While Halloween is an opportunity for good fun and celebration, it can also be a challenging time for people living with deafblindness or other disabilities.
So whether you will be out trick or treating or staying in the warm on 31st October this year, here are some hints and tips to make Halloween an enjoyable night for everyone…
- It is a good idea to only visit houses where you can see pumpkins or other Halloween decorations displayed as these usually show that the people who live there are taking part in the celebrations and will welcome trick or treaters.
- Only knock once, even if no one comes to the door. Remember that someone may be home but choosing not to answer and they may be upset by persistent knocking. If this is the case, leave quietly and find a decorated house to call on instead.
- What will you do if someone says “trick” instead of “treat”? Plan something that is not going to upset or scare a potentially vulnerable person – maybe just get the cutest and least scary member of your group to pull their most gruesome face!
- Don’t take advantage of anyone’s generosity, be polite and take just one treat per person from each house.
- At every house you visit, make sure you close any gates behind you and be careful not to drop any litter from your treats. No one wants to have to tidy up after others, and this can be particularly difficult for someone who is deafblind.
- Please remember to be as quiet as possible while walking between houses so you don’t disturb or upset people in their homes. Large groups of people dressed in Halloween costumes can be frightening to other people who may also be out and about, so also bear this in mind and be considerate to everyone you meet.
- And finally, remember not to continue your trick or treating too late into the evening. This can disturb people who go to bed early and unexpected callers late at night can be very intimidating.
Do you have any other advice for trick or treaters to help make Halloween less scary for you? If so, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we will share!
