Zoos Victoria recognised for disability inclusiveness

Zoos Victoria’s disability inclusiveness has been recognised with the agency - which runs the Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo - having been presented with the Excellence in Creating Inclusive Communities Award at the recent Victorian Disability Awards.

Presented to coincide with International Day of People with a Disability on 3rd December last year, the award acknowledged how the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) accredited body had recognised that families with children with a disability often struggle to enjoy recreational activities. Traditionally, such challenges have include appropriate facilities, access, acceptance, confidence and fear of judgement have prevented these families fully participating in community activities, often resulting in isolation and marginalisation.

To counter this and assist families with children with disability navigate large zoo sites, Zoos Victoria has ensured accessible vehicle tours in place with buses all having ramp access to accommodate wheelchairs. Volunteers also offer free tours in electric golf carts through zoo grounds.

Sensory maps and social scripts designed and written by Zoos Victoria’s disability partners at all three sites, which are provided for families to better support and prepare their children to visit the zoo

Through infrastructure investment in innovation and inclusive practice, Zoos Victoria has created an accessible leisure experience for children and families with disability, building their confidence to actively participate in activities with the wider community to benefit health and wellbeing.

The awards also saw Maurice Gleeson of Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria added to the Award’s Lifetime Achievement Honour Roll.

Images courtest of Zoos Victoria.