A sensory-inclusive Halloween event is taking over the Muskoka Heritage Place trails this year.
The free event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Caitlin Griffin, program and volunteer coordinator for Autism Ontario North Region, says they have partnered with the Muskoka Heritage Place to do the Great Pumpkin Trail event for the autism community to participate in the Halloween activities.
“It is really important for the autism community to have accessible programming within their region and their community as some trick-or-treating experiences can be super overwhelming,” says Griffin.
According to Griffin, these activities do not cause sensory overload and provide a calm and safe area for the autism community to participate in. Officials add the event is “not-so-scary” as it’s geared toward younger trick-or-treaters.
She says Muskoka Heritage Place will open the trail 30 minutes early for families to enjoy a private trick-or-treating walk-through experience with the local businesses that are attending and decorating the pioneer buildings. Officials say the mayor will judge the best-decorated building.
“This is our first year partnering with the Muskoka Heritage Place to provide this sensory inclusive trick or treating experience. We’re super excited about it,” shares Griffin.
She says their goal is to have sensory-inclusive events and programs for the autism community throughout the entire region.
“We think it’s very important that everyone is able to participate, even if it means making some changes just to make sure that we ensure inclusivity along the way,” adds Griffin.
For more information or to register, click here.
