This Halloween, a family in Hamilton will be participating in Treat Accessibly, a movement aimed at making trick-or-treating more inclusive by serving treats from the curb. Mercedes Palermo, a resident of Hamilton’s Central Mountain area, is a strong supporter of this initiative, especially because of her autistic daughter Camila, who struggles with sensory challenges that can make traditional Halloween activities overwhelming.
Treat Accessibly encourages accessible practices such as offering treats at ground level from driveways or vehicles to eliminate the need for stairs. They also suggest providing non-edible options for those who cannot have candy and avoiding bright lights and loud noises to accommodate everyone. Palermo, who is a registered nurse, runs a social media page called Autism Out Loud, where she shares advice on raising a neurodivergent child and emphasizes the importance of letting people enjoy the Halloween festivities without imposing strict expectations.
To signal their participation in accessible trick-or-treating, the Palermo family displays a Treat Accessibly sign on their lawn, which is provided by the organization founded in Oakville in 2017. Treat Accessibly has gained significant traction, distributing over 300,000 signs this Halloween season and receiving recognition in the House of Commons for promoting inclusivity.
Collaborating with businesses like Pet Valu and Kinder, Treat Accessibly continues to expand its reach, organizing accessible trick-or-treating events in various cities across Canada. These events offer a barrier-free environment where children of all abilities can enjoy Halloween activities without limitations. The Palermo family, along with the organization’s founder Rich Padulo and his daughter Siena, actively participate in these events, spreading awareness and ensuring a memorable and inclusive experience for all participants.