Ohio State Fair offers options, events for fairgoers with disabilities

Bright flashing lights, spinning attractions, loud music and the shouts of joy from ride-goers are common at the Ohio State Fair. But, for those with autism or sensory processing disorder, all of the chaos can be overwhelming.

That's part of the reason why there are accessible accommodations and events at the fair this year, for people with all kinds of disabilities.

The Ohio State Fair, at the Ohio Expo Center and Fairgrounds on Columbus' North Side, goes through August 6 this year and includes a sensory-friendly morning on August 2.

During that morning, the lights and volume that typically punctuates the fair will be turned down from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the Ohio State Fair website. Those interested can enjoy the rides without flashing lights and music.

The efforts to make the fair more accessible are in partnership with the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Autism Society Central Ohio (ASCO) and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

There are also many other accommodations at the fair this year.

“Inclusivity lies at the heart of it all in Ohio,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement. “The accessibility of our Ohio State Fair allows Ohioans with disabilities to have equal opportunities to participate so that we do not leave anyone behind.”

Kevin Miller, director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), said the governor's commitment to helping raise awareness and accessibility for disabled Ohioans has been there since he was sworn in.

The fair was one of the first places accessibility options began to be put in place, said Miller, who said wheelchair charging stations were put in in 2019.

"They were a hit," he said.

And that got the ball rolling so that more accessibility options were available at the fair, making it possible for more people to attend and enjoy the event.

Next came picnic tables for those in wheelchairs, pet relief areas for service animals, a quiet room and more.

"Not everybody is the same but everybody would like to enjoy the fair the same," Miller said.

So, "every year we just keep adding and adding."

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This year, new additions are American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for popular daily shows at the fair and a universal changing table in one of the restrooms.

Miller hopes the changes at the fair will spread across Ohio to other venues, theme parks and attractions.

What's happening at the fair and throughout Ohio is part of a bigger picture effort to make more public places available and accessible for people with disabilities, Miller said.

"It touches all of us, some more than others," Miller said, saying most Ohioans know someone with a disability or have a family member with one. "We want to make sure Ohioans understand, if you have a disability and you need a changing table, there should be some dignitary in the sanitary conditions. ... Dignity, inclusion, accessibility. Those things go hand in hand."

The following information is thanks to the Ohio State Fair's accessibility webpage and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

The fair's general parking lots offer accessible parking. Those who need it can let the parking attendant know and will be directed to the right area.

For those with autism, there is a quiet room available at the fair. It is air-conditioned and located in the Taste of Ohio Cafe on the fairground. The room includes a small nearby restroom, sensory items and comfortable seating for relief from sensory overload. Volunteers from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence provide assistance.

The fair also offers an 8-acre Natural Resources Park which can be "naturally soothing," according to its website. The park features trees, benches, a waterfall and an accessible play area.

The play area has low-impact, easy-access activities. There are opportunities to search for fossils, go through a barrel maze, explore a mini truck and see a life-size canoe in the oil and gas themed area of the Natural Resources Park.

The fair offers free wheelchair and mobility device charging stations in marked areas at:

“The Ohio State Fair offers a refreshing escape from work and our daily routine,” Miller said. “Since fairgoers usually spend the entire day on the grounds, it’s important that charging stations are available to keep wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices going strong.”

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Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis and can also be reserved. Rates are as follows:

Online or phone reservations can be made 24 hours in advance for full-day wheelchair and scooter rentals via htmia.com or at 712-938-2029. For more information, visit https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available at:

New to the fair this year is a universal, adjustable-height changing table which can be used for adults and children who need them.

The table, inside a large private restroom in the Ag Pro Companies Taft Coliseum, is there thanks to a partnership with the Montgomery County Board of Development Disabilities.

"We recognize that the lack of proper changing facilities could be a barrier to attendance for some, and thanks to this partnership, we are able to continue to improve accessibility at the Ohio State Fair," said Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler. “It is important that all Ohioans have the opportunity to enjoy the Ohio State Fair."

Other accessible restrooms are located at:

Those who are blind or have low vision can use a phone application called Aira or Access to Information Remote Assistance, thanks to OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio.

Connecting to the assistance is free and includes talking to a remote agent through a phone or special glasses, both which allow the agent to access visual information and help people navigate the fair and direct them to interesting places.

The WCOL Celeste Center offers the following accessible options during concerts, including ASL interpretation for paid and ticketed events:

Service animals are allowed at the fair and there are special relief areas with waste pick-up bags and receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park and Natural Resources Park.

Accessible picnic tables are located throughout the property.

For more information on accessibility at the fair, visit https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility, email [email protected] or call 614-644-3247.

You can also visit guest information services booths at the fair for a daily schedule, map, accessibility guide and directions.

[email protected]

@DanaeKing