CDR and RCIL are Hosting an Accessible Halloween Bash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2022

CONTACT: Zach Garafalo, Manager of Government Affairs, Center for Disability Rights, 518-362-7916 or zgarafalo@cdrnys.org

Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) in partnership with Lights On After School supported by the Greater Rochester Afterschool and Summer Alliance (GRASA) will host a fantastic and accessible Trunk or Treat experience for children with and without disabilities on October 20, 2022 at Frontier Field. The event will be from 4-7PM with a low-sensory experience from 4-5PM. Registration closed on Friday having registered 491 children ages 14 and under for the event on Thursday and more than 30 decorated trunks provided by local businesses, organizations, and agencies.

It will be an exciting experience for all participants with a little something for everyone – not to mention lots of candy. There will be sports mascots such as Spikes and Mittsy, two Star Wars character groups, and a costume contest. In addition, Rochester’s local Fire Department, Mounted Police, and K-9 Unit will make an appearance. There is also an opportunity for children to participate with organizations such as the Teaching Artists Roc (TAROC) and the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Committee (HTBC).

CDR and RCIL have held this event for years in their State Street building to provide an accessible opportunity for children with disabilities to experience Halloween and trick or treating. Last year CDR and RCIL moved their event to a larger outdoor venue- Frontier Field. Over 200 children participated in 2021 and this year it is anticipated that the number of participants will more than double.

“We are very excited about the opportunities that this Trunk or Treat event offers to children with disabilities and others who live in the community who may otherwise not have a safe and accessible opportunity to experience Halloween in an inviting and inclusive venue,” said Rebecca Payton, CDR and RCIL’s Senior Director, Independent Living Services.

“We also want to make sure to thank our supporters and sponsors: Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, Golisano Foundation, M&T Bank, Ames Amzalak Memorial Trust, Foodlink, WHAM 13, Lollypops & Polkadots, and Mattiacio Orthodontics.”

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