Get your tricks and treats at UM-Flint's Inclusive Halloween, Oct. 24

Despite the costumes and masks, Melissa Sreckovic, associate professor of education, recognized scores of familiar faces during last year's Inclusive Halloween, an event which is billed as a "free community event for children and adults with special needs, their friends, family and allies."

Inclusive Halloween connects the University of Michigan-Flint, community organizations and families for a night of fun and acceptance. It's also a valuable chance to create lasting relationships. The 2025 event will take place, 5-7:30 p.m., Oct. 24, at the Riverfront Conference Center.

"This will be our fifth year hosting Inclusive Halloween, and we are seeing many of the same families and lots of returning volunteers every year," Sreckovic said. "What makes it so meaningful is knowing that volunteers come back because they care deeply about our community and building inclusive spaces, and families return because they've found a place where they truly feel welcome and free to be themselves."

UM-Flint hosted more than 1,200 visitors and 300 volunteers during last year's Inclusive Halloween, continuing the event's unbroken trend of increasing participation. Sreckovic expects the pattern of growth to continue this October, and said the planning team has grown the night's programming to match.

• Therapy dogs from Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs.
• Trick-or-treating rooms split into spooky and happy areas.
• Both candy and nonedible treats will be available at tables.
• Free food.
• A silent dance party sponsored by Silent Events.
• A calm sensory room.
• Costumed characters, including the Wolverines Trooper.
• A free costume closet for those in need.
• Arts and crafts plus other adaptive games.
• A photo booth, where each family can take home a printed photo.
• A large indoor sensory play area.
• A quiet calming space.
• American Sign Language interpreters.
• A community organization resource fair and more.

Laura Martin, K-12 Partnerships program manager at UM-Flint, created Inclusive Halloween in 2019 after experiencing with her son - who is autistic and nonverbal - the challenges some families face during Halloween. Martin said she is looking forward to the new sensory play area for 2025.

"When families are ready to take a break from trick-or-treating, we will have a large sensory play area where guests can build with blocks, crawl through tunnels, and jump on trampolines while parents relax nearby," she said. "Everything we do with Inclusive Halloween is guided by the ethos of 'no matter who you are, no one will judge you here.' Our offerings are aimed at creating a stress-free, fun event for everyone."

"Everyone" means just that - all are welcome at Inclusive Halloween, and the night could be a learning opportunity in addition to lots of fun.

"This could be a great moment to talk with your neurotypical children about how some people at the event might behave in ways they aren't used to-and that's perfectly fine," Martin continued. "Beyond the candy and costumes, this evening is about fostering relationships between individuals with disabilities and the broader community. The overall goal is to make interactions with disabled individuals a regular, accepted part of life, helping families feel comfortable participating in more environments without concern for being 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 Dort Financial Credit Union, Genesee Health System, Goodwill Mid-Michigan, Laugh & Learn Autism Center, Metro EHS Pediatric Therapy, Silent Events, Strive Center for Autism, The Disability Network, and Thrive Therapy Center.

Those looking to support the event can make a financial gift at this link.