Halloween is one of the most social nights of the year. Kids knock on doors, compliment costumes, and trade candy with friends. For AAC users, it’s also a fantastic, low-pressure chance to practice communication with dozens of friendly neighbors in a single evening.

With a little planning, trick-or-treating can be fun, inclusive, and full of wins. Here’s how to get ready.

Step 1: Program Halloween Vocabulary Ahead of Time

Add a quick-access Halloween page or button set a week or two before the big night. Useful phrases include:

• “Trick or treat!”
• “Thank you!” and “Happy Halloween!”
• “I’m a ___” (so they can tell people about their costume)
• “I like your costume!” and “Your house looks spooky!”
• “No thank you” and “I can’t eat that” (helpful for food allergies)
• A few fun words: SCARY, SILLY, BOO, MORE, and a favorite candy.

Step 2: Practice at Home

Set up a pretend front door with family members handing out treats. Practicing the routine a few times helps the whole evening feel familiar. It’s also a great opportunity for siblings to model the vocabulary.

Step 3: Pick a Costume That Works With the Device

The best costumes are built around the person’s real needs, not in spite of them. A few ideas that make the most of wheelchairs, mounts, and devices:

• Vehicles: a rocket ship, race car, pirate ship, or fire truck built around a wheelchair.
• Space explorers: an astronaut whose device becomes mission control.
• TV characters: a favorite cartoon hero, or a panda who loves outer space — a nod to Paolo from Carl the Collector.
• Robots or DJs: costumes where the glowing screen is part of the look.

Whatever you choose, make sure the costume doesn’t block the eye tracker, cover the speaker, or strain the mount.

Step 4: Protect Your Device

• Keep face paint and makeup away from the eye area if they might interfere with eye tracking.
• Bring a light cover or bag in case of rain.
• Double-check that the mount is locked tight before heading out.
• Turn the volume up so neighbors can hear over the excitement.
• Pack your low-tech backup board in case lighting makes eye tracking difficult outdoors.

Step 5: Set Up for Success

• Go early while it’s still light and quieter.
• Choose accessible streets with smooth sidewalks and few steps.
• Add lights to the costume, wheelchair, or bag so you’re visible.
• Give neighbors a heads-up. A friendly “She’s going to say something to you!” encourages people to wait and listen.
• Look for teal pumpkins, which signal homes offering non-food treats.

Make It About Fun

Halloween doesn’t have to be a therapy session. If your child wants to just enjoy the night, let them. Every “trick or treat” and “thank you” is a win — and so is simply having a blast with friends.

We’d love to see your costumes! Share your Halloween photos with us @eyetechds.