NSCC alum launches accessible trick-or-treat app for NS families

For many children, Halloween is a night filled with excitement, costumes and treats. But for families navigating mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, allergies or other accessibility needs, trick-or-treating can come with barriers that make participation hard.

That's something NSCC alum Avery Cote wants to change.

The 2026 Ivany Campus valedictorian and Business Administration grad recently launched Haunt IQ, a free app designed to help families map out accessible trick-or-treating locations and events across Nova Scotia.

Haunt IQ allows parents and caregivers to search for homes and events that meet their family's needs, whether that's a step-free entrance, curbside treat pick up, has low-scare decorations or offers allergy-aware treats. Users can build a trick-or-treat route that connects nearby homes to match their needs.

"Halloween came up in a conversation and it stuck with me," says Avery, co-founder and CEO of accessibility startup Trek iQ. "For most kids, it's the best night of the year. For a kid who uses a wheelchair or walker, or who has sensory needs, it can mean a night of staircases, strobe lights and guessing which doors they can actually reach. Halloween felt like the right place to start because the whole night is about getting to the front door, and every family understands that."

From classroom idea to community impact

The concept of Haunt IQ grew from Avery's work with Trek iQ, a Nova Scotia-based startup that helps organizations assess, improve and communicate the accessibility of their physical spaces.

"Trek iQ helps organizations go beyond accessibility compliance minimums to reflect what real people actually experience," explains Avery. "Haunt IQ is similar but at a neighbourhood scale. It's about making accessibility information visible so people can make decisions before they show up."

Enjoying an inclusive Halloween

This work is also personal for Avery, who says both Trek iQ and Haunt IQ are inspired by a family connection to accessibility that spans generations. He hopes the app will help families spend less time worrying about potential obstacles and more time enjoying the night. "I want families to be able to plan a night that works for them instead of hoping it works out," he says. "The night should be about costumes and candy, not obstacles."

He also hopes the initiative sends an important message about community. "Bigger picture, I hope it shows kids that their neighbours are thinking about them too. Even if your setup isn't perfect, small changes help a lot," says Avery. "Handing out treats at the bottom of your steps or having a well-lit spot at your door can make a difference."

Entrepreneurship opportunities at NSCC

Avery credits much of his entrepreneurial journey to opportunities he found at NSCC – the place where Trek iQ began. As a student, Avery was an active Enactus member, joining as a project manager before becoming co-president. He helped lead the team to its first regional championship in eight years and was named Enactus Canada Student Leader of the Year in 2026.

Today, he continues to support student entrepreneurs as a mentor to the NSCC Enactus team. Trek iQ is also working with NSCC through the TRL Level Up applied research program. "NSCC has been part of every step."

Take part

With Halloween approaching, Avery is encouraging individuals, families and community organizations to add their homes or events to the map and help make the holiday more accessible for everyone. "Every home added gives another kid one more door they can knock on."