Make your home accessible to all trick-or-treaters this Halloween!

Tomorrow is Halloween, when thousands of children throughout Vaughan will dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. This year let’s all do our part to ensure it’s an accessible and inclusive holiday for every child in our city. 

According to Treat Accessibly, an initiative aimed at making Halloween trick-or-treating an activity every child can participate in – approximately 400,000 children in Canada identify with having a disability that may prevent them from trick-or-treating because of a barrier, such as stairs. This local initiative raises awareness of these barriers and makes Halloween trick-or-treating an activity every child can take part in – regardless of ability. 

Vaughan was the first municipality in Canada to endorse Treat Accessibly in 2021 after Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson’s Member’s Resolution was approved, and the City’s support continues this year. This unique program aligns with the City’s goal of ensuring Vaughan is a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and equity-based community for all.

It’s not too late to participate! Here are some ways that your household can distribute Halloween treats safely and accessibly:

• Visit Treat Accessibly to download a free lawn sign, read tips to make your home accessible for Halloween and register to attend one of three free Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages in the GTHA.
• Create a trick-or-treating station in a location at your home that’s easily accessible to all, as some trick-or-treaters may have difficulties navigating inclines, stairs, curving or uneven walkways, etc. – the end of your driveway or garage (if the driveway isn’t too steep) can make great locations!
• If your home has no driveway, consider using your vehicle for trunk-or-treat! Show your creativity and decorate your vehicle to make it extra special.
• Make sure the path to your trick-or-treating area is well-lit and clear of hazards.
• Refrain from using strobe lights and high-pitched, sudden, loud noises that may alarm some children.
• Some pets can be intimidating, so ensure they are kept safely away from the front of your house or trick-or-treating station.

The City is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. The City believes in integration and fair access for residents, visitors and employees with visible or non-visible disabilities. 

To learn more about how the City is working towards its goal of becoming a barrier-free community, visit vaughan.ca/accessibility. 

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