KultureCity Sensory Inclusion
The L.A. Zoo is now one of over 900 certified venues in the world serving those with sensory needs. KultureCity Board Members Randall and Jae Suh Park welcome the Los Angeles Zoo to the KultureCity Family!
Transcript
Hi. I’m Jay. And Randall. And we’re both KultureCity board members. And I grew up coming to the Zoo as a kid.
And and our daughter Ruby come to the zoo often. So it’s really cool. Well, sensory inclusion is important because we all deserve the opportunity to enjoy life. But a lot of us have sensory needs and a lot of us have invisible disability for the L.A. Zoo to to team up with KultureCity.
It’s really cool because they’re making sure that we all get to enjoy the zoo. We all get to to have fun and and do things that a lot of us take for granted.
Over nine hundred venues in five countries. Yes. And I believe a hundred and ten of those are zoos and aquariums, which is super cool. Thank you so much to KultureCity and to the L.A. Zoo for supporting inclusion. And we can’t wait to see what other L.A. venues also step up.
Sensory Inclusion at the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo joins over 900 other KultureCity certified sensory inclusive venues across five countries. Challenges with sensory regulation, or sensory needs, are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a place like the L.A. Zoo. The Zoo is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory needs in having the most comfortable and inclusive experience possible when attending the Zoo. As part of the KultureCity certification, the L.A. Zoo’s staff were trained by industry professionals on varying sensory needs, the sensory inclusive components throughout our campus, and how to best support all individuals in having a successful Zoo experience.
Sensory Equipment and Apps
At the L.A. Zoo’s International Marketplace, sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will be available to all guests who may benefit from their use.
Prior to visiting the Zoo, families should download the free KultureCity App from the App or Google Play Stores where they can view what sensory features are available at the Zoo and where they can access them. Also, on the app is the Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying a day at the L.A. Zoo.
Visit KultureCity for more information on what to expect from your Zoo visit.