August 13, 2024, Press Release from the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities: The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities has partnered with many local businesses and non-profits in 2024 to increase accessibility and inclusion throughout Allen County with a $584,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. These funds have been awarded to the Allen County Board of DD from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The Allen County Board of DD is pleased to announce one of the projects is complete, and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:00 PM on August 15 at the midway restroom facility at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
One mens and one womens restroom facility on the midway have been completely updated to include fully operational universal changing tables for children and adults. These may be the first such tables in Allen County, especially in a public space that can benefit all residents of Allen County and others who use the fairgrounds. The advocacy for universal tables is part of a larger initiative called Changing Spaces Ohio. In addition, the ARPA funds were used to equip all the other restrooms across the fairgrounds with automatic door openers for those with mobility needs and to help fund new safety epoxy flooring.
On Thursday, August 15, the Board of DD and two families will present to Troy Elwer, Operations Manager, new inclusive signage and recognize the Allen County Fair for the excellent collaboration on this project and the passion to improve accessibility and provide inclusive spaces for people that use the fairgrounds.
For more information, please contact Theresa Schnipke at 419-221-1385, ext. 1321 or tschnipke@acbdd.org.
