Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar Carole Shrodek of Howland, left, was at Sunday’s Fuel for Inclusion Car Show to keep tabs on her grandson Logan Biery, 5 of Howland, and to support her daughter Carrie Biery, founder and director of the Logan’s Landing Project, which is named for Logan.

HOWLAND — Richard E. Orwig Park in Howland was the scene Sunday afternoon of Fueling for Inclusion, a car show to benefit the Logan’s Landing Project, a nonprofit organization founded and directed by local mother, business owner and autism advocate Carrie Biery.

She said she wants to see a more inclusive world for children on the autism spectrum. Her personal experience of raising her son, Logan, 5, who is autistic and nonverbal, fuels her passion.

Biery has witnessed how many everyday places aren’t built with sensory needs in mind. Sensory issues are common in people on the autism spectrum, with people being either hypersensitive (over-stimulated) or hyposensitive (under-stimulated).

There often is a combination of both, with sensitivity to sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, balance, perception of body position and movement, and perception of internal body cues and sensations.

Part of the Logan’s Landing Project’s focus is on helping develop sensory-friendly spaces by making them more inclusive with accessible surfaces and multi-use equipment, such as swings, slides and spinners designed for all abilities. Key components include ramps for elevated structures, sensory play elements like musical instruments and textured surfaces, and social or quiet areas for relaxation.

Biery said some examples would be wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds, and transfer stations that help with moving from a mobility device to a slide.

Logan’s Landing also focuses on improving travel experiences for those on the spectrum. The travel focus is a natural extension for Biery, who is the general manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott in Niles.

“I have my degree in hospitality management and I’ve managed Marriott Hotels for 16 years. So I decided that I would use what I know, the travel industry, and try to make a difference for families like mine — through education, sensory bags and bringing awareness to the autism community,” Biery said.

Logan’s Landing is partnering with other hotels to provide them with sensory bags. The sensory kits include fidgets, communication boards, noise canceling headphones, communication guides and supportive tools to help regulate emotions and prevent under or over stimulation. Biery stressed that Logan’s Landing is a local organization focused on making improvements in the Mahoning Valley. They have put sensory support bags in 10 hotels across Ohio from Niles to Cincinnati and hope to add more in the next year. Along with placing the bags in hotels, she has arranged to have the kits available at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown.

Logan’s Landing also will be raising money to build a fence at Tiger Town playground at Howland Township Park.

Biery sees a definite need.

“People don’t know that a symptom of autism is elopement. Taking my family to something like a park is extremely difficult because Logan runs (elopes). Tiger Town in Howland is extremely difficult to take him to because it is not fenced in,” Biery said.

She added that Trumbull County does not have enough resources for families with autism.

“I find myself traveling to Mahoning County to take Logan to school and therapies. Howland is in the center of Trumbull County and so I thought this town would be a nice place to start. I have big dreams though and don’t plan on stopping here,” Biery said.

Attending the event in her role as grandmother and major support for her daughter was Biery’s mother, Carole Shrodek of Howland.

“I’m so proud of Carrie for starting this non-profit and taking her love and concern for Logan and extending it out into the community at large,” Shrodek said.

Along with cars, trucks, Jeeps and motorcycles, the Fuel for Inclusion Car Show featured vendors, Bluey, Howland first responders, the Howland Tiger mascot, face painting, a DJ and food trucks.

The event raised approximately $10,000 through sponsorships with Once Upon a Child, Sims Auto Park, Aaris Therapy Group, Cafaro Foundation and Rotary of Howland. Additional money was raised through car registrations and raffle baskets.