(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
NEW FEATURE … Pictured from left are Danielle Gurwell, Fulton County Board of DD; Sandy Wyse, Fulton County Board of DD; Kelly Nagel, Fulton County Board of DD; Jessica Douglass, Fulton County Board of DD; Sarah Rupp, Sauder Village; Shannon Keiser, Fulton County Board of DD; Robin Sheperd, Fulton County Board of DD; and Angie Blake, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Archbold, Ohio — In an effort to further expand accessibility across the organization, Sauder Village partnered with Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently to install a universal changing table in the Village’s Welcome Center.
The adjustable-height table, located in its own private room, was installed to support older children and adults in need of changing table space.
The installation of this table is integral to Sauder Village’s efforts to increase accessibility complex-wide so that everyone can be included in the experiences offered at the northwest Ohio tourist destination.
“I’m thrilled Fulton County Board of DD reached out to Sauder Village with this wonderful opportunity for us to receive a universal changing table,” said Sarah Rupp, Visitor Experience and Evaluation Manager.
“Throughout 2024, we have been intentionally increasing accessibility in the Historic Village and this changing table is just another step in the process for creating a space that welcomes all individuals, no matter their needs. We are so excited to have this table on-site, as it opens up Sauder Village to more families and community members.”
Fulton County Board of DD approached Sauder Village earlier this year and offered to provide the table, working closely with Rupp and Sheri Friesner, Director of Museum Operations, to swiftly draft plans for the space.
“We received grant funding from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), and part of that initiative was to have the ability to purchase universal changing tables and have them distributed throughout our community,” said Robin Shepherd, Superintendent of Fulton County Board of DD.
“Knowing that Sauder Village is a huge community space in Fulton County, it was natural to ask them to see if they were interested in partnering with us.
“I think this project is awesome because it allows everyone to have the ability to access community events,” she added.
Another effort this year to create a more inclusive environment at Sauder Village is Sensory Friendly Tuesdays, which took place in June and July. The village opened its doors each Tuesday specifically for individuals in need of sensory accommodations, including reduced noise, lower lighting, and sensory kits.
“Because Sauder Village already does events tailored to people with disabilities, like the sensory days, (this partnership) really makes sense in a lot of ways,” said Angie Blake with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
“This changing table provides a great opportunity for people to just do things and not have to plan their whole day around when they need to use the restroom.”
For more information on Sauder Village’s accessibility efforts and accommodations, visit saudervillage.org/visit/accessibility.