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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><h2>Expanded Accessibility Efforts Announced for the 2026 Ohio State Fair, July 29\u2013August 9<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'><b>Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'><b>July 21, 2026<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>(COLUMBUS, OH)\u2014With the 2026 Ohio State Fair opening July 29 and running through August 9, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio State Fair are unveiling expanded accessibility features so every guest can enjoy the experience fully and independently. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>Visitors can look forward to a variety of resources designed to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the Fair. Visit the Ohio State Fair\u2019s <a href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility" target="_blank">accessibility webpage</a> 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 services unit is stationed near the Lausche Youth Exploration Space and provides comprehensive accessibility information. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>\u201cThe Ohio State Fair is a place where everyone should feel welcome and enjoy everything our state has to offer,\u201d said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. \u201cThe new accessibility features at this year\u2019s Fair reflect our commitment to ensuring every fairgoer can fully experience all the Fair has to offer.\u201d <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>"The Ohio State Fair brings people together in a way few events can," said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. "Our goal is to ensure every visitor has the support they need to enjoy the Fair, and we\u2019re proud to continue expanding these opportunities with our partners.\u201d<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>New this year, six universal changing tables are available in restrooms and include an adult-sized adjustable table in a clean, safe, and private area. The tables are designed to meet the personal care needs of people with disabilities and medical conditions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>Also new this year, six complimentary accessible shuttles will operate throughout all parking lots and areas across the grounds. Blue accessible benches will be located throughout the property and equipped with a sturdy access bar and transfer space for people who use mobility devices. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>A quiet room in the new Ohio Showcase Building 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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>OOD partnered with the Fair to provide complimentary power mobility device charging stations throughout the grounds. The stations are located in the Ohio Showcase Building, Bricker MarketPlace Building, Kasich Hall, the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park pavilion, Ohio Ag Center, the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center, and the WCOL Celeste Center. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>Also made available with support from OOD, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use <a href="https://aira.io/aira-explorer-app/" target="_blank">Aira Explorer</a> to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a smart device. The agent can locate users through GPS, help access visual information (which can be helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area), and guide them to places of interest. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>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\u2019s opening ceremony on July 29, Natural Resources Park Paul Bunyon (lumberjack) show, Pig Races, several shows at the Gazebo, and for all ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. For a complete schedule of interpreted events, visit the <a href="https://ood.ohio.gov/about-us/communications/news/asl-interpretation-at-the-ohio-state-fair" target="_blank">ASL Interpretation webpage</a> or check out the Fair\u2019s daily schedule. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>In collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and OOD\u2019s Accessible Ohio program, the Ohio State Fair is turning down the lights and volume to host an extended sensory-friendly day on Thursday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair\u2019s educational activities, participate in sensory-friendly programming, and explore many activities in the shade of the Natural Resources Park. \u201cOn sensory-friendly day, we create an experience that increases access and belonging. When everyone can share in the experience and feel welcomed, that\u2019s where real community begins,\u201d said Shawn Henry, OCALI Executive Director. Find more information and resources on <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Focali.org%2FOhioStateFairSensory-FriendlyMorning/1/01010198090dbf14-02c25e17-bd93-4276-82e2-c6e1343f504a-000000/3z0d5YAAOFdllnca_fVrH99DuppvovSfAW1HMnwjjOA=413" target="_blank">OCALI\u2019s sensory-friendly day webpage</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>\u201cThe Ohio State Fair is a showcase of the very best of Ohio, and we want every visitor to have the chance to enjoy its traditions, entertainment, and experiences,\u201d said Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. \u201cThrough improvements supported by the Expo 2050 Master Plan project, we are excited to introduce additional accessibility features across the facility at this year\u2019s Fair. Accessibility remains a priority as we continue to enhance the Fairgrounds to ensure all guests can comfortably and confidently enjoy the Fair experience.\u201d <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:115%'>Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>\u202f\u202f\u202f</span> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Ample accessible parking spaces <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Accessible buildings and restrooms <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Communication boards for fairgoers with communication needs, including those who do not use speech, available at all guest information services booths and on the <a href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility" target="_blank">Ohio State Fair accessibility webpage</a>, featuring Fair-specific symbols to facilitate navigation and encourage exploration of Fair offerings <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Accessible seats for <a href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events/event-category-1/concert" target="_blank">concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center</a> can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (for accessible seats, select the \u201cfilters\u201d button, then toggle on the \u201caccessibility\u201d button to see) <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Free assistive listening devices 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 <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Audio descriptions for select buildings and exhibits are available within the Ohio State Fair app <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Designated accessible seating at additional stages <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>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) <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Accessible play area at the Natural Resources Park <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>\u202f</span> <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Discover more at the <a href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility" target="_blank">Ohio State Fair\u2019s accessibility webpage</a> or within the Fair\u2019s app. For questions, reach out to <a href="mailto:info@expo.ohio.gov" target="_blank">info@expo.ohio.gov</a> or call 614-644-3247.<span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:24.0pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>P: (216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>