City of Bloomington issued the following announcement on Dec. 20.
Miller Park Zoo will become the first certified sensory inclusive Zoo in Illinois. Staff has completed training through KultureCity. KultureCity was founded in 2013 with the mission to inspire the community to join us in creating a world where all autistic individuals can be accepted, included and fulfill their potential. Miller Park Zoo will join organizations across the United States such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Nashville Predators, Birmingham Zoo and many others who have completed the training and implementation process. You can also download the KultureCity app for your trip to the Zoo and other sensory certified locations.
To become certified, staff members at Miller Park Zoo were trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will also be available to all guests at the venue who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. About 20 percent of the population suffers from a disability, and 80 percent of that 20 percent — or four of every 25 people — have disabilities you cannot see.
For more information contact Anthony Nelson at Miller Park Zoo, 309-434-2250.
Original source can be found here.
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