Five Counties Children’s Centre is bringing All-o-ween to Lindsay

It’s all-in for All-o-ween, as a popular inclusive trick-or-treating experience for kids of all abilities returns to Lindsay for a third straight year. Five Counties Children’s Centre will again host its All-o-ween event on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4-7 p.m. at its Lindsay location at 9 Russell St. E.

All-o-ween is an accessible, inclusive and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for Five Counties kids, their siblings and families. It’s open to those currently receiving treatment at the Centre, who previously came to Five Counties, or who are currently on a wait list for services.

“The best part of All-o-ween is seeing the absolute joy on the faces of kids and families, because they get to enjoy a relaxed and inclusive trick-or-treating experience,” said Hayley Hodges, the client and family experience lead at Five Counties and All-o-ween organizer. “Many families say All-o-ween is very meaningful event for them, since they might not otherwise be able to go out trick-or-treating with their child over Halloween.”

Last year, more than 200 children and youth of all abilities took part in All-o-ween events held across Five Counties’ three main sites. In addition to All-o-ween in Lindsay this year, Five Counties is offering similar event as follows:

• On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Five Counties (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough

• On Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Five Counties (800 Division St., Unit 2) in Cobourg

To attend any of the All-o-ween, events, families are asked to book a spot by visiting fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or calling the centre at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215.

All-o-ween features an accessible, indoor and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience. Kids – who can dress up in costume, wear orange and black, or just come as they are – can go around each centre site to the different office doors and treatment spaces that have been decorated for Halloween. Five Counties staff, volunteers and community partners will hand out treats and toys to visitors.

Families can also take part in kids’ crafts, enjoy food and enjoy other family-friendly activities. When families register, they are assigned times to arrive for each All-o-ween event, ensuring that the space isn’t too busy or overwhelming for kids.

For Hodges, All-o-ween holds significant personal meaning. “As someone who uses a wheelchair, going out for Halloween as a child was always challenging,” she notes. “Most homes had steps, so I couldn’t go up to the door to trick-or-treat. I had to rely on my siblings to collect candy for me when they went to doors. From the bottom of the driveway, I would sit in my wheelchair, wave and wait.”

Hodges sees All-o-ween as an opportunity to ensure kids of all abilities can enjoy the Halloween experience. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that every child should be able to experience and enjoy. And by organizing All-o-ween, we can ensure everyone participates and no one gets left behind,” she adds.

Overall, Hodges is pleased that more people are putting the ‘all’ into Halloween. She sees more people being inclusive on Halloween when she goes out trick-or-treating with her own kids. “You see a greater awareness, as more people are setting up candy stations in their garage or the end of the driveway to make it more accessible,” she says. “The message is sinking in and that’s great to see.”

For people unable to attend All-o-ween, but who still want to promote an inclusive, barrier-free Halloween, Five Counties offers these tips:

• For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway, or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.
• Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit.
• Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.
• Communication counts. Some children may say ‘trick or treat’ differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much.
• Use some ‘show and tell’ to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.
• A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop. The Treat Accessibility organization promotes locations in Ontario where you can pick up an accessible trick-or-treating sign or print out your own version.