As written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on August 26, 2024; photo credit to Olivia Ware of Olivia Ware Photography
Jefferson County Schools partnered with the Jefferson County Fair Association to create a sensory-friendly field trip for neurodivergent students.
Around 30 students from Wildwood Middle School and Washington High School traveled to the fair Friday morning to explore and experience different stations throughout the fair.
Several years ago, the fair used to have an Education Day at the fair, where it would set up different stations where people could learn more about agriculture. However, a dedicated time for neurodivergent students to safely and comfortably participate was never created. In fact, many of these students have never attended a fair due to all the crowds, noise, smells, and lights that usually go along with it.
This year, the fair board decided to bring back the education aspect of the fair by creating an education committee and invited JCS Parent and Educator Resource Coordinator Haley Kern to join. Kern and the rest of the committee decided to create a special day, where neurodivergent students could attend the fair and experience it for the first time.
“We are blessed with a fair that brings the community and families together,” Kern said. “It’s become a huge part of our culture here in Jefferson County. However, many people in the neurodiverse population are not able to be a part of it. There are a lot of members of the neurodivergent population in this area, and it’s important that they feel welcomed and part of the community.”
The committee decided to plan the event for Friday morning when not many people would be walking around. There were eight different stations scattered throughout the fairgrounds. “Hoofin’ Around with Horses” gave students the opportunity to meet a friendly horse, walk around the horse barn, and learn more about horses.
Similar stations were also in the poultry barn, goat barn, and dairy barn, where students could interact with animals. They also visited two sensory stations, “Sensational Soil” and “Digging for Gold,” that had students digging in the dirt to plant artificial plants and find agricultural products.
At the end of the day, all the students gathered at the show barn for the opportunity to walk an animal around through an obstacle course.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the students who stepped out of their comfort zone, having those experiences for the first time and asking questions to learn more about the different projects,” Kern said. “There’s nothing better in the world than seeing their smiles as they experience pure joy throughout the day. I’m also incredibly proud of the agriculture community, the fair association, and all the FFA and 4-H students for learning and building sensory stations and making a comfortable environment for them.”
Students and staff are excited to return to the fair next year. Kern hopes to find a way to include the carnival area in the future by allowing a few safe rides for students to enjoy. She is happy to live in a community that cares about including these students and hopes to continue creating more opportunities for them.