Growing Accessibility and Inclusion at the Buckeye Book Fair

Thanks to support from the Ohio Arts Council, the Buckeye Book Fair was able to grow in meaningful ways this past year. The funding allowed Executive Director, Kimberly Jarvis, to attend the 2025 Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference in Cleveland. This was an incredible opportunity to learn from experts and peers from across the country who are working to make arts events more welcoming and accessible. It was also a chance to connect with Ohio arts leaders and the Ohio Arts Council staff, deepening relationships and sparking ideas that will benefit the Fair for years to come.

At the conference, Kimberly participated in workshops on topics such as creating inclusive arts experiences for neurodivergent students, using respectful and empowering language, and designing programs for veterans. She joined “Accessibility Labs,” where she practiced hands-on skills like making social media posts easier to read and setting up committees to guide ongoing accessibility work. These sessions were more than lectures. They provided time to share stories, exchange ideas, and test out strategies in collaboration with other attendees.

A highlight of the conference for Kimberly was presenting her own session, Math & Science Movers: Inclusive Arts Integration. As a teaching artist for Ohio schools, she shared techniques built around three guiding principles: Accessibility, Play, and Purpose.

The impact of the LEAD Conference is already visible at the Buckeye Book Fair. Kimberly shared her insights with the Board of Directors, prompting a review of the website language and sparking discussions about who to recruit to help the organization speak directly to those who need accommodations. Small but meaningful changes are already underway. A “Know Before You Go” page on the website helps visitors plan their trip, wider aisles make moving through the Fair easier, and volunteers are positioned throughout the space to answer questions and provide guidance. The team is also researching sound systems to make presentations easier to hear.

Beyond the physical changes, Kimberly’s participation has sparked conversations with authors, teaching artist visits in schools, and discussions about accessibility in creative work, including debates on the role of AI in supporting writers. By modeling person-first language and making space for individuals to share their personal experiences, she is creating a ripple effect that will influence students, authors, and community members across Ohio.

The stories Kimberly heard at LEAD from people who overcome significant obstacles were especially inspiring. They reinforced the importance of ongoing growth and improvement in every area of the organization. Even small steps, when thoughtfully implemented, can make a big difference.

The long-term impact of this experience extends far beyond one individual. Through her work, Kimberly multiplies the organization’s capacity to foster inclusion and accessibility in Ohio’s literary and arts communities. The Buckeye Book Fair is now better equipped to serve every visitor, student, and participant, ensuring that all feel seen, supported, and included.