Zoo Senses Public Needs
One in five people have a disability in the United States of America, with 84% affected by sensory processing issues. People on the Autism Spectrum make up a large portion of those facing sensory sensitivity. That’s staggering, especially, when you consider all that sensory processing issues affects. What can our communities do to help include people dealing with such sensitivities?
As the first zoo in Pennsylvania to be certified sensory inclusive, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is proudly opening its gates wide to the public. You may have heard of the sensory inclusion initiative sweeping across museums, restaurants, arenas, and other community hot spots. This initiative is equipping places to accommodate guests that might have sensory needs. This means more opportunities with daily accessibility. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium have provided their staff with certified training and offer tools or modifications that can help make a day at the zoo more achievable, inviting, and fun.
The three major resources the Zoo is offering free of charge are:
1. Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are packed with a variety of resources including, special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones, and more. Receive a sensory bag at the Guest Services booth near the admission gate. There is no cost to check out the bags but you will need to leave an ID. Contact Pittsburgh Zoo for more details or assistance at 412-665-3640.
2. Weighted Lap Pads
We know that weighted lap pads have been proven to help some people feel calm or zone in their focus. Now, Pittsburgh Zoo is loaning out weighted lap pads to guests for the duration of their visit. Just request at the Guest Services Booth; you will receive one at no charge upon leaving an ID.
3. Social Story and Kulture City All-Inclusive App
Did you know there’s even an app for that?! The Kulture City All-Inclusive App is the first sensory app in the world! This one app captures all the Kulture City trained sensory inclusive locations across the world, starting with the USA. It provides real world resource help in the form of videos and connects people through community chat. Considered the Facebook of the sensory and disability community, users can access applications for services like BOKS or tablets and job opportunities via an affiliate program.
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium invite you to download the app to get your social story to help you further your visit.
A day at the zoo often means sunshine, seeing unique habitats, and sighting stunning animals that we would otherwise have to travel the world to see. Thanks Pittsburgh Zoo for your efforts to make this privilege more accessible to everyone. Let’s grab our sunglasses, who’s ready for a trip to the Zoo?
