The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Fair are highlighting a series of accessibility initiatives designed to make this year’s fair more inclusive for visitors with disabilities, their families and caregivers.
The initiatives include the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom and universal changing station, the second annual Accessibility Expo and designated Sensory Friendly hours. Together, the programs are intended to address personal care, accessibility and sensory needs that can make attending a large public event challenging for some visitors.
Momentum Refresh Provides Accessible Personal Care Facilities
A key component of the accessibility effort is the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom and universal changing station, located in front of the Modern Living Building at The Circle.
The fully accessible facility provides equipment and space for visitors whose personal care needs may not be adequately accommodated by a standard public restroom.
Features include a ceiling hoist and an adjustable changing table. These additions are intended to provide greater flexibility for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers while allowing them to remain at the fair rather than leaving the grounds to find suitable facilities.
The Momentum Refresh facility also includes a dedicated calming and lactation room. The space offers visitors an alternative when they need privacy, a quieter environment or access to an appropriate area for lactation.
Providing these facilities at a large event can help remove practical barriers for families and individuals who require specialized personal care accommodations.
Accessibility Expo Returns for Second Year
The Oklahoma State Fair will also host its second annual Accessibility Expo on Sunday, September 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. inside the Modern Living Building.
The expo will bring together vendors, artists and advocates focused on empowering Oklahomans with disabilities. Visitors will have an opportunity to engage with participants and learn more about resources and accessibility-related initiatives.
Holding the Accessibility Expo within the broader State Fair provides participating organizations and advocates with exposure to a large public audience while giving fairgoers an opportunity to learn about disability inclusion and available resources.
The event also builds on the fair’s broader accessibility strategy by combining physical accommodations with community engagement and informational opportunities.
Sensory Friendly Hours Offer Additional Support
The State Fair is also providing designated Sensory Friendly hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20.
The designated period is intended to support visitors who may find the typical crowds, sounds and activity associated with a large fair overwhelming.
Sensory considerations can be particularly important at major entertainment and community events, where noise, lighting, movement and large crowds may create challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Providing a designated period focused on sensory accessibility gives visitors and families another option for experiencing the State Fair in an environment intended to be more manageable for their needs.
Accessibility Efforts Aim to Broaden Participation
The collaboration between the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Fair demonstrates an effort to expand accessibility beyond basic physical access.
For people with disabilities and their caregivers, participation in major community events can depend on access to suitable restrooms, changing facilities, quieter spaces and other specialized accommodations.
The Momentum Refresh facility addresses some of those practical needs by providing equipment not typically available in conventional public restrooms. Meanwhile, the Accessibility Expo creates an opportunity for visitors to connect with vendors, artists and advocates working within Oklahoma’s disability community.
Sensory Friendly hours add another layer of accommodation for individuals who may benefit from a less stimulating fair experience.
Together, the initiatives are designed to make the Oklahoma State Fair more accessible to a wider range of visitors and provide families and caregivers with additional options for planning their time at the event.
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