The Needham Commission on Disabilities is coordinating with the Congregational Church to establish a sensory-friendly first hour at the church’s annual trunk-or-treat, commission members said during the Feb. 18 meeting.

Commission members reported that the church has run a large community trunk-or-treat event for several years and is enthusiastic about partnering to add a quiet, sensory-friendly hour before the public portion of the event. Commission members said the church’s sensory-friendly hour is intended to reduce noise and other sensory triggers for children who benefit from a calmer environment.

Discussion at the meeting focused on logistics the commission will need to confirm with church organizers and parents, including whether to hold the special hour immediately before the public event or to extend it, how a rain date would be handled (the church typically plans a rain date, usually the following Saturday), and whether to involve local first responders to hand out candy without sirens or bells. Commissioners estimated past church trunk-or-treat attendance at roughly 200 children, noted the church parking lot has an estimated 70–75 spaces with additional on-street parking on Great Plain Avenue and Linden Avenue, and raised concerns that an October date could conflict with other town events such as the high school craft fair.

Commission members said they plan to focus initial planning on the sensory-friendly hour and to follow up with church organizers and the parents who requested the inclusive option. The commission will confirm a date and rain-date arrangement with the church and check for competing town events before publicizing details.