Creating Accessible and Inclusive Experiences and Spaces for Autistic Individuals

Public gardens and other facilities with living collections have policies that advocate for diversity, equity, access, inclusion, justice and belonging (DEAI+) but what do these policies look like in practice for all individuals who work at, visit and/or engage with these spaces? This session explored how zoos and aquariums are approaching access and inclusion for autistic individuals across the full zoo/aquarium experience including the general visit, design of learning spaces and experiences, as well as in volunteer, intern and employment opportunities. We shared findings from the MoZAICS (Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science for Autistic Individuals) research (a state of the field of study of zoos/aquariums and Autism Community study) and discussed with attendees implications for practice, including how the work might be translated to public garden contexts.