Page 29 - Gateways 2018 Spring

ProSveidninaseg
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Opening Doors for Everyone at Brookfield Zoo

Left: Lauren Reeder, the Chicago Zoological Society's The Chicago Zoological Society is well-known for
inclusion specialist, greets guests at the new its innovative work in animal care and conservation
inclusion resource center at Hamill Family Play Zoo. leadership. But it’s not just animal welfare we’re
Above right: The door to the new sensory-friendly concerned with. Our guests are our family, and we’re
family room at Hamill Family Play Zoo. committed to ensuring that they feel truly at home
during a trip to Brookfield Zoo. This commitment
extends to all zoo guests.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five Americans has
a disability. And according to a recent report from the Persons with
Disabilities Fund, Illinois ranks lowest among the 50 states for quality
of life, education, and employment for people with disabilities.
That's why our “A Zoo for All” initiative is so important. For years,
this initiative has provided support for our guests with disabilities,
who include preschoolers on the autism spectrum, young adults with
developmental disabilities, veterans with physical impairments, and
seniors who have cognitive impairments. It's the most comprehensive
program serving individuals with disabilities in any North American
zoo, but it’s our belief that we can always do better. A recent grant from
the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has allowed us
to expand this important initiative even further. With this funding,
we have made several changes to Hamill Family Play Zoo.

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