Halloween is a time for trick-or-treating, creative costumes, and fun-filled celebrations for most Canadian families. However, for some, it is a time filled with fear and anxiety. For those who face barriers, physical or otherwise, Halloween can be an isolating time of year. In support of their clients and their community connections, Oatley Vigmond is hosting Barrie’s first Accessible Halloween Village on Sunday, October 29th, creating a fun, safe and inclusive event for families in the Simcoe County community to enjoy.
By offering this free event, Oatley Vigmond is recognizing the barriers that children with disabilities face during traditional trick-or-treating and providing a more accessible alternative. The World Health Organization cites 15% of the world’s population (approximately 1.1 billion people) as having some form of disability, forming the largest minority group in the world. With an estimated 4 million children in Canada identifying as having one or more disabilities, the need for accessible community events is crucial for the health, safety, and happiness of many Canadian families.
Oatley Vigmond was inspired by the work of Treat Accessibly, a grassroots movement founded in 2017 by the Ontario-based Padula family. From offering individual resources (for example, lawn signs for participating homes) to organizing accessible Halloween Village events, Treat Accessibly has introduced the concept of inclusive Halloween traditions to communities across Canada. Oatley Vigmond saw the need for an accessible Halloween Village event in the Barrie community, which joins a growing list of Canadian cities that are aligning with this positive movement.
Using the outdoor space surrounding their Ferris Lane office, Oatley Vigmond has invited other local businesses to participate in what they hope will become an annual tradition. With ample space for businesses to decorate and set up for games, crafts, music, and entertainment for all ages and abilities, this event is free to everyone attending.
To ensure the fun and safety of all, Oatley Vigmond is offering an online pre-registration form. This form will ask for information regarding what types of barriers families and individuals are facing. Staggered start times will be assigned to accommodate the needs of those attending. In addition to low-sensory decorations and activities, families can look forward to a photo booth, reflective Halloween bags, treats and more.
With a demonstrated commitment to giving back to the community, Oatley Vigmond is proud to be hosting this accessible Halloween event.
“We’re excited to be partnering with other local businesses to create a fun, safe, and accessible Halloween experience for all families in our community,” says Karen Vigmond, Partner, Oatley Vigmond. “This event will help to create greater awareness within the community of how to remove barriers and create a more welcoming, inclusive environment for all.”
Oatley Vigmond firmly believes that community members are key collaborators in supporting healthy solutions for a thriving community. By empowering other local businesses to be part of the solution for positive, inclusive change, this event promises to be one that will be highly memorable and anticipated annually.
About Oatley Vigmond
Oatley Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers Ontario is a leader in its field. With deep expertise in personal injury law, particularly in the litigation of complex, long-term cases, this Barrie firm consists of some of Canada’s most experienced and respected personal injury lawyers.
In addition to having achieved some of the largest decisions and settlements in the history of Ontario's personal injury law, Oatley Vigmond has a demonstrated commitment to giving back to the community. From financial support to hospitals and rehabilitation centres to donating their time, abilities, and expertise to other community organizations, Oatley Vigmond is committed to improving the quality of life for all Ontarians.