Hundreds attend Fun & Fright Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - The El Paso Community College Center for Students with Disabilities, the Autism Society of El Paso, Vision for El Paso, Mike Dee's Big Adventure, and Judge Josh Herrera joined forces to host the 2nd Annual Fun & Fright Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat event at the Valle Verde campus.

"The kids are having a great time, a lot of smiles a lot of great energy," said John Estrada, coordinator for EPCC's Recruitment Transition and Training. "The kids are having a great time, a lot of smiles, a lot of energy."

Over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities enjoyed their special day looking at decorate cars, festive decorations, and getting candy bags from different booths.

Many came wearing their favorite costumes and some got to interact with Beetlejuice.

"I think this is a great opportunity for El Paso to support families that have children with disabilities, autism," said Estrada. "If you have the opportunity to donate some candy, share your time, come out and spend some time with us, with our families here that's a great way to show that we support these individuals."

The EPCC Center for Students with Disabilities offers students regardless of disability the opportunity to complete their educational goals while adjusting to individual needs. 

"So we try to give our families an opportunity to come out to a judgment free zone where they can just come and be themselves,," said Molly Saenz with the Autism Society of Texas El Paso.

The Autism Society is the only nationally affiliated group in El Paso that helps families living with autism maximize their quality of life with dignity and respect. 

"It gives them an opportunity to come out with their families, many times many of us who have a child with a disability don't get to experience things as a neuro-typical might be able to do," said Saenz. "Just go to a party, go to a Halloween party and stuff like that, so we try to give our families an opportunity to come out to a judgment free zone where they can just come and be themselves."

Organizers say the event also raises awareness in the community on maximizing quality of life, teaching the community how to treat these individuals with dignity and respect, and showing appreciation for their skills and talents.