Thread by @annieelainey

THREAD:

Make Trick-Or-Treating Accessible! 🎃♿️❤️

#TheFutureisAccessible
#AccessIsLove

If you participate in handing out candy to Trick-or-Treaters, try these tips to be more accessible to trick-or-treaters with disabilities:

Have a well-lit path to avoid accidents/injuries, particularly for those with low vision and mobility disabilities.

If there are bumps or raised sidewalks/pavement, try marking it with glow in the dark tape or paint to prevent falls.

Clear a path from the sidewalk to your home.

Walk the path from the sidewalk to your home and be alert to whether the path is wide enough (minimum 32 inches) and smooth enough (free of debris, obstacles, etc) for wheelchairs/mobility aids, wagons, & strollers to come and go.

If you have an inaccessible path (steps, stepping stones, gravel, etc) to your home, you can also create a trick-or-treat station closer to the sidewalk so they don't have to come up to your door.

You shouldn’t do this in general but do not block the sidewalk with your vehicle or any other objects because people with mobility aids need the sidewalk to get around safely, especially if there is vehicle traffic on the road.

Even if the street is being used by pedestrians, if the sidewalk is obstructed, many people with mobility disabilities would have to stay on the road to find clear paths back onto the sidewalk, unable to navigate grass, dirt, gravel, etc. without a curb-cut.

Refrain from using strobe lights that could trigger epilepsy seizures, sensory overload, etc.

Refrain from using airborne chemicals (such as scents or fog machines) that might be allergy risks.

Try to have allergy-friendly candy! Have them in a separate bowl and labeled, nut-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan.

Or you can offer party favors instead!

A turquoise Trick-or-Treat bag/jack-o’-lantern decor can indicate allergy-friendly candy needed/available.

Don't demand Trick-or-treaters verbally say, “Trick-or-Treat”; many disabilities might affect their ability to do so.

If someone doesn’t speak at all when they approach, please do not take it personally!

I’ve used “people” VS “children” in this thread because people of all ages Trick-Or-Treat!

Children and adults, whether disabled or not disabled, like to participate in the festivities!

Please don’t make anyone feel bad with “Aren’t you too old to be Trick-Or-Treating?”

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