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Joshua Straub has cerebral palsy and is a full time wheelchair user. 

He has been to the Minnesota State Fair a few times, but says he feels like the fairgrounds have aged and not always kept up with 

Some spaces are more difficult than others to access for wheelchair users. The coliseum has narrow entrances, the grounds are crowded, the curb ramps are small and often easy to miss. Several years ago Straub tipped his wheelchair and broke his finger. 

While he says there are many positives, they tend to be outweighed by a few high impact barriers.

“As I have gotten older the State Fair has began to become a bit more trouble than it’s worth,” he said. 

In recent years after hearing stories similar to Straub’s, the State Fair has taken the wide issue of accessibility and brought it to the forefront of their planning. They offer an extensive 

 including ASL interpreting services and sensory-friendly visits.

Christine Noonan, marketing and guest supervisor at the fair, says it’s important that the fair sees the issue of accessibility beyond visible physical disabilities.

“We have a very broad view of accessibility. When you’re going to something like the Great Minnesota Get-together, you need to try to make it a great experience for everybody,” she said.

The accessibility committee at the fair is wide, encompassing everything from transportation, ticketing, entertainment, food and rides. That’s purposeful, Noonan says, to make sure that accessibility touches every department. Every six weeks they meet and talk about challenges and resources. Noonan says it is a process rather than an end goal, but they’re excited about the possibilities.

“We are 100 percent willing to try and make any accommodation. Everything is on the table, we are open for feedback and criticism, that’s important to us and the way that we move forward,” she said.  

Last year, the Fraser Sensory Building made its debut. Located on the west side of Cosgrove Street, south of the home improvement building, the building has sensory support volunteers, tool and techniques such as weighted blankets, shoulder wraps, calming music and fidget toys. 

While Fraser is marketed toward helping autistic Minnesotans, senior therapist Gina Brady says anyone needing a break or who may be anxious is welcome.

“There are so many sounds, lights and smells — sometimes it’s helpful if people have a place to go and just kind of remove themselves from all of that stimulation for a little bit,” Brady said.

The building is often used during the parade each day or right after fair-goers enter the gates and may need a break before they start their day. They also sell sensory kits for $45 that include fidgets, noise reducing headphones and other sensory tools that Brady said can help modify the environment once they leave the building.

“We want people to be able to experience more of the fair and have as many tools and strategies as they need.”

Jillian Nelson, community resource and policy advocate with the 

 (AuSM), says the fight for sensory-friendly space at the fair and other large gatherings in Minnesota has been a work in progress.

AuSM has worked with different festivals and groups throughout the state to model what sensory support can look like at large events. Nelson, who is autistic herself, said she really hopes to create an expectation that all community events can follow to have options of accessibility. 

Nelson said the Fraser building is a great resource, but like Noonan, says the conversation must be ongoing.

“Accessibility is not a one and done deal, it is about growing and developing to create the most inclusive space,” Nelson said. “To be a full accessible society, there needs to be a space for people with disabilities to belong in all spaces, especially those community and culture spaces because those are the things that make life vibrant and beautiful and proud to be Minnesotans.”

The fair offers a sensory section of their 

 with tips and tricks when visiting. Below are points included in their guide.

Click here for the Fraser Minnesota State Fair social narrative.

Sam Stroozas

Author

While the 12-day get-together can be the event of the year for Minnesotans, for some there are concerns about access. The State Fair is working to create a more inclusive environment, understanding and accommodating of people with disabilities.

Making the Get-Together great for everyone: State Fair focused on addressing accessibility

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