As Halloween approaches, many children and adults are eagerly preparing for trick-or-treating, celebrations, and other activities that mark the occasion. With advance planning, individuals who are blind or have low vision can participate and be included in the festivities. A number of tips, available from organizations and individuals in the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community, can help to make the celebrations enjoyable and safe for everyone. Following are a few suggestions for activities, costumes, and more:
Activities:
- Roll a Jack-O-Lantern is a “fun tactile Halloween game for braille users.” It can be played by those who are sighted, have low vision, or are blind. The game uses materials that are readily available, like foam sheets, tape, and a braille die. Players take turns rolling the die. The winner is the first person who collects all parts needed to create a Jack-O-Lantern.
- Halloween Maze, a board game, engages braille readers in practicing vocabulary, contractions, numbers, punctuation symbols, and more.
- Creating a Tactile Map can help children who are visually impaired to navigate their neighborhood. Materials like cardboard, yarn, buttons, sandpaper, and glue can be used in the design
Costumes:
- Learning About Costumes provides tips on how to make Halloween accessible to children who are blind or deafblind by teaching them about popular characters often depicted by trick-or-treaters. Parents can read books describing characters, discuss who they are, “that they are pretend, what they look like, who might wear these costumes, etc.”
- Take the Costume to the Next Level by selecting those with different textures, like capes, hats, or gloves. Bells or other audible elements can enhance the experience.
- Costume Adaptations can make store-bought outfits accessible by adding tactile elements, such as soft fabrics, raised designs, or buttons.
- Wear outfits that are bright and reflective or decorate costumes and trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape or patches.
- Carry a flashlight to increase visibility.
- Make sure that areas outside your home, including the lawn, steps, porch, and front door, are well lit and free from obstacles.
For more information and suggestions, read Paths to Literacy’s articles on Halloween, the APH (American Printing House for the Blind) article on Accessible Trick-or-Treating: Halloween for Children with Visual Impairments, and Prevent Blindness’ Trick-or-Treat Tips for Making Halloween Safe.
A Virtual Halloween Event for Adults: “A Haunting Who Done It”
Future In Sight (FIS) is hosting “a remote interactive Spooky Halloween Who Done It” on October 25, 2024 from 10:30 am to 12 pm. This mock murder mystery invites participants to a private party at a seacoast lighthouse where “everyone has an alibi.” Each person at the party will receive a part and can help to “figure out who the killer is, their motive, and means.” For more information and a link to register, visit the FIS webpage describing A Haunting Who Done It.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
