The State Fair of Texas announces they will be bringing back Sensory Friendly Mornings for the fifth year in a row.
Public Relations Manager for the State Fair, Taylor Austin said they will continue to work with local organizations and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to improve the fair experience for people who are sensory sensitive.
"We acknowledge that we didn't have that expertease but we were willing to listen and learn," said Austin.
Fairs are known for their sights, sounds and attractions but for people that have sensory sensitivities Austin said it can be challenging for them and their families.
"We can never get rid of all the stimulus out here but we turn down the lights, we make sure that all the sounds across the ground are turned off or down," said Austin. "Even Big Tex's voice is lowered so it's not as startling as it might be on a normal day.
Austin shared they will also be turning the lights and sounds of the Midway of for one hour on Wednesdays from noon to 1pm. In addition to this, on Sensory-Friendly Mornings there will be an itinerary that features activities and exhibits that are easy on the eyes and ears and they will have quiet zones for sensory sensitive people and their families to be able to decompress if needed.
These Sensory-Friendly Mornings will fall on Wednesdays and there is a reason behind that.
"The last thing we would want to do is say we're hosting Sensory-Friendly Mornings and choose a Saturday when we know it's a highly trafficked day," said Austin.
She also shared they made this decision by looking at what days have been the most and least attended and historically Wednesday's are best for those with sensory sensitivities.
Austin also shared that sensory sensitivities can be associated with other things besides autism. She sighted migraines and people who suffer from PTSD also benefit from these special days at the fair.
"Most of us, we either know someone, love someone or have someone in our circle who can benefit from sensory friendly mornings," said Austin.
New this year the fair will partner with Joni and Friends Texas to provide volunteers to help support these families. Information on how to register can be found at joniandfriends.org/dallas .
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