Accessibility Is More than Ramps

Sensory Kits from the Sensory Room at New York State Fair

Accessibility is more than wheelchair ramps and environmental modifications.

Yesterday, my time at the New York State Fair, which happened to be Sensory Friendly Day, was spent exploring and discussing accessibility; sensory accessibility in particular.

My day began with some live television time with my friends Iris St. Meran and Erik Columbia on Bridge Street, News Channel 9, where I answered some great questions around sensory strategies and ways to be helpful to a person experiencing a meltdown. 

And the conversation didn't end there.

Andrew Donovan not only gave me a pump of his bougie sunscreen, he shared specific details to the sensory room project, as he covered this story. He's a caring person, not only in the way he generally interacts with folks, but also in the way he admittingly connects with the stories that he covers. 

The new sensory room at the fair is located in the Wegmans Building which was unfamiliar to me. Once more, Andrew was super helpful as he attempted to reference some landmarks to aid in my efforts this building down. Which, when it comes to the fair and despite having been there literally the day before, I fumble around and lose directional sensibility. I’m still looking for my gluten free, vegan fudge stand.

I digress.

The building that houses the sensory room is near the New York State Police exhibits and naturally I spend a good portion of my fair time in this location when I’m with my son, Anthony. So, I found it rather easily.

Here's what I can say about the sensory room.

It is clean, organized, and cool. 

It is dark and calming.

There is a person that meets and greets families.

It's open every single day of the fair 10:00am - 5:00pm. 

If you're overheated or overstimulated and happen to be in reasonable proximity, it will certainly be helpful.

If I'm being completely transparent, and I always am, I could be better.

But it's a great start. 

And the fact that the fair partnered with Kulture City, a nonprofit leading the way in sensory accessibility, and is now a certified Sensory Friendly Fair demonstrates their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

For our neurodiverse families, this is a big win. For our neurotypical families, this is a big win. 

Accessibility is more than ramps and elevators, it’s in addition to. 

Inclusion really does matter.

Frankly Christina 💋

To watch my Sensory Friendly Fair segment click this link

Waiting to do some live television