Published On: August 1, 2014

The fairgrounds are alive with the Indiana State Fair from August 1 to 17, drawing thousands of people from all over the state of Indiana. If you’re traveling from a distance or you’re just taking an afternoon to see what it’s all about, the Indiana State Fair has many tips on their website for people with disabilities and special needs.
Wheelchair and scooter rental – There’s a lot of ground to cover at the fairgrounds, and they make every effort for you to get to every barn and tent you want to visit. A limited number of wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent for the day. Visit this website to make your reservation in advance and find details on pricing.
Shuttle tractors – Almost every where you look you’ll see a tractor pulling three carts of people from one stop to the next. The ADA-accessible shuttle rides are $1 each.
Accessible parking – The Indiana State Fair’s website states “accessible parking can be found just inside Gate 6, Gate 1, both north and west of the Expo Hall, the southwest corner of the infield adjacent to the ADA accessible walk tunnel and the south lot of the Indiana School for the Deaf.”
Maps / Information booths – When you enter the fairgrounds you’ll be able to pick up a program, which has a list of events for each day of the fair along with information on where to find restrooms and assistance if needed. Information booths are a great place to stop even if your question is about where to find the bacon glazed doughnuts!
Service animals are allowed at the Indiana State Fair. Please make sure you have documentation present or that your animal is wearing something that designates they are a service animal.
Inside the fair you’ll find the Indiana Agrability Project from Breaking New Ground, a program out of Purdue University that cultivates independence for farmers and other rural residents with disabilities. The USDA-sponsored program addresses disabilities such as spinal cord injuries and amputations but also arthritis, back impairments and behavioral health issues. The project has a booth at the FFA Pavilion, and you can also see this accessible tractor up close!