Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marco Altieri (585) 546-7510
October 29, 2008

Rochester, NY—The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) and Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) will be holding an accessible Halloween Trick-or-Treating event for children with and without disabilities on Wednesday, October 29th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Halloween trick-or-treating is an activity that is often inaccessible for children with disabilities. For children that use wheelchairs, stairs and broken sidewalks prevent participation. For children with vision impairments, the darkness and unfamiliar terrain are barriers. For other disabilities, various aspects of trick-or-treating prove to be a barrier to this childhood tradition. In order to enable children with disabilities to have this experience, CDR and RCIL will be opening their doors to trick-or-treaters.

“Children with disabilities are often forgotten about when it comes trick-or-treating said Bruce Darling, Executive Director, Center for Disability Rights, Inc.. Mr. Darling continued to say, “There are barriers in the community that deny them this opportunity, an opportunity that most children look forward to each year. We want to make sure children with disabilities have a chance to trick-or-treat in an accessible and safe environment alongside their non-disabled peers.”

Children ages 10 and under accompanied by an adult will be able to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween decorations within the CDR building. Staff and volunteers will be in costume handing out candy throughout the first floor of the building. Following the trick-or-treating, children will be able to play games and enjoy apples, cider and doughnuts. The agencies will be providing sign language interpreters and other accommodations for children that may need them. There is no cost for this event.

Fully-Accessible Halloween Event
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
497 State Street
Rochester, New York 14608