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Lawrence County fair offers sensory friendly time
By: Alison Patton
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PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — Going to the fair can be a lot of fun, but the lights, loud noises and large crowds can give some people sensory overload.
The Lawrence County Fair had its first ever sensory friendly event Tuesday, so people with sensory sensitivities could still come to the fair.
“(It’s) for individuals who may want to enjoy the ride but not the lights and sounds and everything that goes on during regular ride times,” Lecia Menshouse, Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities executive assistant, said.
Rides usually open at 4 p.m., but this event began at noon with no music and small crowds.
PALS, an adult day care, brought about 20 people to the fair. James and his best friend Nate went along for the ride.
“Nate got James onto his first Ferris wheel,” Finn Marshall, a PALS direct support professional, said.
Twice as many day care attendees opted to go during the sensory friendly time rather than during regular hours.
“The sensory issues, they do hold them back a lot, and this gave them that opportunity to be able to come out and enjoy it like everybody else does,” Marshall said.
The Lawrence County Fair only had one time slot and day for sensory friendly activities, but the event is spreading across the state.
The Ohio State Fair has a sensory friendly morning July 25 with no flashing lights on rides, no music and a quiet room.