5 Ways to Make Halloween Inclusive (and Fun!) for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Halloween has become one of the most creative and fun nights of the year - full of costumes, community, and (most importantly in our opinion) sweets! But for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it can also bring a few extra challenges. Whether you’re taking children trick-or-treating, hosting a party, or welcoming visitors to your door, a few simple tweaks can make Halloween more accessible for everyone.

Here are five tips for making Halloween both inclusive and fun for deaf and hard of hearing people this year:

1. Light the Way for Your Guests

Halloween is famous for being dark and spooky, but good lighting can help everyone to feel more comfortable, especially those who rely on lipreading or facial expressions to communicate.

• Keep lights by your front door on for trick-or-treaters.
  
• If you’re throwing a party, make sure there’s enough lighting so people can see one another clearly when having conversations.

2. Get Creative with Communication

If you’re greeting trick-or-treaters, a big smile and a wave really can go a long way!

You could also keep some visual tools on-hand:

• Have a small whiteboard or notepad for writing quick messages for guests or trick-or-treaters.
  
• Use simple gestures like a thumbs-up or pointing to the sweets, and make sure you speak clearly and face the person you are speaking to.
  
• For party hosts or those greeting trick-or-treaters, a few basic British Sign Language (BSL) signs like thank you, you’re welcome, or happy Halloween can really make someone’s night.

3. Make Considerate Costume Choices

Costumes are such a huge part of the fun, but they can sometimes make hearing or communicating more difficult.

• If you or your child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, think about how headgear or masks might affect comfort or sound.
  
• Choose materials that don’t rustle too loudly near the microphones or devices.
  
• If you or your child rely on lipreading, consider going without the mask to ensure maximum visibility.

4. Find Your Trick-or-Treating Buddies

As a parent of a deaf child, think about who you go trick-or-treating with. Friends or family who know how your child communicates can make the experience that bit more enjoyable. Having a buddy who can help interpret or repeat something ensures no one feels left out.

On the flip side, if you’re accompanying a deaf or hard of hearing friend or child, be mindful - help by asking people to remove their masks or repeat something if needed.

5. Turn Hearing Devices into Costume Highlights

Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative, and that can include decorating your hearing technology! A bit of orange or black tape, some spooky stickers, or even mini Halloween charms can transform hearing aids and cochlear implants into part of the costume. It’s a great way for children (and adults!) to celebrate their devices with pride. Just make sure any decorations are easy to remove and don’t cover the device microphones or battery doors.

For inspiration, look online - you’ll find plenty of fun and creative ideas to make hearing tech a highlight of your Halloween look!

A Final Thought

Making Halloween more accessible doesn’t mean making it less fun - it just means making it more welcoming. With a little planning and creativity, everyone can join in the fun and enjoy the spirit of the season.

Happy (and accessible!) Halloween from all of us at Connevans 🎃👂