ROCORI Community Education, ConnectAbility of MN, and Stearns-Benton Toward Zero Deaths Safe Roads Coalition have teamed up to bring sensory-friendly touch-a-truck experiences to kids and families over the summer.
A series of Adaptive Touch-a-Truck events will take place in the communities of Rockville, Cold Spring, and Richmond.
“These events are designed for anyone who experiences a barrier, no matter their age,” said Amanda Brunotte, ConnectAbility Community Engagement Senior Manager. “Whether physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional. Everyone is welcome. It’s all about creating a relaxed, flexible space where everyone can explore and have fun at their own pace.”
Unlike the larger touch-a-truck or big truck night community events, the Adaptive Touch-a-Truck events will tone down many of the lights and sirens often associated with these types of events. With fewer vehicles and smaller crowd sizes, Brunotte said the goal is to create opportunities for families to enjoy seeing and learning more about these vehicles, but in a quieter environment.
For Cold Spring/Richmond Police Officer and Stearns-Benton TZD Chairperson Ofc. Eric Boucher, being able to put on sensory and adaptive events like the Adaptive Touch-a-Truck series are personal.
“I had a nephew that was in a wheelchair,” Boucher said. “He would have loved to get into these machines but couldn’t. Being able to do things like participate in events like this can often be experiences that we take for granted.”
Three Adaptive Touch-a-Truck events will be held in the ROCORI area during the summer – each with a different theme.
Series kicks off in Rockville in the parking lot of John Clark Elementary School (415 W Broadway Street) with a farm equipment theme on Wednesday, June 11th.
Richmond Elementary School (34 Second Street NE) will host the second event on Wednesday, July 9th. That theme will be recreational equipment.
The final event will take place at the District Education Facility (527 Main Street, Cold Spring) on Wednesday, August 6th. This will be a city vehicle themed event.
All Adaptive Touch-a-Truck events will run from 5-7:30 p.m. While the events are free, registration for the events is required to help manage crowd size.
https://rocori.ce.eleyo.-com/course/1957/summer-2025%E2%80%943/adaptive-touch-a-truck-events#-s24cold-spring-august-6.
Donations will also be accepted to assist in the purchase of sensory emergency kits for local law enforcement, emergency medical service providers, and other first responders from the Minnesota-based non-profit Bit of Grace.
“Hosting adaptive events is an important step toward creating truly inclusive communities,” Brunotte said. “Everyone experiences the world differently – whether in how they move, communicate, or process information. By designing events that are accessible and welcoming, we make space for individuals of all abilities to participate, connect, and have fun. It’s a simple, but powerful way to show that everyone belongs.”
About Stearns-Benton Toward Zero Deaths Safe Roads Coalition
The Stearns-Benton Toward Zero Deaths Safe Roads Coalition (Stearns-Benton TZD) was founded in 2016 as a way to locally implement the statewide TZD effort to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in Minnesota across both Stearns and Benton counties. The 501c3 nonprofit’s membership includes law enforcement, traffic engineers, emergency medical and trauma services professionals, local educators, and community members committed to ensuring everyone makes it home safely.
To learn more about/join the coalition or to donate to the Stearns-Benton TZD cause, please contact Stearns-Benton TZD Business Manager Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org).
