Across Canada, families join the Treat Accessibly movement to make Halloween inclusive for children with disabilities and sensory challenges.
Canadian Families Make Halloween More Accessible
Inclusive Traditions Take Root in Ontario Neighborhoods
This Halloween, families across Canada are reimagining trick-or-treating to make it more inclusive for every child. In Hamilton, Ont., residents like Mercedes Palermo are serving treats from the curb rather than the doorstep — part of a growing national movement known as Treat Accessibly, which aims to remove barriers for children with disabilities and neurodivergent trick-or-treaters.
A Family’s Effort to Make Halloween Enjoyable for All
For Palermo, the initiative is deeply personal. Her six-year-old daughter Camila is autistic, and sensory sensitivities often make Halloween overwhelming. By creating a calmer, more predictable environment, Palermo hopes to make the holiday something Camila — and others like her — can truly enjoy. “Let people enjoy the night,” Palermo said, encouraging others to drop expectations about costumes or verbal greetings.
Tips for an Accessible Halloween Experience
Treat Accessibly encourages families to hand out candy from a driveway, garage, or vehicle trunk to eliminate stairs and provide ground-level access. It also suggests non-edible treat options and discourages bright lights or sudden noises. These simple adjustments can transform Halloween into a celebration everyone can join without stress or exclusion.
From a Single Sign to a National Movement
The Treat Accessibly initiative began in Oakville, Ont., in 2017, when founder Rich Padulo and his daughter Siena realized that a child using a wheelchair couldn’t access their home. That realization sparked an idea — a sign announcing their home as “accessible.” The next week, they handed out candy from their driveway. The idea spread quickly through the community. This year, Padulo says the group expects to distribute over 300,000 signs nationwide.
National Support and Growing Recognition
The movement has caught national attention — including a mention in the House of Commons by Carleton MP Bruce Fanjoy, who praised it as “a reminder that inclusion is not a barrier but an opportunity.” Corporate partners like Pet Valu and Kinder have also joined the cause, helping distribute signs and raise awareness through their networks.
Building Communities Through Accessible Villages
Since 2021, Treat Accessibly has hosted “villages” — accessible trick-or-treating block parties — in cities across Canada. This year’s events took place in Surrey, St. Albert, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Hamilton. Palermo, who attended the Hamilton event, called it “remarkable,” noting how daytime hours and predictable setups make it easier for her daughter to participate fully.
Inclusion That Lasts Beyond Halloween
As the Treat Accessibly signs become a common sight across Canadian neighborhoods, Palermo says the movement has already made a difference. “To be able to enjoy holidays and things like Halloween without feeling judgment or pressure — it really does mean everything,” she said.
