Location: Youth Hall 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day of the fairThe new “New Mexico State Fair Sensory Station” provides a safe space for our sensory sensitive and special needs fair guests to de-escalate, and provides low-key and helpful sensory input activities. In addition to sensory input activities, there will be regular visits with the kids from the State Fair Ambassadogs (therapy dogs) and meet and greets with the State Fair queen.
Ten individual spaces allow for various activities to aid in de-escalation. This includes various sensory input devices, sensory wall, musical toys, water beads, ball pit and so much more. Dedicated carts will be available to transport families back to their vehicles if their family member is unable to de-escalate.
Travel Bags
This year you can pick up a backpack at our sensory station which will be full of things to help de-escalate on the go. Backpacks will contain items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget devices, manual manipulation devices and more. Please come see us at the sensory station and ask how you can check out a backpack for your fun fair day.
Partners
In addition to the active involvement of the autism society, several other organizations and individuals have stepped up to volunteer their time and expertise at the Sensory Station.
They include the following:
- Hollman's
- Autism Learning Partners
- Autism Spectrum Therapies
- Behavior Change Institute
- Bridges
- Centria
- Chatterbox
- ExplorAbilites
- KidPower
- Pathways Academy
- New Mexico Autism Society Board of Directors
- UNM-CDD
- Explora
The state fair also appreciates donations and support from Rio Grande Foam in helping to make the new Sensory Station a success.