KultureCity Sensory Inclusion at the Los Angels Zoo
We visited the Los Angeles zoo during summer break. Before heading to the zoo we downloaded the KultureCity application on my phone. We were so excited to see they participated in this sensory inclusive experience. According to the website,
“The Los Angeles Zoo joins over 900 other KultureCity certified sensory inclusive venues across five countries.”
LA ZOO website
Sensory Sensitivity and autism:
The website goes on to share more information about the sensory challenges people with autism experience and how they have partnered with experts in the field to create an inclusive and supportive experience at the zoo for folks that experience sensory challenges. If you want to read more about this you can check out the website here: KultureCity Sensory Inclusion
Picking up the bag:
We were directed to the stroller pick up area to get the bag. The woman at this stand re-directed us to the gift shop to get the sensory bag and told us we needed to find a manager. After some time went by where staff was trying to locate a manager and checking other guests, we came in contact with a manager to check out the bag. The waiting and passing us along almost caused my son to melt down. I had my ID scanned and signed a photo-copy of the license which a copy of the contents of the bag for them to check upon return. Once we had the bag we layed it out out on the bench and took this picture…
Bag contents:
The bag included two fidgets and a set of noise canceling head phones and a lanyard. We didn’t ends up using the lanyard or headphones but the fidgets were nice to have.
While waiting for the zoo shuttle in the heat, my son was getting close to a meltdown. I looked in the bag for the emotion scale but didn’t see it so I logged on to their app and found it there.
Social story:
One of the best parts of the app is the social story which outlines what to expect at the zoo. The social story was really helpful to read prior to going to the zoo and helped preview what to expect during our visit at the zoo. The link to their social story can be found here…
Thank you to the LA Zoo for being inclusive and supportive to neurodiverse people who visit your zoo! We had a wonderful time and look forward to coming back soon!
