Published on October 16, 2024
An Accessible and Inclusive Halloween in St. Albert!
Residents of St. Albert are helping to make this Halloween an inclusive, accessible and allergy-friendly experience for children of all ages and abilities.
From daytime sensory-safe or barrier-free activities to trick-or-treating on Halloween night, we’ve curated a list of opportunities for children and parents to explore at stalbert.ca/inclusivehalloween.
We caught up with City Community Development Coordinator Nicole Synowec and one of our Neighbourhood Connectors, Krystal, to learn more about some of the accessible and inclusive Halloween initiatives around the city.
What is an ‘accessible and inclusive Halloween’ and why is the City of St. Albert curating these events?
Nicole: “Accessible and inclusive Halloween is an opportunity for children to trick-or-treat regardless of mobility or dietary challenges. The City has heard over the years that it’s difficult for parents to take children with mobility or dietary challenges out for a traditional Halloween night experience. The idea of asking residents to self-register their residence and then present these residences participating was a way to allow kids to be kids and get out and enjoy Halloween, regardless of challenge.”
What is the trick-or-treating map all about?
Nicole: “The accessible and inclusive trick-or-treating map is a way for residents to self-register their residence so the City can showcase in map-form where barrier-free (treat station is setup at the end of one’s sidewalk or driveway) or inclusive (nonedible treats) trick-or-treating opportunities are located on Halloween night. Parents of children who require these opportunities can then refer to the map and mark out their Halloween night route”
Krystal, how did you get involved with Treat Accessibly for the St. Albert Halloween Village?
Krystal: “In Summer 2022 a flyer went around our crescent asking anyone interested in participating to register, and I loved the premise so I signed up our household to participate! I wish I knew how our crescent was the one chosen. Since then I have provided feedback and volunteered to be a local representative for Treat Accessibly to help where I can to ensure it's a success.”
What should people know before coming down to Ellington Crescent on Oct. 20?
Krystal: “Try to enter where Ellington connects to Erin Ridge Drive as the registration table is there, but there are many paths that connect from other nearby streets so parking isn't too bad. Also keep your eyes open for magicians and other entertainers walking around - they LOVE performing for the kids. The first year we were delayed cleaning up because they kept entertaining the kids on the street.”
What is the best Halloween costume you’ve ever seen?
Nicole: “I love handing out candy or nonedible treats to kids and seeing their costumes. My all-time favourite is the littles in their fuzzy animal costumes. From sloths to lions to dinosaurs – rooooar, I love them all. Big nod to the youth who dress up in the scary costumes to get their treats. I appreciate this too!”
Krystal: “There are so many impressive costumes! But one that really stands out when I think of Treat Accessibly is the first year when a mom and her son dressed up as Macho Man Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan and set up a mini wrestling ring around his wheelchair using pool noodles for ropes - so original and creative!”
Are there any tips you’d like to pass along to St. Albert residents who want to contribute to a more accessible, inclusive trick-or-treating experience?
Krystal: “Setting up on your driveway to handout treats is easy and a great way to connect with your neighbours when there are lulls between trick-or-treaters; plus if you have a dog that doesn't love people coming to the door, it makes for a less stressful experience for them too! In addition to keeping my eyes open for sales for bulk fidget or Halloween toys, I also save kids meal toys throughout the year for an economical way to have non-food items to offer for those who may have dietary concerns. I'm always amazed at how many kids will choose a toy over candy!”
Nicole: “Many of us with able bodied children or children who don’t have life-threatening dietary restrictions might not think about how impactful Halloween night can be to kids who cannot participate in the “traditional” sense. This initiative is a simple way to make Halloween in St. Albert a little more accessible and inclusive!”
To learn more, check out stalbert.ca/inclusivehalloween
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Last edited: October 16, 2024