Elkhart County 4-H Fair modifies rides, hosts special activities for people with disabilities

July 26--GOSHEN -- On Monday mornings at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, the rides get quiet and the lights are dimmed.

Over the last seven years, the fair has held Disabilities Awareness Day, a day in which the fair becomes more accessible to children and adults alike who may have a disability.

"The whole purpose of it is adapting the fair experience so that people with disabilities can experience the fair the way anybody can," said Doug Thorne, director on the fair board for Monday's event.

The fair coordinates with local school districts and various organizations that help people with disabilities to create the programs each year and ensure that everyone has a ticket to gain free access. Some of the rides are modified to become more accessible, and the operator turns the lights off and lowers the volume on any loud music for people with sensory issues.

The organizers hold a few special Olympic skill activities like long jump and basketball for a couple of hours. The event ends with a live performance and an awards ceremony, where everyone gets ribbons.

"A great deal of organizations in the county help us get passes to the fair so there are no barriers for any individual to get into the fair," Thorne said.

Volunteers also play an important role in Disabilities Awareness Days, as they are the ones who often ride with those with disabilities and help coordinate the special Olympics game.

Of the last seven years of Disabilities Awareness Day, six have been sponsored by Sam's Club in Goshen, which provides financial aid and several volunteers from the store's staff to help.

Cari Rickey, operation manager at the store, said she's participated in the event every year and always looks forward to it.

"It's an enjoyment to see the smile on the kids' faces," she said. "To do this once a year I think is awesome, because a lot of kids don't get that chance."

Rickey said her grandson has autism and can be limited on where he feels comfortable. Events like Disability Awareness Day accommodates for them, she said.

For some who may have a family member with a disability, Mondays at the fair have become the day to visit it and bring their families along.

Bert Van Eyk has brought his daughter, Elizabeth, and the rest of his family to the fair on Mondays, where he knows his daughter can participate in activities tailored for her. On Monday, Elizabeth got on a few rides -- her favorite was the merry-go-round-- and got to play basketball with others.

"I think it's great," Van Eyk said. "We pretty much come here every year for this."

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