(COLUMBUS, OH) — The 2023 Ohio State Fair, which takes place from July 26 through August 6, 2023, is continuing its unwavering commitment to accessibility and ensuring that Ohioans of all abilities can fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, thrilling attractions, and cherished traditions.
Fairgoers will enjoy free wheelchair/mobility device charging stations, technology to connect people who are blind or have low vision, to an agent who can help with navigation, American Sign Language interpretation, a dedicated sensory-friendly morning, and a universal changing table.
“Inclusivity lies at the heart of it all in Ohio,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “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.”
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) teamed up with the State Fair to make complimentary wheelchair/mobility device charging stations available. The stations are in marked areas in the Bricker MarketPlace Building, Kasich Hall, Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®, Natural Resources Park pavilion, Taste of Ohio Café, and WCOL Celeste Center.
“The Ohio State Fair offers a refreshing escape from work and our daily routine,” said OOD Director Kevin Miller. “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.”
Also made available with support from OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira – which stands for Access to Information Remote Assistance – to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a cell phone or through specially-fashioned glasses. Both the application and the glasses allow the agent to access visual information, which is especially helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area. The agent can also locate users through GPS and direct them to places of interest.
For fairgoers whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL), interpretation will be offered at these events, with no reservations required: the Fair’s opening ceremony, the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction, daily at the Natural Resources Park Great Lakes Timber (lumberjack) shows and the Marvelous Mutts shows at The Dog House, and for all paid ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. For Ohioans who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language, please watch this video.
In collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Autism Society of Central Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio State Fair is turning down the lights and volume in an effort to host a sensory-friendly morning event on Wednesday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s educational activities, and explore many activities in the shade of the Natural Resources Park. Find more information and resources on the Ohio State Fair sensory-friendly morning webpage.
New this year, thanks to a partnership with the Montgomery County Board of Development Disabilities, the Ohio State Fair will have a universal adjustable-height changing table available in a large private restroom located in the Ag Pro Companies Taft Coliseum.
“It is important that all Ohioans have the opportunity to enjoy the Ohio State Fair,” explained Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler. “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.”
Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:
- Ample accessible parking spaces
- Buildings and many restrooms are accessible
- Motorized scooter and non-motorized wheelchair rentals
- Quiet Room in the Taste of Ohio Café, which is equipped for sensory relief
- Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (to view accessible seats, click the “filters” button, then toggle on the “accessibility” button to see)
- Free assisted listening devices for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, and AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage
- Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park
- Accessible play area at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park
- Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair
“We’re thankful for partnerships with OOD, OCALI, and others that help us welcome fairgoers from near and far to an unforgettable experience that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and embraces the spirit of togetherness,” explained Ohio Expo Center & State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler.
Learn more at the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage. During the Fair, conveniently-located guest information services booths offer daily schedules, maps, accessibility guides, and directions. For additional information, contact info@expo.ohio.gov or call 614-644-3247.
OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. www.OOD.Ohio.Gov
