Carnival for individuals with developmental disabilities to return to Farmington Hills

Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read

A community group serving individuals with developmental disabilities and sensory processing will host a free carnival featuring rides, games, music, entertainment, and quiet spaces.

The event will be held on Sunday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Adat Shalom Synagogue at 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills.

More than 600 people are expected to attend the carnival.

Jason and his caregiver enjoy a ride at the JARC carnival in 2023.
Jason and his caregiver enjoy a ride at the JARC carnival in 2023.

“We knew there was a demand for a community event like JARC’s carnival, but when more than 500 people had attended last year, we realized this was an overwhelming need,” said JARC Chief Executive Officer Shaindle Braunstein in a news release. “Our accessible, sensory-friendly event is the opposite of what a carnival is often perceived to be – crowded and overstimulating. We have incorporated spaces and opportunities to decompress and recenter while enjoying all the fun of a traditional carnival.”

This year, the carnival will feature vendors and partner agencies with products and services to assist families and caregivers in helping people with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities live their best lives.

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While the carnival is not open to the greater public, family members can purchase tickets to attend for $20 per individual or $50 per family. To buy tickets, visit jarc.org/carnival.

Jodie and Josh Jacobs cheer on their daughter, Allie, as she plays a game of ring toss at JARC's carnival in 2023.
Jodie and Josh Jacobs cheer on their daughter, Allie, as she plays a game of ring toss at JARC's carnival in 2023.

Popcorn, snow cones, and water will be provided for free, and kosher hot dogs and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the carnival will fund JARC's important programs and services that help to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Dan smiles as he takes in all the fun around him at the carnival hosted by JARC in 2023.
Dan smiles as he takes in all the fun around him at the carnival hosted by JARC in 2023.

The carnival is part of JARC's summer-long Ellen Labes Festival Series, sponsored by the Ellen Labes Family, that also includes a sensory-friendly Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert, a picnic in the park with a sensory-friendly drumming activity, and a Motown Summer Concert later this summer.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Carnival for people with disabilities returning to Farmington Hills