By Madeline Armstrong
More than 1,000 children and adults with disabilities gathered at the Southern California Regional Occupational Center in Torrance on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25, for ICAN’s 13th annual Halloween Festival.
Each year, ICAN, a South Bay nonprofit that provides services for adults with disabilities, holds a Halloween Festival tailored specifically to individuals with disabilities. The festival was equipped with ADA-compliant bathrooms, activities and games designed for individuals with light or sound sensitivities, and adapted activities to accommodate all disabilities.
“In the disabled community, this is the event for Halloween,” said ICAN Executive Director Scott Elliott. “It’s just a unique event that’s inclusive and understanding of people. Not only does it provide a space for people to be together and connect, but it does so in a thoughtful way that takes into consideration all of their needs.”
Elliott noted that typical Halloween festivities can be difficult for those with disabilities to participate in, but Saturday’s event provides a fun-filled event at which individuals and families don’t have to worry about any potential sensory triggers or safety issues.
ICAN focuses on continuing the services people with disabilities typically get through the public or private education systems into adulthood, providing resources to help disabled adults get jobs, be involved in the community and create lasting friendships.
“We strive to be one of the organizations that help quarterbacks in helping families to understand the landscape of disability services for adults,” Elliott said. “We offer that ongoing long-term life support to make sure that they have a team behind them for success.”
ICAN has offices in Torrance, Redondo Beach and Long Beach, and serves more than 750 people each month. Anyone interested in utilizing ICAN’s services or volunteering can do so at ican.org.
