It’s Not a Celebration of Ohio if All Ohioans Can’t Come: Building a More Inclusive Fair Experience

Join us for the debut of Connecting the Dots, a new podcast series from the Autism Center at OCALI, aimed at raising awareness about autism and empowering communities. In our first episode, we explore how the 2024 Ohio State Fair is advancing inclusivity through its Sensory-Friendly Morning. Now in its fifth year, this special event lowers noise and lights to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Through conversations with families attending the fair and insights from key partners like the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Autism Society of Central Ohio, we highlight how these efforts are making the fair more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Discover how small changes can make a big impact in creating events where everyone feels they belong. 

Resources:

Autism Center at OCALI 

Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Ohio State Fair 

Autism Center Grab and Go Resource Gallery of Interventions 

Access + Belonging = Community Event Guide