing over 300,000 signs this Halloween. The organization has garnered recognition, including a mention in the House of Commons for promoting inclusivity. Treat Accessibly collaborates with businesses to fund its programs, with partnerships with companies like Pet Valu and Kinder.
In recent years, Treat Accessibly has organized accessible trick-or-treating events in various cities, attracting significant community support. These events provide a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for all, with participants often dressing up and offering treats to children of all abilities.
The Hamilton Halloween village, held on Cartier Crescent, was a success this year, drawing widespread participation and creating a heartwarming atmosphere. Palermo appreciates the growing awareness of Treat Accessibly in her neighborhood, observing more neighbors adopting inclusive practices.
For Palermo, the movement represents a significant shift towards inclusive holidays where children like Camila can participate without judgment or pressure, enhancing the joy of special occasions like Halloween.