'accessABILITY Day' at State Fair provides fun for everyone

The North Carolina State Fair is in full swing and was bringing in big crowds Sunday.

Sunday at the fair was "accessABILITY Day," which started with rides running without music to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities.

While people come to the fair for the rides and food like deep-fried Oreos, it’s the inclusivity that Julie Cummings’ family loves.

“It’s hard for him,” said Cummings, whose 13-year-old son has Down syndrome and autism. “He gets overstimulated easily. So the lights, the sounds, it was just too much.”

Inside the park, there is a “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone,” so families like Cummings’ can rest if things get too hectic.

Cummings said an ordinary trip to the fair would’ve been stressful, but Sunday was a day for all of her kids to enjoy.

“There were many times when we would split up,” Cummings explained. “Dad would stay home and I would take the others out or vice-versa.”

Silent rides weren't the only thing making the fair more accessible. Adult changing stations were added, soft music was playing and noise-cancelling headphones were handed out.

It was an intentional step to showing others a world of acceptance and awareness.

“I think everyone should be able to come and experience the fair,” said another parent at the fair. “There’s something for everyone, so it’s nice people are thinking about including everyone.”

A sentiment Cummings agreed with.

“Everybody is different and there’s so many people in the world that are differently-abled, so why not be inclusive?” she said.