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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
Making Halloween Accessible in Swift Current
Sandra Caron's passion for Halloween shines brightly each year in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, as she decorates her home and yard with an extensive seasonal display. But in 2026, Caron took her efforts a step further by bringing the Treat Accessibly initiative to her block, ensuring that Halloween can be enjoyed by all children—regardless of mobility or sensory challenges.
Honoring a Family Tradition
For Caron, Halloween is deeply personal. "My late husband loved Halloween," she shared, recalling how her husband, Damone Caron, began the tradition of elaborate yard decorations long before they met. Together, their shared enthusiasm transformed their property into a beloved neighborhood attraction.
Located across from ACT Park, their home regularly welcomes more than 900 trick-or-treaters each Halloween. The festivities span from the front of the house to a sprawling backyard showcase, captivating visitors of all ages.
The Treat Accessibly Movement
Treat Accessibly started a decade ago, founded by Rich Padulo after his daughter questioned how children in wheelchairs could participate in trick-or-treating at homes with stairs. The solution was simple yet impactful: display a sign and offer treats from an accessible, step-free location—often at the end of the driveway. Padulo recounts the positive response from families with a variety of access needs, seeing his initiative grow across Canada.
This year, Treat Accessibly partnered with 29 of Canada's busiest trick-or-treating streets, with Caron's block in Swift Current becoming the first in Saskatchewan to officially join the movement.
Community Involvement and Inspiration
Caron, a former teacher with 35 years of experience, emphasized the importance of inclusion. "There are kids in our community that are struggling with different issues and aspects of their development," she said. Joining forces with her neighbors, Caron coordinated to make their block a welcoming space for all children on Halloween night.
She is also a member of the Swift Current Haunters, a local group involved in annual house decorating contests. Caron is now exploring ideas inspired by Treat Accessibly, such as establishing a "Halloween Village" in Swift Current for future celebrations.
Tips for an Inclusive Halloween
Treat Accessibly offers practical advice to make Halloween more welcoming. Their tips include setting up treat stations at step-free spots, ensuring well-lit paths, minimizing loud noises and sudden scares, greeting visitors calmly, and not requiring children to speak—practices Caron has embraced in her own display.
Caron carefully curates her decorations to balance fun and safety, aiming to avoid displays that might overwhelm younger visitors. "I try really hard not to make it too scary for the kids," she noted, adding that her layout and flow are designed for accessibility and enjoyment.
Looking Forward
As Treat Accessibly gains traction, Padulo and Caron see the impact firsthand through the gratitude expressed by families. Padulo shared, "We'll have a dad go out of his way to reach out to tell me his daughter, who never spoke to a stranger before, [was] saying 'trick or treat' at a Treat Accessibly home."
Caron continues her efforts in honor of her late husband, with hope that more children can join in the Halloween excitement they both cherished. With growing awareness, supporters like Caron and Padulo are optimistic that accessible and inclusive trick-or-treating will become a new Canadian tradition.
Source: cbc.ca.
