Fair for All: ARPA Funds Make County Fair More Inclusive

The DODD Podcast recently featured an interview with Elizabeth Brewer, a Darke County teen promoting accessibility at her county fair. She used her position as the 2023 Darke County Fair Queen to start the "Fair for All" campaign. Its goal was to raise awareness and bring new ideas for more accessible fairgrounds for everyone. The timing of her campaign aligned with the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from DODD.

With the help of ARPA funds, a supportive fair board, and a committed and caring community, the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities was able to design and create a permanent sensory-friendly space, universal changing table, and make several of the buildings on the grounds more accessible with the addition of ramps and paved areas. Community businesses donated time, materials, and money as well. The local high school construction and design classes also participated in the project.

This is one of several other ARPA projects in the county that will create greater accessibility in the community. Darke County received $550,000 in funding to be used on several more changing tables, wheelchair ramps and door controls, paved walkways, and inclusive meeting equipment.

The mission of the "Fair for All" Campaign is to create a community that is truly fair for all. The new building was complete just in time for the Great Darke County Fair that will be held from August 16 through 24. In addition to the new building, the fair will host a sensory-friendly hour where the rides and games have reduced noise and lighting and the Hearts of Darke livestock show for people with developmental disabilities.

County fairs are central to many Ohio communities and Darke County is only one of many counties, using state funding to increase accessibility at the county fairgrounds and throughout the community.