W hen Laura Martin, ‘10, ‘24 took her young son Luke trick-or-treating one Halloween, she never imagined it would lead to creating one of the University of Michigan-Flint’s most beloved community events. But that’s precisely what happened after a disappointing experience showed her the need for more inclusive holiday celebrations.
“Luke is on the autism spectrum and has trouble speaking,” Martin explains. “We went to a community Halloween event, and he was denied candy at a trick-or-treat table because he wouldn’t say ‘trick-or-treat.’ It opened my eyes to how many barriers exist for families like ours.”
That eye-opening moment sparked an idea that would transform Halloween for countless families in Flint and beyond.
When inspiration struck, Martin, a UM-Flint alumna who earned her Bachelor of Science in Visual Art Education, worked in the university’s Office of the Provost. “I realized we had an opportunity to create something truly special – an event where everyone could feel welcome and included, regardless of their abilities.”
With support from her supervisor and collaboration with Melissa Sreckovic, an education professor, Martin’s vision began to take shape. In 2019, UM-Flint hosted its first Inclusive Halloween event, welcoming about 300 attendees.
“We wanted to create a stress-free, fun event for everyone,” Martin says. “Our mantra was ‘no matter who you are, no one will judge you here.’”
What started as a modest gathering has become one of UM-Flint’s signature community events. In 2025, Inclusive Halloween attracted over 1,400 attendees, a remarkable increase in just a few years.
- Trick-or-treating rooms split into “spooky” and “happy” areas
- Both candy and non-edible treats for those with dietary restrictions
- A silent disco sponsored by Silent Events
- Therapy dogs
- A calm sensory room for those who need a quiet break
- Costumed characters, including the popular Wolverine Stormtrooper
- A free costume closet for those in need
- Arts and crafts, games and more
The success of Inclusive Halloween has rippled far beyond a single night of fun. Martin, who completed her Master of Public Administration from UM-Flint in August 2024, has seen firsthand how the event changes perceptions and opens doors.
“Children and young adults at my son’s school start talking about Inclusive Halloween months in advance,” she shares. “It’s become this incredible thing they look forward to all year.”
But it’s not just the attendees who benefit. UM-Flint students who volunteer at the event often report profound impacts on their perspectives. It has become one of the most volunteered events by students, faculty and staff.
“We receive feedback each year about how volunteering at Inclusive Halloween has dramatically impacted our students,” Martin says. “They take what they learn about inclusion and accommodation during the event and bring it with them when they graduate and start their careers.”
As Inclusive Halloween has grown, so too has community involvement. Local businesses, organizations and even other universities have supported the event.
“Every year, more community partners become involved,” Martin beams. “It’s been amazing to see local businesses and organizations recognize the value of what we’re doing.”
”We wanted to create a stress-free, fun event for everyone. Our mantra was ‘no matter who you are, no one will judge you here.’
Laura Martin, ‘10, ‘24
The event now includes a community resource fair, connecting families with valuable services and support networks they might not otherwise discover. Organizations like the Genesee Intermediate School District, Xceptional Heroes, Voices for Children Advocacy Center, and many others have joined to make the event a genuine community effort.
With Inclusive Halloween’s rapid growth, Martin and her team are focused on balancing expansion while maintaining the event’s core mission.
“We want to keep things from becoming overwhelming for our guests,” she explains. “It’s about finding that sweet spot where we can welcome as many people as possible while providing a comfortable, enjoyable experience for everyone.”
As for Martin herself, the journey from frustrated parent to community changemaker has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“I started this event with my son in mind, hoping to give him a fun event where he could be himself without judgment,” she reflects. “Inclusive Halloween has turned into something so much more, positively affecting hundreds of families and providing them with a ‘safe space’ free of judgment. I believe in being the change I want to see in the world, and Inclusive Halloween is the small way I have tried to do that.”
Thanks to ongoing support from UM-Flint and the Flint community, Inclusive Halloween continues to grow and spread its message of acceptance. Through her role in the Office of K-12 Partnerships, Martin extends this spirit of inclusivity to other campus community events throughout the year.
As Martin puts it, “I am thankful that UM-Flint has supported me and the Inclusive Halloween planning team over the years so we can continue to grow and host this important event. We also strive to ensure other campus and community events are as inclusive as possible.”
What began as a personal challenge for Martin has blossomed into a community celebration that redefines inclusion, one Halloween at a time and one event at a time.
Caroline Rathbun, a communications specialist for the Division of Student Affairs and proud UM-Flint alumna, also serves as the co-advisor for The Michigan Times. She can be contacted at chyslop@umich.edu.
