SU Psychology Students Partner with Salisbury Zoo for Sensory-Inclusive Event

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University psychology students recently partnered with Salisbury Zoological Park to offer the sensory-inclusive event “A Night for Special Needs Families at the Salisbury Zoo”.

Dr. Rhyannon Bemis, associate professor of psychology, and Leonora Dillon, Salisbury Zoo education curator, created the project.  

Children and families were able to use visual schedules, created by the SU students, allowing children to structure their own visit. Other sensory-based aids included scented cotton balls to help with smells, glow sticks for dark areas and a mood chart on which children could indicate if they wanted to stay or leave.  Signs around the zoo and maps provided to families indicated areas that were loud, dark or designated for quiet or conversations.

During this semester-long project, as part of Bemis’ Childhood Disorders course, students were put into groups focusing on topics such as visual schedule, smelly zones, conversation zones, crowds and waiting, social story, noisy zones, visual zones and quiet spaces. 

After a guided tour of the zoo, the students created sensory-inclusive resources and activities using what they learned in class. They based their materials on those created by other amusement attractions certified as Sensory Inclusive or Certified Autism centers.

Some 21 students worked the event greeting more than 60 children and family members that evening. 

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.