County applied for DSHS grant to create mobile sensory accommodations at fairgrounds

County staff told commissioners Tuesday that they submitted a time-sensitive application to the Washington Department of Social and Health Services to fund sensory accommodations and training at county fairs and other public events.

“This grant does 1 thing. It helps us to implement and further, accommodate the needs of our community of those that have not been accommodated,” the presenter said, describing plans to expand accommodations used in Project Safer to people with autism, ADHD, PTSD and related sensory needs. Staff described a “mobile kit” concept that would include an awning with sides, noise‑canceling headphones, sensory tools and communication cards to help nonverbal attendees indicate needs; equipment would be inventoried and stored at the fairgrounds and made available for other events via a checkout system.

Staff said the application was prepared under a short deadline over a holiday and was submitted; if awarded, the grant would be a state reimbursement grant (no federal funding, no federal reporting) and awards are expected in October. The presenter said the county could decline the award if volunteer capacity or other operational concerns later make the program infeasible.

Staff emphasized training components for volunteers, law enforcement and first responders. The presenter said they had spoken with Sheriff King and with the Port Angeles Fire Department deputy chief, who expressed interest in first‑responder training to assist people with sensory needs in the field.

No formal board action was taken at the work session; staff said the application had already been filed and they would return to the board if needed after the award notice in October.