Birmingham Zoo, KultureCity partner to make visits ‘sensory friendly’ for special needs guests

Walk around The Birmingham Zoo and you might notice a few new signs. With the help of KultureCity, the zoo is now “sensory friendly,” or accessible to visitors with Sensory Processing Disorders and other special needs. The signs, displayed in areas such as wildlife shows and nature trails, help designate areas that accommodate guests with SPDs.

Through the initiative, the zoo hopes to raise awareness of SPDs among staff and the community. Sensory Processing Disorder, or sensory integration dysfunction, is “a condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses,” according to the SPD Foundation. A person with SPD, for example, finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses leading to possible motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression and school failure if not treated. Studies suggest that as many as 1 in 6 children may be affected in some degree.

The Sensory Friendly Zoo Initiative, said Vice President of Education Roger Torbert, grew out of the success the zoo experienced with October’s Special Needs Spooktacular. More than 300 families with special needs children were able to attend the event, a modified Boo at the Zoo experience, for free.          

“We were overwhelmed by the success of the Special Needs Spooktacular,” said Torbert according to a news release. “Several staff members and volunteers commented that this was one of their most rewarding experiences. This event marked the first ever visit to the Birmingham Zoo for many of these families and served as a welcome call for future visits.”

Through the partnership with KultureCity, a Birmingham-based organization serving those with autism, the zoo now offers a variety of resources for those with SPDs. Children who need them now have access to noise canceling headphones, fidget toys and weighted lap pads. These resources, and others, are available for guests to rent in the Membership Office at the front of the zoo.

Signage identifying “quiet zones,” areas that typically see less activity and provide seating for visitors who may need a place to regroup, has been installed around the zoo. “Headphone zone” areas are designated to cue visitors to use the noise canceling headphones in the areas that may be especially noisy.

Changes have also been made to the Zoo’s Education Department to classes and summer camps to make them more sensory friendly. In addition, Zoo staff received training to help increase understanding of SPDs and learned strategies they can implement to support the initiative. 

“Our work with KultureCity is a ‘game changer’ for many families in our community,” Torbert said. “The wonderful thing about this entire process is that we discovered that the changes brought about by the Sensory Friendly Zoo Initiative not only improves access for visitors with Sensory Processing Disorders, but also improved the quality of service for all of our guests.”