Zoos SA will receive a $10,000 Malinauskas Labor Government funding boost to expand and deliver its series of relaxed experiences for the State’s autistic and autism communities.
Currently Adelaide Zoo’s ‘relaxed zoo’ experience includes opening the gates earlier to the autistic and autism communities to ensure a quieter and calmer environment, with reduced human noise.
Thanks to the additional State Government funding, those hours will be extended to Mondays and Wednesdays, weekly, between 3pm and 4.30pm from 1 May 2023 – ensuring more people will be able to access these quieter times at the Zoo.
The funding will also allow Zoos SA to further train their staff in inclusive practices and update signage and materials for the autistic and autism community through the installation of a communications board.
Multiple ‘relaxed zoo’ experiences have already taken place, with positive feedback from the Autistic and autism community.
During World Autism month throughout April, there is much to celebrate here in South Australia.
The State has introduced its first Autism Strategy, the country’s first Autism Inclusion Teacher network, and the first Office for Autism.
Quotes
Attributable to Emily Bourke
This World Autism month it is great to celebrate how we are building knowledge and create lasting and long overdue cultural change for the Autistic and autism communities here in South Australia.
If the most unpredictable environment, like the zoo, can create an autism friendly environment then any industry can.
The creation of the Assistant Minister for Autism role has created an opportunity for industry and government to work together. Connecting people, industry and Government with a network of knowledge.
This government is committed to achieving change for South Australia’s autistic and autism communities and partnering with historic institutions like the Adelaide Zoo is just one way we will continue to build inclusive knowledge in our community
