As Canadians prepare for another night of costumes and candy, a new study reveals that many families overlook one crucial aspect of Halloween — accessibility. According to a recent Ipsos survey commissioned by Mars Canada, 34 per cent of Canadians have never considered accessibility when hosting trick-or-treating events, while 80 per cent admit they don’t feel confident setting up an accessible space for children with disabilities.
For some children, stairs, dark paths, or loud noises can make Halloween challenging. Others with sensory sensitivities or mobility limitations may struggle to enjoy the night’s festivities. That’s why initiatives like Treat Accessibly, launched by the Padulo family in 2017, are working to change how Canadians celebrate Halloween.
The movement began when six-year-old Siena Padulo asked how her neighbour in a wheelchair could reach their door. Her family responded by moving their candy station to the driveway, sparking a grassroots campaign that now includes over 250,000 homes across Canada.
“Any home can Treat Accessibly,” said founder Rich Padulo, who now lives in Oakville. “By simply moving your trick-or-treating station to the end of your driveway, you make Halloween possible for every child.”
The initiative has partnered with Mars Canada to raise awareness and help communities remove physical and social barriers to inclusion. Treat Accessibly also benefits children with autism, speech delays, or social anxiety by reducing crowds, noise, and stress.
In addition to mobility accessibility, Canadians are encouraged to join the Teal Pumpkin Project, which supports children with food allergies. A teal-coloured pumpkin or light outside a home signals that non-food treats — such as stickers, glow sticks, or small toys — are available for kids who cannot safely consume candy.
Meanwhile, costume makers are also stepping up. Disney and Party City now offer adaptive costumes designed for wheelchair users and children with medical or sensory needs, from Mandalorian-themed wheelchairs to Cinderella carriages.
The Treat Accessibly campaign offers several simple tips for making your home welcoming to all:
- Move your treat table to the end of your driveway or curbside.
- Keep pathways well-lit and clear of obstacles.
- Avoid strobe lights or sudden loud noises.
- Provide non-edible treat options and keep them in a separate bowl.
- Describe treats verbally for children with visual impairments.
Communities across Ontario are embracing the change. Barrie, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, and Burlington are all hosting accessible Halloween events this weekend, and free Treat Accessibly lawn signs are available at Burlington City Hall, the Burlington Public Library, and more than 700 Pet Valu locations nationwide.
As Padulo puts it, “Accessibility doesn’t cost anything — it just takes a little thought. Every child deserves to say ‘trick or treat’.”
For more information, visit treataccessibly.com.