Adelaide Zoo is proud to unveil the latest step in increasing accessibility, new Communication Boards, marking a significant step in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all animal lovers.
The Communication Boards aim to support people who communicate in a different manner or are non-verbal to express themselves. Visitors can point to pictures on the board to support them communicate in different ways.
The boards have been specially designed by Autism SA for Adelaide Zoo, featuring zoo specific cues such as lion, giraffe and the zoo’s very own much-loved Nature’s Playground.
Made possible with funding from the Malinauskas State Government, the Hon Emily Bourke MLC Assistant Minister for Autism said it’s a fantastic step forward to help more individuals and families enjoy quality time at the zoo.
“We know this is a place where many love to visit but we want to make it as inclusive as possible. I want to say a big thank you to the Adelaide Zoo community for making sure that people who come to the zoo can communicate in a way they feel comfortable.”
Adelaide Zoo’s General Manager of Visitor Operations, Brendan Kilpatrick, said improving accessibility is a big focus for the Zoos SA team.
“Anyone can be an animal lover and we are on a journey to make sure everyone can enjoy a great day out at the zoo.
“We run a Relaxed Zoos Hours initiative, where we reduce human noises on site every Monday and Wednesday afternoon to create a more sensory friendly environment for visitors, have created social stories to help visitors prepare for their visit and have recently introduced an Assistance Animals pilot program to ensure high levels of zoo and Assistance dog welfare when visiting the zoo.
“The Communication Boards will take this inclusion focus to the next level.
“So far we’ve had really positive feedback on the Communication Boards and welcome input and insights from the community and people with lived experience on how we can continue to improve accessibility at the zoo,” finished Brendan.
Find out more about accessibility at Adelaide Zoo.
