Communitywide Inclusive Halloween celebration returns to UM-Flint, Oct. 25

Now in its fourth year, Inclusive Halloween at the University of Michigan-Flint has cemented itself as a hallmark event of the fall season in Flint and Genesee County. Described as a "free community event for children and adults with special needs, their friends, family and allies," Inclusive Halloween connects the university, community organizations and families for a night of fun and acceptance.

This free event will take place, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25, in the university's Riverfront Conference Center.

UM-Flint hosted nearly 1,000 visitors during last year's Inclusive Halloween, a 200% increase as compared to 2022. With even more attendees forecasted for this year, the 2024 schedule offers many returning favorites as well as some new offerings:

• Therapy dogs from Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs (new for 2024). 
• Trick-or-treating rooms split into spooky and happy areas. 
• Both candy and nonedible treats will be available at tables. 
• Free food like hot dogs, popcorn chicken, and ice cream. 
• A silent dance party sponsored by Silent Events. 
• A calm sensory room.
• Costumed characters, including the Wolverine Stormtrooper. 
• A free costume closet for those in need. 
• Arts and crafts plus other games.
• A photo booth, where each family can take home a printed photo.
• A community organization resource fair and more. 

Laura Martin, K-12 Partnerships program manager at UM-Flint, created the event in 2019 after experiencing with her son–who is autistic and nonverbal–the challenges some families face during Halloween.

"Oftentimes, parents of special needs children don't feel comfortable attending some events because their child may act differently than other kids," Martin said. "Inclusive Halloween was created with the mantra of 'no matter who you are, no one will judge you here.' Our hope is to create a stress-free, fun event for everyone."

Assisting Martin with organizing the event is Melissa Sreckovic, associate professor of education. Among their collaborations is this social story, which helps prospective attendees understand what to expect from the night. 

"The unknown can be scary and overwhelming," said Sreckovic, adding that this is as true for individuals with disabilities as it is for neurotypical individuals. "We created the social story to help our community members understand what they will do during their night out. If individuals do get overwhelmed, our sensory room will feature low lighting and places to draw, read and relax." 

While the organizers have intentionally curated the event to ensure the comfort of individuals with disabilities, they are quick to point out that everyone is welcome at Inclusive Halloween. 

"If you're kids are neurotypical, maybe this is an opportunity to talk with them and explain that people at this event may act differently than they are accustomed to–and that's OK," said Martin. "In keeping with our goal of making this a night of fun and acceptance, we want to create connections between the disabled community and the wider community. The aim is to normalize interacting with disabled folks so families can go to more spaces without feeling judged."

Community members interested in attending Inclusive Halloween are asked to RSVP online. Volunteers are also still being accepted. Inclusive Halloween is sponsored in part by the Genesee Health System, Dort Financial Credit Union, The Disability Network, Strive Center for Autism, Financial Plus Credit Union, and Gateway Pediatric Therapy.