Engaging the Autistic Community in Envisioning Inclusive Zoo and Aquarium Experiences

The Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science for Autistic Individuals (MoZAICS) project aims to develop an evidence-based framework of inclusive practices for zoos and aquariums to support science learning for autistic individuals across the full zoo/aquarium experience including the general visit, programs, exhibits, internships, volunteering, and employment opportunities. The autism community study is one effort as part of this grant initiative to understand how autistic individuals define inclusion and envision inclusive zoo/aquarium experiences. Specifically, the MoZAICS autism community study explored the following overarching questions: 1) How does the autism community – including autistic self-advocates, family/caregiver advocates and advocacy groups -- define and think about inclusion in zoos/aquariums?; 2) What does the autism community identify as assets and potential barriers to inclusion for autistic individuals at zoos and aquariums?; and 3) What differences exist in how each of these groups defines and thinks about inclusion? In the session, we shared details of how we engaged autistic researchers and advisors in designing the study as well as information about strategies we used to ensure study participation was accessible.