On Sunday, June 9th, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Columbus Speech & Hearing Announce a special Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day at the Columbus Zoo.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is working with Columbus Speech & Hearing (CSH) to host a Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Event on Sunday, June 9th. This special event will give the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind communities different opportunities to access information about the Zoo. The event was designed based on guidance from members of these communities. Access opportunities include ASL interpreted keeper talks, safe items to touch and explore, hands-on activities and educational opportunities, and a map highlighting the tactilely interesting items around the Zoo. Several community organizations serving the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind populations will be in attendance.
“We are so excited to be partnering with the Columbus Zoo on this special event. This is truly a collaborative effort. In fact, many organizations that serve these communities have been involved in the planning of this event. We are thrilled about being part of improved access and opportunities for these underserved communities,” said Julia Felts, Program Manager at CSH.
This event is just one example of the many ways the Columbus Zoo is working to improve access for all. The event was created on recommendation of Terry Blosser, an Ohioan with combined vision and hearing loss. Blosser and Felts pitched the idea to Becky Nellis, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships at the Zoo, and the Zoo’s Accessibility and Inclusion Team. About the volunteer team, Nellis shared, “This team is a collection of people from throughout the parks who care about accessibility and inclusion.”
As a result of the event meeting, the Zoo invited CSH and representatives from the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind communities including Helen Keller National Center to participate in an accessibility tour around Adventure Cove. The purpose of the tour was to collect information regarding ways the Zoo can improve accessibility, which they hope to incorporate into their North America renovations.
CSH applauds the Zoo’s accessibility efforts for the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind communities! CSH offers Support Service Provider (SSP) services allowing DeafBlind individuals to maintain independence and empowering them to engage in their Ohio communities like going to the Zoo! For more information about SSP services, email SSP@columbusspeech.org.
About Columbus Speech & Hearing
For 100 years, Columbus Speech & Hearing has been the leading nonprofit serving the communication needs of central Ohio. By remaining focused on its mission to help all people improve communication and independence, CSH raises awareness of speech and hearing challenges throughout the Columbus community and surrounding areas. CSH has offices in Clintonville, Dublin and Westerville.
Click here to register for our DeafBlind Zoo Fun Day.