Expanding Accessibility for Guests with Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Who Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, FL

Authors

Lauren Schermerhorn, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Thais Petrocelli, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

Problem: Due to public events being commonly characterized by crowded spaces, loud volumes, and unpredictable changes, attractions such as the Jacksonville Zoo can be challenging for those with ASD without proper accommodations (Kimura et al., 2020)

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to advocate for updated evidence-based sensory accommodations at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for those with an ASD diagnosis with the intention of creating a more inclusive zoo experience.

Publication Date

Spring 5-14-2023

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Accessibility; Occupational Therapy; ASD; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Jacksonville; Zoo

Medical Subject Headings

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorders; Gardens; Animas, Zoo; Florida, Occupational Therapy

Disciplines

Animal-Assisted Therapy | Mental and Social Health | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on April 4 and April 12, 2023.

Recommended Citation

Schermerhorn, L., & Petrocelli, T. (2023, May 14). Expanding Accessibility for Guests with Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Who Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, FL. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2023/24