22 | AUGUST 10 • 2023
OUR COMMUNITY
F
or many, carnivals are
a classic summertime
must-attend event
filled with fun rides, games
and prizes, popular fair
foods and much more. But
traditional carnival games
and rides are not always
accessible for all.
JARC, a nonprofit orga-
nization serving adults with
developmental disabilities
in metro Detroit, wanted to
create their own carnival in
which Metro Detroiters with
developmental disabilities
and sensory sensitivities
could enjoy the beloved
event without the overstim-
ulation that comes with an
overcrowded, loud carnival.
On Sunday, Aug.
20, a carnival free to
all individuals with
developmental disabilities
and sensory sensitivities and
their caregivers will be held
at Adat Shalom Synagogue in
Farmington Hills. This event
was generously sponsored
by the Ellen Labes Festival
Series. Ellen Labes and
her family are long-term
supporters, committed to
making unique opportunities
like this possible for those
served by JARC.
The focus of
JARC’s carnival is to
accommodate individuals
with developmental
disabilities and sensory
sensitivities so they can
comfortably experience
a carnival alongside
their caregivers and
family members,
and therefore is not
open to the general
public. The event
will feature carnival
rides and games,
music and snacks
and quiet, sensory-
friendly space will
be available. Food
will be available for
purchase, including kosher
options.
Rides at the event
include a Ferris wheel,
spinning berry, “Phantom’s
Revenge” boat swing, fun
house, ballistic swing and a
trackless train. The carnival
midway will be full of games,
including bowling, clown
knock down, Skee-Ball, ring
toss, axe throwing, giant
Connect 4 and much more.
Other activities and
attractions include air brush
tattoos, bounce houses, a
photo booth, DJ music and
an opportunity to visit with
therapy dogs. All games
and activities are accessible,
but wheelchairs cannot be
brought onto rides.
“At JARC, we are
committed to enriching
the lives of the people
we serve, and our goal is
for these individuals to
be able to enjoy hobbies,
activities and events just
like anyone else,” said JARC
CEO Shaindle Braunstein.
“As an organization that
serves individuals with
developmental disabilities,
we have a responsibility to
create these kinds of exciting
opportunities in which their
needs are at the forefront.
Our hope is that this day
will be a special memory
for the people we serve
and other individuals with
developmental disabilities
and sensory sensitivities
in Metro Detroit, their
caregivers and families.”
Individuals with
developmental disabilities
and their caregivers are
invited to attend the event
for free, and tickets for
family members can be
purchased for $20 per
individual or $50 per family.
Proceeds from the event
will benefit more of JARC’s
important programs and
services which fulfill
JARC’s mission of enriching
the lives of people with
developmental disabilities.
To reserve tickets, visit
jarc.org/carnival.
JARC Carnival for individuals with
developmental disabilities comes
to town on Aug. 20.
Fun for All