COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Fair is normally filled with loud music, flashing lights and screaming from fairgoers trying out the rides. But this morning, it was quiet for Sensory-Friendly Day.
Fairgoers like Michael got to enjoy the calmer atmosphere.
“I am excited,” Michael typed out, using a voice assistive device.
For people like Michael, it’s helpful to have a quieter environment, “because not getting nervous,” he typed.
“We know all kinds of different folks come to the fair, so we really have to be cognizant of all of those things. I think I would compare much to like, maybe when the music's at the fair, you know, you have different genres of music we have, whether it's bluegrass or gospel or Hispanic or country or whatever you like. It's just another way of us trying to make sure that as much as we can we are giving folks an opportunity that otherwise would not be able to come to the fair,” the fair’s general manager, Nancy Smith, explains. “I think it's really, it's more important than, you know, considering the music at times because other folks would not really be able to come that are very sensitive to the lights and the loud music and sounds and things like that, so it's giving folks an opportunity to be able to come and that's what the fair is all about.”
Smith says this is the second year the fair has opened its gates early to allow for people with autism or sensory processing disorders to take part in the fun.
“When you come out to the fair, it's kind of strange to not hear anything, but it's really neat. You know, there's no announcements playing unless of course we have to,” Smith details. “And then no lights, no music and our operators have been gracious to allow us to have certain rides that will be going with no sounds, no lights and no music.”
This can help people who might get overwhelmed, occupational therapy students Ramsey Woods and Josie Janszen tell me.
“Opportunities like this show people with disabilities that they are welcome in the general community and that they can enjoy things like the fair in a way that's comfortable and enjoyable for them,” Woods shares. “And I think that's really important.”
While the lights and noise have resumed the fair is still celebrating Exceptional Citizens Day, so people with life-long developmental or physical disabilities are able to visit the fair for free.