The Delaware State Fair has decided to discontinue its Sensory Friendly Carnival program after receiving feedback from Autism Delaware. The fair had provided misleading information about its partnership with Autism Delaware.
The state fair’s website announced the cancellation of the program on July 22nd, just a day before it was supposed to air.
Danny Aguilar, the general manager of the state fair, conveyed his apologies for the cancellation and clarified that Autism Delaware was not involved in the event’s planning. Aguilar stated that the event was trying to emulate the approach taken by similar fairs in various communities across the United States.
Aguilar said they acknowledged the concerns regarding the Delaware State Fair’s sensory stimuli and are committed to gaining a deeper understanding of the requirements for future events.
The state fair advertised the program as a way for kids with sensory impairments to have a more relaxed experience at the fair. Unfortunately, the program was later canceled. Dimming the lights, lowering the volume of the music, and reducing the number of notifications made over the loudspeakers were all measures included in the initial plan for the fair.
The state fair’s assertion that it is sensory-friendly was met with criticism five hours prior to the termination of the Sensory Friendly Carnival event by the charity group Autism Delaware.
According to the group, no one approached them about forming a relationship or adding Autism Delaware as an aid on the fair’s frequently asked questions website. Although they went to the fairgrounds in an effort to make things more accessible and inclusive, Autism Delaware found that the fair wasn’t set up in a way that would make it safe for people with autism.
Despite his dismay, Dan Getman, the fair’s director of development, voiced his support for the organization’s continued support in the future. Unfortunately, he pointed out that the fairgrounds aren’t great for those with sensory processing disorders. There are rooms on the other side of the grounds for people who are overwhelmed, but there isn’t much signage to help people find them.
It may be challenging, but Getman noted that it is essential to provide a secure and accessible environment for autistic children by using sensory-friendly architecture, such as sensory buildings that are closer together, nonverbal communication aids, or headphones. Anyone who bought a ticket to the Sensory Friendly Carnival event at the Delaware State Fair may get their money back.
