Accessibility Highlights for the 2026 Ohio State Fair: What You Need to Know

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Accessibility Highlights for the 2026 Ohio State Fair: What You Need to Know

We’re excited to share important updates about accessibility features at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, taking place July 29 through August 9. Whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or simply want to plan your visit with confidence, these new and expanded supports are designed to help you enjoy the Fair fully and independently.

A short video overview in American Sign Language is available.

ASL Interpretation and Communication Supports

For fairgoers who use American Sign Language (ASL), no-reservation interpreters will be available at:

The Fair’s Opening Ceremony (July 29)
Natural Resources Park Paul Bunyan (lumberjack) Show
Pig Races
Select Gazebo shows
All ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center

A full ASL schedule, showing which shows will be interpreted each day, is available on OOD’s website.

Communication boards featuring picture symbols are also available at all guest information booths and online. These may be helpful to fairgoers who use AAC or prefer visual communication tools.

Assistive Listening Devices

Free assistive listening devices are available at:

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
Voinovich Arena

Devices can be picked up at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, or Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage.

Complimentary Companion or Personal Care Assistant Tickets

Visitors with disabilities who require assistance can request a free ticket for a personal companion or assistant. This companion ticket applies to any paid admission or experience.

Eligibility may involve documentation or self-certification based on ADA guidelines. Companion tickets are intended for individuals with disability-related support needs, such as mobility, communication, orientation, or medical assistance.

Please note: Companion tickets are generally not issued for children under 16. All children must remain with a responsible adult while on the fairgrounds.

Access the weblink to request Companion or Personal Care Assistant Tickets.

Visual Supports and Captioning

The Ohio State Fair app includes visual resources, schedules, and venue information to help plan your day. Where available, captioned displays and screens will support communication access during select shows and announcements.

Accessible Mobility and Wayfinding

To support safe and efficient movement around the Fair:

Complimentary wheelchair and scooter charging stations are located throughout the grounds, including the Ohio Showcase Building, Bricker MarketPlace, Kasich Hall, the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, the ODNR Park Pavilion, the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center, and the WCOL Celeste Center.
New accessible benches with transfer space and support bars are placed across the property to make resting easier for those using mobility devices.
Six new accessible shuttles will operate in all parking areas and across the grounds.

Quiet Rooms and Sensory Support

For guests who benefit from lower-sensory environments:

A permanent quiet room is located in the new Ohio Showcase Building.
A second quiet room will be available in the Celeste Center during concerts.

These spaces provide reduced noise and lighting for breaks and self-regulation.

Sensory-Friendly Day: Thursday, July 30

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rides, lights, and music will be adjusted to create a calmer environment. Educational activities, shaded experiences, and accessible programming will also be offered.

This event is presented in partnership with OCALI, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and OOD’s Accessible Ohio program.

Additional Accessibility Features

The Fair also offers:

Accessible parking and restrooms
Accessible play areas and picnic tables
Accessible water bottle filling stations at key buildings
Service animal relief areas at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park
Accessible seating at concerts and shows (available at regular price through Ticketmaster—use the “accessibility” filter when purchasing)

Visit Prepared

For the smoothest experience, explore accessibility information in advance through the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage or mobile app. During your visit, guest information services can provide maps, schedules, and personalized assistance.

For questions, contact:
info@expo.ohio.gov
614-644-3247

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Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025, OOD received $177,897,297 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the state covered 21.3% of the total costs, or $48,147,553. Of these federal funds, $26,684,595 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works4Me Program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,793,225 for this Program.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for this Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of the regular Supported Employment Program up to the grant amount. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 for SE Youth with a Disability, and state-appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $49,571 of the total costs. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services Older Blind (ILOB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2025 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the Program. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,129,124 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $125,458 of the total costs incurred under the ILOB Program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2025. In FFY 2025, OOD received $640,682 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $71,187 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.