HARRINGTON, Del. - Organizers of the Delaware State Fair announced the launch of a Sensory Inclusion Initiative for this year's fair, in partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit that focuses on accessibility for people with sensory needs and invisible disabilities.
The program will provide a range of resources designed to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, including autism, PTSD and sensory processing disorders. Among the key features:
A quiet, safe environment called the Sensory Activation Vehicle, which will be parked near the Carnival Lot from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day
Free sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools available for checkout
Specially trained staff ready to assist guests and their families
A Sensory Friendly Carnival scheduled July 22 from 1 to 5 p.m., offering a calmer, more accommodating atmosphere
In 2024, the fair's attempt at a "Sensory Friendly Afternoon" was cancelled after claims of not being "sensory friendly" by Autism Delaware. The organization's director of development Dan Getman said Autism Delaware was listed by the fair as a resource, but Getman claimed that was, "something we were never asked to do nor have we agreed to assist with."
"We're making good from not being really set up in the 2024 fair," said the fair's general manager Danny Aguilar on social media, "We want to make sure folks feel comfortable when they come out to the Delaware State Fair."
The Delaware State Fair will be held July 17–26. More information about the sensory program, including how to reserve sensory bags and find the quiet space, is available on the Delaware State Fair’s website.