Accessible for Everyone

The beluga exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium's Cold Water Quest can be seen from two levels, an upper and a lower.  While I was at the lower level, I was vaguely aware that a section of the public area right in front of the viewing window was blocked off, but I didn't think much of it.  When I was on the upper viewing deck, looking down, I saw its purpose more clearly.  It was a designated area for wheelchairs.

Zoos and aquariums provide a great opportunity for people to be connected with wildlife, but that privilege hasn't always been equally accessible.  In the past, there has sometimes been discrimination based on race or religion, such as when African Americans were only allowed to visit during certain days during segregation, or when German Jews were banned from zoos under the Nazis.  Today, the challenge is a less overt, more accidental omission.  Not all zoos and aquariums are as accessible as they should be to visitors with disabilities.

At the very least, all zoo exhibits should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning that there should be ramps accompanying stairs, elevators as well as escalators, hand railings, handicapped bathroom stalls, and other adjustments for helping the mobility-challenged navigate the zoo's campus.  There are plenty of other steps that can be added as well.   This, in part, is due to our increased understanding that disabilities come in a lot of forms, not just wheelchairs.

Signs can have braille, or audio accompaniment, to help blind visitors.  Special exhibits and tours could facilitate visitations for the blind, placing an emphasis on animals sounds, smells, and, for ambassador animals, touch.  Designated quiet areas can be set aside for visitors who have sensory challenges.  Lots of benches and other seating areas can be situated to help visitors who can only walk for relatively short distances before needing breaks.  Perhaps early hours can be offered for those using wheelchairs so they can have a chance to explore the zoo without the fuss and jostle of crowds.  Many zoos have evening events for autistic visitors, where caretakers can help the children explore the zoo in a less chaotic, bustling environment than it would be on a busy day.

I love good zoos and aquariums, and feel that everyone should come and support their missions and celebrate the animals.  But people will only come if the facilities allow them to come without undue stress or hardship.  Every zoo and aquarium is different, and the needs of the communities that they serve will be different too.  That's fine, and it can be hard to predict every need that will arise, but the facilities should be receptive to hearing about challenges that visitors have using their campuses and proactively look for ways to improve accessibility.