Halloween & Children with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 14, 2010 -- Halloween can be a fun time for kids of all ages, though Trick-or-Treating can be challenging for children with disabilities. The DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center, which provides information to people and organizations with rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, has compiled a list of tips on how to accommodate kids with disabilities and make Halloween a fun and safe holiday for all.

1. Don't patronize children with disabilities, treat them the same as you would any other children. They will be proud of their costume and eager to get their treats and move on to the next home. Don't emphasize the fact that they have a disability or give them more treats than you would any other child.

2. Avoid the use of strobe lights in the candy distribution area to accommodate kids with seizure disorders.

3. For children who are blind, one should describe the treats in the bowl. Say, "I have M&Ms, Tootsie Rolls and Milky Way bars."

4. Remember that many children are allergic to peanut products so make sure there are peanut-free options. Keep treats containing peanuts in a separate bowl to keep the peanut-free treats uncontaminated.

5. If a Trick-or-Treater is deaf, make sure you face the child when speaking, speak clearly and smile a lot. If the parent or other adult is interpreting for the child, make sure to focus on the child and not the parent.

6. With all children, try to bend or lean over to come down to eye level. It will make all children feel more at ease.

7. Don't pet or distract a service animal that might be accompanying a group of Trick-or-Treaters. They are working animals and not pets.

8. If a child stutters or has difficulty communicating, be patient and let them finish their sentences without interruption.

9. Offer sugar-free treats or non-candy options such as pretzels to accommodate kids with diabetes or other dietary restrictions.

10. Move the candy hand-out area from the front door to the end of the walk so kids with mobility issues don’t have to climb stairs or walk as far.

For more information, contact the DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center at (800) 949-4232 or adainfo@adainformation.org.

About the DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center

The DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center is operated by Meeting the Challenge, Inc. and provides information and technical assistance to individuals and organizations with rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Center is one of 10 regional centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, and serves a six-state region including Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.adainformation.org.

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