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POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to announce a special day of exploration, education, and fun with a new event made to increase access for individuals who are Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind. Scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day event features inclusive experiences and engaging educational opportunities. The purpose of this event is to ensure that everyone can participate in this adventure and enjoy the wonders of the Zoo.

The event was designed in collaboration with members of the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind communities. It will feature a variety of hands-on activities, resources, and safe items to explore. Local community partners will be set up in the Zoo’s Conservation Courtyard near Conservation Lake to offer fun and educational experiences. These partners include Columbus Speech & Hearing, Deaf Services Center, Good Sign Coffee Co., Helen Keller National Center, and Ohio En-Compass iCANCONNECT Program. They will provide guests with the opportunity to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in a welcoming environment.

Another highlight of the day will be Keeper Talks, presented by Fifth Third Bank, where guests will have the opportunity to learn from the zookeepers themselves about the fascinating species in their care. ASL interpreters will be available at each session to ensure that everyone can fully engage and appreciate the insights shared by the Animal Care teams. Columbus State Community College is coordinating over 50 ASL interpreting volunteers, including those from Access2Interpreting and Heritage Interpreting.

Keeper Talk Schedule

"We are excited to partner with local community organizations to provide inclusive experiences for our guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, enjoys and learns more about the world’s incredible wildlife. Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is at the heart of our work and our mission of ‘Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.’ We are proud to offer events that embody those values,” said Becky Nellis, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

“We are increasing access to communication and providing opportunities to enhance the lives of these underserved communities. That is the foundation of our work at Columbus Speech & Hearing,” said Julia Felts, Program Manager of DeafBlind programs at Columbus Speech & Hearing. “The organizations who serve these individuals made this day possible. This accessibility event brings everyone together to learn about the Zoo and the Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind communities.”

Planning Ahead: Helpful Tips

• Guests are encouraged to check out the Accessibility section of the Zoo’s website. This webpage contains helpful resources such as the Communication Board, Service Dog Policy, and Caregiver Policy.
• Sensory kits are available at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit. These kits have noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices.
• This special event is included with the purchase of a general day pass. Please note that the Zoo will be open to all visitors. This may result in large crowds during the event.

For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.

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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.