Photo courtesy: Some of the early guests have begun making a sensory/calming water bottle at the Pathways booth at the UP State Fair.

ESCANABA — This year, UP State Fair organizers made sure everyone had a chance to enjoy their fair experience. On Tuesday, the fair hosted a sensory day, a period from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that was designed to be gentler for people with sensory sensitivities; lights and sounds were reduced for those two hours. This is the first year the fair has implemented such a day, and it served as a test run for years to come.

Paula Judson, a Life Skill Technician with Pathways, said she was approached by Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, who wanted to incorporate sensory days into the fair. Judson loved the idea and Sensory Day was born.

“We decided to come and support the autism community,” Judson said.

Judson and his team brought fidget spinners and disability awareness information to distribute to trade show attendees.

“It is important for us to be present in the community so that people can see how they can deal with people who have different needs,” Judson said.

Pathways behavior analysts were also present to answer questions about how behavior therapy can help them or their families.

In addition to the many items given away, Judson helped participants make sensory/calming water bottles. The bottles are emptied and then filled with oil, glitter and water – so people have something calming and interesting to look at.

After the day was over, Judson looked back on the new sensory day and said it was a success.

“I think it was successful in the first year,” she said.

She said that many children, including her own, experienced the Mass for the first time. In addition, she said they were able to make many connections with the community and provide education.

“The first year was great. Hopefully next year we can make it even bigger and better,” Judson said.

According to the website, Pathways is an organization that provides specialized mental health services for adults with severe mental illness, adults and children with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and child care for those with severe emotional disturbances.

It offers a range of mental health services tailored to the needs of each individual.

For more information about Pathways, visit www.pathwaysup.org.