Item - 2022.DI19.4

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee received the item for information.

At its meeting on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021, City Council considered Item MM37.20 and directed that a copy be shared with the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee.

City Council Decision
City Council on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021, adopted the following:

1.  City Council direct Strategic Communications, on an annual basis, to promote awareness of the Treat Accessibly initiative, through the appropriate corporate communication outlets.

 
2.  City Council direct that Motion MM37.20 be shared with Toronto’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, and Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament whose ridings are located in the City of Toronto.

Summary from Member Motion by Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam:

Approximately 400,000 children and youth in Canada live with having accessibility needs, and over 6.2 Canadians identify with having a mobility, sensory, or intellectual disability. Treat Accessibly began in 2017 with the Padulo family placing a sign on their front lawn to promote awareness of the accessibility challenges faced by some children in their neighbourhood. Since 2017, Treat Accessibly has grown to include more than 40,000 homes across Canada that have committed to providing an accessible trick-or-treat experience.

Treat Accessibly is a grassroots movement working to encourage residents, and their communities, to take steps to make their Halloween celebrations more inclusive. Treat Accessibly provides tips and recommendations that households can follow to ensure the public can visit and trick-or-treat in a safe and accessible manner. On the recommendation of Siena Padulo, the founder's daughter, Treat Accessibly has also launched a pilot program being delivered in 124 schools.

Treat Accessibly’s goal is to have 400,000 households participating - one household for every Canadian child with accessibility needs. Households wishing to participate can apply to receive a free, recyclable “Accessible Trick-or-Treating” sign to promote awareness of accessible trick-or-treating.