Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "We've made this such an accommodating fair, maybe the best in the country. Whatever your 'like' is, we're hoping you are going to be able to enjoy it."
Those are the words of Dave Whalen, ADA Coordinator for the Erie County Fair. He joined WBEN on Tuesday morning to highlight the strides the fair is making to make sure all are welcomed, especially those with autism or sensory processing disorders.
A sensory room is available for fairgoers that need a break from the sights and sounds of the Fair. The room is open to everyone. Whalen tells WBEN employees even step in when they need a break from the action.
It's not just Fair officials making an effort to improve the experience of visitors with disabilities. Performers are doing their part as well.
"We have the German Hillbilly... he was teaching people last year how to applaud in sign language. We didn't ask him to do that," Whalen told WBEN. "These little accommodations make it not so little. We're really proud that individuals can come and partake, really anyone."
Whalen says the impact on families is noticeable.
"We had a mom our first year say 'this is the first time my two kids could come to the Fair.' And I said to Jessica Underberg, our incredible CEO here that if we had two people that could enjoy this we'd be happy."
The Erie County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 17.