Rolling with Sarah

Spent Halloween night this year handing out candy at Bob Foster’s ( a fellow Lions Club member) house. We faced the not-so-great weather in a little tarp area set up to keep us dry, complete with a smoking cauldron of witches brew and strobe lights for effect. We chose this location because it was wheelchair accessible to both me and any potential trick or treaters who may have mobility needs. We were sure to represent the Treat Accessibly movement with our orange sign. In case you haven’t heard of this, Treat Accessibly was founded in 2017 by the Padulo family when they realized they had to change how they set up their trick-or-treating station.  Their home had stairs.  This meant that someone in their neighbourhood could not enjoy their treats as they used a wheelchair to get around.  They changed where their station was located and thought:  wouldn’t others also want to know how to make Halloween accessible and inclusive for all?  And so, Treat Accessibly was founded. You can participate by setting up in front of your house or in the driveway where wheelchairs can easily get to you. Make it official by picking up a free Treat Accessibly sign or printing out your own, available on their website.

We took accessibility further, as accessibility needs are wider than mobility needs, by also handing out some fun things like little notebooks, pencils, erasers, tattoos, and stickers for those who don’t want or can’t have candy. Everyone deserves a treat on Halloween, and it doesn’t always have to mean candy.

We had a great turnout considering the rain. Saw plenty of cool costumes and I had a great time hanging out with Bob. A special thank you to him and Ann for hosting me. I am definitely taking them up on their offer to return next year!