Fort Worth Fire Department second annual sensory friendly “Touch a Truck” event during Autism Awareness Month attracts over 1,300 participants
Fort Worth, Texas – Families gathered in large numbers at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex as the Fort Worth Fire Department hosted its Second Annual Sensory Friendly “Touch a Truck” event, offering a unique experience designed to support children in a calm and welcoming setting. The event, held in recognition of Autism Awareness Month, quickly drew overwhelming interest from the community.
Organizers reported that all available spots were filled in just 36 hours, with more than 1,300 attendees registered. To maintain a comfortable and sensory-friendly atmosphere, the event was divided into two sessions. This approach allowed families to explore the space without feeling overwhelmed, ensuring that children could engage at their own pace.
A hands-on experience built around comfort and understanding
The event was created with neurodivergent children in mind, recognizing that emergency situations can be difficult and unfamiliar. By allowing children to interact directly with vehicles, equipment, and first responders, the fire department aimed to reduce fear and build familiarity. The setup gave participants the chance to see, touch, and explore items that they might otherwise only encounter during stressful situations.
This year’s event featured a wide range of vehicles beyond traditional emergency units. In addition to fire trucks and police vehicles, families were able to interact with construction equipment, tow trucks, cranes, military vehicles, boats, farming machinery, garbage trucks, and even Amazon delivery trucks. The variety added excitement while also expanding the learning experience for children.
Kids were also able to meet costumed superheroes and enjoy time at a petting zoo, where they could interact with farm animals. These added activities created a more relaxed and enjoyable environment, helping children feel at ease while participating.
The event brought together numerous agencies and organizations, including the Fort Worth Police Department, CareFlite, Fort Worth ISD, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Fort Worth, the Army Corps of Engineers, Tarrant County 911, and several private partners. Their participation helped provide a wide range of equipment, personnel, and resources for families to explore.
“The idea is that if a child has seen a vehicle in a toy box, their favorite book or show, they will come to the event and see that vehicle in real life,” said Fort Worth Fire Department Public Information Officer Craig Trojacek. “It started out small and grew exponentially as more partners wanted to join together for this incredible event. This is a great experience for the kids and for their parents and caregivers to have a safe environment set up especially for children to play and learn.”
In addition to the hands-on experiences, therapy centers and community vendors were present, offering resources and information for families. The combination of education, interaction, and support made the event a meaningful opportunity for both children and caregivers.
