July 17, 2023, Mid Hudson, NY: Ulster County introduces first Sensory Safe Space at upcoming fair https://midhudsonnews.com/2023/07/17/ulster-county-introduces-sensory-safe-space-at-upcoming-fair/
NEW PALTZ- For families with a child with autism or any individual with sensory sensitivity, heading to the fun-filled Ulster County Fair can be a difficult family outing. That is why Ulster BOCES, in cooperation with representatives from Rondout Valley and Saugerties Central School Districts, the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL), and the Ulster County Agricultural Society, are collaborating to provide a sensory safe space at the Ulster County Fair this year. The designated room will offer families an opportunity to enjoy a sensory-friendly environment.
“The Fair is fun, but chaotic with the lights, the sounds, and the people all around,” said Dr. Barbara Hastie, Supervisor of Instructional Services for Ulster BOCES, who is spearheading the collection of donations for supplies and coordinating volunteers to staff the Sensory Safe Space.
“Individuals with autism or even people that have general sensory processing difficulties may experience an amplification of lights, sounds, and smells — making the Fair experience really challenging to enjoy,” Hastie noted. “We want to make it possible for these individuals to have a positive experience at the fair.”…
The room will provide respite from bright lights, crowds, and the summer heat and will feature bubble tubes, mats, seating, touch and feel books about animals, a host of noise canceling headphones, and a charging station for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
For some families, this makes the difference between attending the Fair or not. Kristina Mulligan is the parent of a child who has recently been diagnosed with non-spastic cerebral palsy, and feels that she has to shoulder the burden of making the world accessible and welcoming alone. …
“When you’re a parent of a child with disabilities and/or sensory processing disorder, it feels like you have to say ‘no’ to a lot. An event, like a fair, with crowds and loud noises and so many smells and chaos often feels so out of reach. When the community comes together and does something like this… creates an accommodating space for those who need–and deserve–it, it really does so much. It opens up so many more opportunities for families like mine,” she explained.
“Everyone has the right to be with their peers and enjoy themselves. I’m so grateful to those involved in this project for making strides to create a more inclusive event this year and in the future,” Mulligan said….
“We’re turning down the sounds. We’re turning down the lights — just trying to make it a little more sensory sensitive for those who get overstimulated a little easier,” added Falanga-Brenner.
At this time, the team is looking for support in furnishing this space. They are currently seeking noise-canceling headphones or monetary donations to help purchase headphones and additional materials needed to prepare the space. “Donations will be so helpful in making the Sensory Safe Space a success,” Hastie said. “Our hope is that over the years this resource will grow into an integral part of the Ulster County Fair experience,” she said.
“Our goal is to be a county that supports families that ‘Think Differently’ and believe that inclusive spaces need to be designed for all,” Hastie said.
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