Halloween has always been one of our family's favourite times of year. We were the family that couldn't resist going a little overboard, filling our yard with towering 12-foot decorations, spooky displays, and plenty of Halloween fun.

As parents of an autistic, non-speaking daughter, we also understood that traditional trick-or-treating isn't always easy. Crowded streets, loud noises, and unfamiliar environments can make what should be a joyful tradition difficult for many individuals living with disabilities.

Then, in the fall of 2023, everything changed.

A few weeks before Halloween, Josée and I were watching the evening news when we saw something we'd never seen before—an accessible Halloween event taking place in another community. We later learned it was part of Treat Accessibly, an incredible initiative dedicated to making Halloween more inclusive.

As the story ended, Josée turned to me and asked,

"Why doesn't anyone do this here?"

I replied,

"Well, someone has to do it. It won't magically happen on its own."

After she went downstairs, I stood in our living room looking out the front window at our Halloween decorations.

In that moment, I made up my mind.

We're going to do this.

There was just one problem...

Halloween was only one week away.

The very first thing I did was post a photo of our Halloween display in a local Embrun Facebook group with a simple question:

"Would anyone like to see an Accessible Halloween event here in Embrun?"

The response was incredible.

Families loved the idea.

Businesses wanted to help.

Volunteers stepped forward.

Even the Mayor of Russell Township reached out personally to offer his support.

One week later, our quiet residential street became home to the very first Embrun's Accessible Halloween.

As the event quickly came together, we realized we needed a name and a place where families could learn about the event.

So, while planning that very first Accessible Halloween, Ability Hive was born.

Within just a few days, we had chosen the name, launched our very first website, and introduced Ability Hive—all while preparing for an event that was only days away.

Accessible Halloween wasn't just our first event—it was the reason Ability Hive exists.

The event and Ability Hive have grown side by side ever since.

That very first Accessible Halloween also gave our family something we'll never forget.

It was the first time our daughter—who is autistic and non-speaking—was able to truly experience the excitement of trick-or-treating in an environment where she could participate comfortably, safely, and at her own pace.

Watching her smile that day changed everything.

It reminded us that accessibility isn't just about removing barriers.

It's about creating opportunities for everyone to belong.

What began as Embrun's Accessible Halloween quickly became a cherished community tradition.

As the event continued to grow, so did the incredible support from our community.

For the second and third editions of the event, we were proud to partner with GoūtArt Altruism as co-organizers. Their creativity, passion, tireless dedication, and countless volunteer hours helped shape the event into the magical community celebration that so many families came to know and love. Together, we dreamed bigger, welcomed more guests, and created experiences that simply wouldn't have been possible alone.

By the third year, the event had become a true community effort, supported by a dedicated planning committee, volunteers, generous sponsors, neighbours, local businesses, and community partners—all working together toward one shared goal: creating a Halloween where everyone belongs.

A special thank you to GoūtArt Altruism. Your friendship, creativity, and unwavering commitment helped build this event into what it is today. We are incredibly grateful for everything we accomplished together and for the lasting impact you've made on our community.

Like all great community events, this Accessible Halloween has continued to evolve over the years.

With the incredible support of the Township of Russell, 2026 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as the event moves to Jonathan Pitre Accessible Park—a beautiful space designed with accessibility at its heart and the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of our story.

Today, the park transforms into an Accessible Halloween Trick-or-Treat Village, where giant Halloween inflatables, festive Village Stops, friendly characters, sensory-friendly experiences, and accessible spaces come together to create an unforgettable afternoon for children, youth, adults, and families of all abilities.

While the location and name have evolved, one thing has never changed:

Our mission to create a Halloween where everyone belongs.

We're grateful to Treat Accessibly for inspiring an idea that changed our lives.

Thank you to our neighbours who welcomed hundreds of trick-or-treaters onto our street.

To GoūtArt Altruism, our planning committee, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, the Township of Russell, and every family who has trusted us to be part of their Halloween traditions...

Thank you.

What began as one conversation in our living room—and one week's worth of determination—has grown into a magical community tradition built on accessibility, inclusion, and kindness.

We can't wait to welcome you to the Village.

Where every trick-or-treater belongs. 🎃

Sage, Kim, Lennon, and Josée