El Paso Zoo hosts new sensory program on Sundays
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is announcing a new inclusive program for everyone to enjoy the zoo.
“Low Sensory Sundays” is a sensory inclusion certification to provide needs and support to guests with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions, according to the news release from the zoo.
“Low Sensory Sundays” will be the first Sunday of every month, beginning on Sunday, April 28.
To make this program run smoothly, El Paso Zoo has partnered up with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that creates sensory-inclusive environments. Throughout the zoo, there will be designated quiet zones and sensory-specific headphones.
Through KultureCity, El Paso Zoo staff have been trained to recognize guests with sensory needs and learned how to support them through any sensory situation, according to the zoo.
“This is an exciting advancement in El Paso Zoo’s dedication to improving accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors. Our staff went through sensory inclusion training by professionals from KultureCity on how to recognize those with sensory needs and better prepare the team to assist visitors with sensory sensitivities,” said El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director Joe Montisano.
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, El Paso Zoo is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” said KultureCity Executive Director KulUma Srivastava.To learn more about Sensory Sunday, you can visit the El Paso Zoo’s website here.
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