A community-driven effort is gaining traction across Canada, encouraging people to make trick-or-treating safe, accessible, and a bit less spooky. The City of Oshawa has joined the Treat Accessibly initiative, which motivates Canadians to ensure that everyone can enjoy trick-or-treating.
Residents of Oshawa who want to contribute to a more inclusive Halloween this year can grab a free Treat Accessibly lawn sign at Oshawa City Hall as well as at various community centers and libraries throughout the city, including:
Civic Recreation Complex Delpark Homes Centre Donevan Recreation Complex Northview Community Centre South Oshawa Community Centre Delpark Homes Centre library Jess Hann library John Aker Northview library Mc Laughlin Branch
With over 400,000 children in Canada having disabilities that might limit their ability to enjoy trick-or-treating alongside their friends and siblings, the Treat Accessibly movement was established in 2017 as the first accessible holiday tradition worldwide. By 2020, 40,000 families had joined in, and this number increased to 150,000 Canadian homes by 2022.
The aim of the Treat Accessibly movement is clear: create a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for all kids-both with and without disabilities-and their families. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up too.
“We want to let everyone know that an accessible and inclusive Halloween is the best kind of Halloween … for every BODY, every year.”
Making trick-or-treating more accessible doesn’t require much; just a few considerate actions can make a big impact:
Hand out candy from a spot that is easy to reach, like the end of your driveway. Keep pathways clear and ensure your trick-or-treating area is well-lit. Avoid strobe lights and loud noises that could startle some kids. Keep pets safely away from where you’re handing out treats. Not all kids can eat candy; think about offering non-edible goodies like stickers or small toys stored separately from edible treats. A common symbol for this is a teal or blue ‘pumpkin’ bowl. Some trick-or-treaters may have trouble seeing what you’re giving out; describing each treat briefly can help them feel included.
Treat Accessibly 2026 is backed by Canadian Tire, Kinder, and RE/MAX. To find out more about making your home more inviting for accessible trick-or-treating or details on how to get free Treat Accessibly yard signs (while supplies last) available at The Pet Valu Family of Stores, visit treataccessibly. com.
There are also Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages set up in several cities across Canada such as Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa where children with disabilities can experience inclusive trick-or-treating alongside local neighborhood kids.
INSAUGA Canada’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 56,083 Votes
All Time: 1,598,989 Votes
434 VOTES
Are you happy with the election results in your town or city?
Stay in the know.
Subscribe now to receive our daily email of today’s top stories in your city!
Source link
