An adaptive animal science experience for youth with disabilities

The Anoka County 4-H development program partnered with the Anoka County Fair to offer “Fair Buddies,” an inclusive and adaptive animal science experience for youth with disabilities.

On Thursday, July 25, eight youth with disabilities were partnered with a 4-H mentor and their animals. 4-H mentors shared their animals with youth and taught them about their animals’ care including grooming, feeding and safety. Fifteen volunteer 4-H youth mentors ranged in grade from first grade to one year post high school. Fair buddies were able to get up close and personal with a dairy calf, goats, poultry, rabbits and horses during this hands-on and innovative experience.

Anna Gilbertson, 4-H Extension Educator in Anoka County shared: “4-H is an inherently inclusive program. However, this experience was an intentional opportunity for youth with disabilities to experience the joy of caring for animals and interacting with them, including the unique experience of an animal show.”

Fair buddies participated in mock dairy, goat, rabbit and poultry shows alongside their mentors. Youth learned how to handle the animal in a show arena and earned ribbons for their efforts.

“During the mock show experience, the mentors showed terrific leadership skills as they helped each of their buddies handle their animals in the show ring,” Gilbertson said. “The goats provided lots of excitement and laughter as the buddies learned that they can be escape artists!”

The experience culminated with the introduction of 4-H horses where youth were allowed to groom and apply finger paint to the horses for a fun sensory experience.

The Anoka County Fair provided gate admission and incentives for youth participants. 4 Imprints provided water bottles and bags with Anoka County Fair’s logo on for all participants and 4-H youth mentors through a grant to the Anoka County Fair. Hoot Owl Concessions, an Ice Cream vendor at The Anoka County Fair, donated ice cream for all the buddies and the mentors.

Michaela Liebl, fair manager at The Anoka County Fair, said, “This new program was such a success for the Fair Buddies and the 4-H mentors, and the joy and laughter by all was a reward in itself.”

Liebl and Gilbertson hope to continue and possibly expand this program in the coming years. The 4-H youth mentors were able to make a connection with the buddies and support each youth with an experience they were comfortable with which enhanced the experience for all.

Liebl shared, “It truly was a group effort and brought a lot of people together to experience what the fair is all about!”

4-H enrollment is open for youth in kindergarten through one year post high school. For more information about joining 4-H, visit z.umn.edu/AnokaCounty4H.