Fairboard and CCBDD make fairgrounds more accessible
Last year, the Coshocton County Board of DD received ARPA grant money that could be used to make the community more accessible to those with disabilities. With that in mind, those grants were used to purchase a large picture communication board and two adult changing tables to be placed at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds.
The communication board was placed several weeks ago and the changing tables have been installed. Hathaway, Inc., and Phillip A. Wagner completed the work for the changing tables. One changing station is located in the new Rotary Emergency Pavilion near the fair board office and the other is in a new building near the ceramic restrooms behind the grand stand. The communication board is also there.
Ron Seitz, fairboard president, said, “The board is very excited to have this relationship with the board of DD and for all of the folks who may need it. As a board, we understand that our grounds are utilized by so many different folks and we are ecstatic to be part of it. We are entering our second year with our Ag for All Abilities show and it has been an awesome experience for us and everyone involved.”
Steve Oster, superintendent of the CCBDD, said the board used ARPA funds to make several areas in the community more accessible to people with disabilities. “One of our priorities was installing adult changing tables in public spaces, as these are still relatively new but critically needed. In the past, individuals attending events like the county fair often had to leave early if they needed to be changed, simply because there were no appropriate facilities available.”
Oster said the fair board was very receptive to the idea and Hathaway, Inc. made the plans come through. “It took a great partnership to make this a reality.”
“The communication boards are crucial for individuals who might need assistance. The boards use symbols, letters and pictures to help people express their needs, preferences and decisions. They are designed to support individuals with a range of communication needs, making it easier for them to participate in community life and activities,” said Oster. The boards enhance understanding, foster connection and help everyone feel more welcome and engaged.
Support for the accessibility additions at the fairgrounds has been positive, with many families saying the additions make them feel seen and more welcome in the community.
Category: People & Places
