🌾 Expointer 2025: and inclusion, what happens? 💙

Huge event, diverse audience. But can everyone enjoy it equally? 🤔

👉 Expointer's official website | 📸 @expointer on Instagram

📖 What is Expointer?

THE Expointer is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Latin America, held in Assis Brasil Exhibition Park, in Esteio (RS). Created in 1972, it brings together producers, companies, families and visitors from all over Brazil to celebrate the strength of the countryside and present business, technology, innovation and culture. During several days of programming, the pavilions come to life with animal exhibits, technical demonstrations, equipment displays, and a gastronomic itinerary that boosts the local economy.

For those who go with the family, the fair is a complete experience: contact with the animals, cultural attractions, learning opportunities, and a popular festival atmosphere. Precisely because it attracts so many people and has large spaces, accessibility and inclusion need to be thought through carefully so that no one is left out — especially people with disabilities, autistic people and atypical families.

🔎 And how is accessibility?

When we talk about inclusion at major events, we know the challenge is huge. At Expointer, there are reports of accessibility features at some points — for example, ramps in certain pavilions, adapted restrooms, and reserved parking spaces. However, these resources do not always cover the entire route of the visitor or are not clearly signposted, which hinders independence and causes wear and tear throughout the day. In addition to physical barriers, there are also barriers informational (lack of accessible maps, complex language) and sensory (loud noise, queues and crowds).

🚧 What still needs to be improved

• 🔊 Noise control and mitigation in critical areas, in addition to prior communication about peak times (sensory overload).
• 📍 Accessible signage and standardized (high contrast, braille and pictograms) from the entrance to the pavilions and services.
• 🛋️ Sensory rest spaces with soft lighting, seating and usage guidance.
• 🤟 Libras Interpreters in presentations and lectures, and subtitles in the videos shown.
• 🎧 Audio description in parades, shows and visual exhibitions.
• 🗺️ Accessibility map with recommended routes, adapted bathrooms and support points.
• 🚶 Regular floors and step-free routes between pavilions, with handrails and rest areas.
• 👩‍💼 Team training for empathetic, clear and autonomy-oriented care.

🧭 Accessibility by type of need

♿ Physical mobility

Long routes and uneven pavement require planning. It's important to ensure ramps, level floors, lounge chairs and truly accessible bathrooms on strategic routes.

👀 People who are blind or have low vision

High contrast in visual communication, tactile signaling and audio description in attractions help with orientation and enjoyment of the content.

👂 People who are deaf or have hearing loss

Libras Interpreters on selected stages, subtitles on the screens and clear visual information avoid exclusion at key moments in programming.

🧩 Autistic people (ASD)

Environments with lots of noise and crowds can cause overload. Quiet rooms/areas, predictable communication (maps, routes and schedules) and flexibility in queues make a big difference.

💡 Practical tips for families

• 🎧 Light ear protector or mufflers to reduce noise.
• 🌻 Use the Sunflower String to identify hidden disabilities.
• 🧾 Find out in advance about gates, accesses and services with the possibility of support.
• 🕒 Prefer quieter times (park opening and mid-afternoon are usually less crowded).
• 💙 Schedule regular breaks in quiet places; bring water and snacks.
• 📄 Have useful documents on hand (e.g., reports, CIPTEA when applicable) and priority cards.
• 📍 Combine meeting points in the case of separation in flooded areas.

🗓️ Plan your visit

Before leaving home, check the weather conditions, decide which pavilions you want to visit, and estimate the travel time between them. If driving, evaluate routes and parking lots with reserved spaces; if you're using public transportation, check the nearest stops and walking routes. When you arrive, look for a updated map and identify restrooms, support points, eating areas, and rest areas. Small adjustments to your planning can help you avoid unnecessary trips and conserve energy throughout the day.

✨ Inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Big events can (and should) be for everyone too! 🌍💙

🤝 For the organization of the event

Accessibility improvements don't just benefit those with disabilities: the entire chain of visitors — children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with temporary reduced mobility — benefit from clear signage, convenient routes, and accessible communication. Invest in accessible maps, calm zones, standardized signage, team training and visible support channels enhance the experience and reinforce the fair's commitment to everyone's right to cultural participation.

👉 Have you visited Expointer? What was your accessibility experience like? Share in the comments—your voice helps build a more inclusive world! 💬

🔖 Tags: #Expointer #Accessible Tourism #Autism #Inclusion #FamiliesAtypical

ℹ️ Note: This content aims to guide families and encourage good practices. For updated official information on accessibility, please consult the event organizer's channels.