Making Memories for Everyone—Accessibility at the 2025 Ohio State Fair

 

New in 2025: Two Quiet Rooms and Electric Scooter Rental Coupon

Making Memories for Everyone—Accessibility at the 2025 Ohio State Fair

The Rogers and Graves family at the 2024 Ohio State Fair.

The countdown has begun for the eagerly awaited 2025 Ohio State Fair, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 3, 2025. As anticipation grows, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio State Fair are excited to reaffirm their dedication to accessibility for all.

Visitors can look forward to a variety of resources designed to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the Fair. Visit the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage or app ahead of time for essential information. Upon arrival, guest information services booths offer daily schedules, maps, and directions. For those seeking additional support, the OOD mobile unit is stationed near the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, providing comprehensive accessibility information.

OOD Mobile Services Unit—Accessibility at the 2025 Ohio State Fair

From left to right: OOD Director Kevin L. Miller, Greg Dormer, Kelsey Saltzman, Sarah Gillespie, Karen Penny Murphy, Kylie Berning-Tolliver, Mallory Eichler, Ashley Bartosiak, Governor Mike DeWine, and Marlena Schmitz

A brand-new quiet room in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center has been designed to enable individuals to manage their sensory needs. In addition, a second quiet room will be available at the Celeste Center during concert events, offering a close and more convenient option for concertgoers.

Also new this year, compliments of OOD’s Accessible Ohio program, a $10 off coupon is available to use toward an electric scooter rental for individuals who have a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to navigate the fairgrounds. Access the digital coupon online, or pick up a paper coupon at the OOD mobile unit. The digital coupon can be printed or opened using a smartphone for easy access. Coupons may be redeemed at either of the two HomeTown Mobility locations at the Fair, located inside the Cardinal Gate and the Ohio Gate.

“Ohio is truly the heart of it all, and we are committed to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience everything our State Fair has to offer,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This year, we're again expanding the number of accessibility initiatives at the Ohio State Fair, aiming to make it the most enjoyable experience yet for everyone who visits.”

"The Ohio State Fair offers a refreshing getaway from our everyday routines," said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. "We’re pleased to provide a discount for electric scooter rentals, making it easier for everyone to enjoy their day.”

OOD partnered with the Fair to provide complimentary power mobility device charging stations throughout the grounds. The stations are in marked areas in the Bricker MarketPlace Building, Kasich Hall, the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, the Natural Resources Park pavilion, the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center, and the WCOL Celeste Center. 

Also made available with support from OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a smart device. The agent can locate users through GPS, help access visual information (which is especially helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area), and direct them to places of interest. 

For fairgoers whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting will be offered at these events, with no reservations required: the Fair’s opening ceremony on July 23, the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction on August 3, daily at the Natural Resources Park Great Lakes Timber (lumberjack) shows and Cincinnati Circus, and for all ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. For a complete schedule of interpreted events, visit the 2025 ASL Interpretation webpage or check out the Fair’s daily schedule.

In collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and OOD’s Accessible Ohio program, the Ohio State Fair is turning down the lights and volume to host a sensory-friendly morning on Thursday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s educational activities, and explore many activities in the shade of the Natural Resources Park. “On sensory-friendly morning, the sights, sounds, and stimuli are reduced to enable individuals to experience our incredible State Fair in a way that increases access and belonging,” said Shawn Henry, OCALI Executive Director. Find more information and resources on OCALI’s sensory-friendly morning webpage.

The Fair offers two adjustable-height universal changing tables. One table is located in the Ag Pro Taft Coliseum family restroom, while a second table is available in the First Aid Center, north of Kasich Hall. These facilities are designed to support fairgoers' personal care needs and are strategically placed at opposite ends of the grounds for convenience.

"The Ohio State Fair is truly a celebration of Ohio, and we want all Ohioans and out-of-state guests to have the opportunity to experience the fun, excitement, and tradition of this great state fair,” said Adam Heffron, Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds Executive Director. “We’re dedicated to continually improving upon our existing accessibility efforts, working diligently to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all fairgoers."

Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:  

  • Ample accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible buildings and restrooms
  • Communication boards for fairgoers who have complex communication needs, including those who do not use speech, available at all guest information services booths and on the Ohio State Fair accessibility webpage, featuring Fair-specific symbols to facilitate navigation and encourage exploration of Fair offerings
  • Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (to view accessible seats, click the “filters” button, then toggle on the “accessibility” button to see)
  • Free assistive listening devices featuring updated technology are available for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage, Kasich Hall B (Creative Arts Stage), Brown Arena, Cooper Arena, Taft Coliseum, O'Neill Arena, and Voinovich Arena. These can be picked up at WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, and Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage
  • Audio descriptions for select exhibits and attractions are available within the Ohio State Fair app
  • Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park
  • Designated accessible seating at additional stages
  • Accessible water bottle filling stations at Kasich Hall, Lausche Youth Exploration Space, Bricker MarketPlace, Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, Ag Pro Coliseum, and WCOL Celeste Center (open only during concerts)
  • Accessible play area at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park
  • Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair  
Butters with the Ohio State Fair communication board

Butters with the Ohio State Fair Communication Board, developed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Discover more at the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage or within the Fair’s app. For questions, reach out to info@expo.ohio.gov or call 614-644-3247.

Comments

Popular Posts