Special Needs Day No Longer At Fair

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Story Published: Aug 29, 2008 at 5:14 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:26 AM MST

By Hasti Taghi

BLACKFOOT - "To go watch these people in wheelchairs, with downs whatever their problem, to watch them get on the rides or play with the animals...it's a joy," says Marsha Boren, a special needs caregiver.

A joy that some will not experience this year...Each year the fair dedicates one day to those with special needs. The day is a time for them to enjoy the fair with caretakers. All are admitted free. This year... The disabled are welcomed to the fair but not on a special day or with a special fare. Marsha Boren is a special needs caretaker who is disappointed with the decision.

"they deserve it...they're here for us to learn from and love. You don't take it away from them,"says Boren.

So why the need to change the schedule this year?

"we've had a lot of problem with it in the past years. We've just felt with our insurance that we couldn't do that but we do offer Wednesday with the shelter homes," says Dorris Wallace, Fair Manager.

"They don't get to do a lot of things but the idea of taking it away because it's a liability issue is wrong. There's other things they can do," says Boren.

But the fair sticks to their decision. They want to treat everyone the same.

"We welcome everybody to come.. We've talked to a lot of shelters and they say they won't come on that day because they want to be like everybody else," says Wallace.

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