Friday, July 12, 2024 Lately, Santa Barbara Zoo has extended its promise to greet autistic visitors as well as the ones with sensory needs, by finishing the renewal process for its Certified Autism CenterTM designation. The Zoo since 2018 has held the title, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, and has worked to unceasingly meet necessities regarding the renewal process as well as improve its accessibility options. The Santa Barbara Zoo gives importance to the welfare of their animals and the wellbeing of every visitor and community members.
They attempt to make spaces where their staffs, visitors and volunteers have easy entry to safe and inclusive experiences. Continuing to be a Certified Autism CenterTM creates a sustained obligation for best practices encircling neurodiversity. They are grateful that IBCCES continues to be a part of their inclusion and access work, says the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Zoo, JJ McLeod.
After turning out to be the first zoo on the West Coast to grab this certification, the zoo has partnered with organizations that help autism community. Also, the zoo offers sensory backpacks and selected quiet spaces for guests with special sensory needs. Besides, the zoo organizes Autism Safari nights, a social meeting for people with sensory sensitivities along with their family members.
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