Ocean of Inclusion: Exploring Accessibility at Georgia Aquarium

At Georgia Aquarium, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the ocean’s wonder. As one of the largest aquariums in the world, we embrace our responsibility to cater to the diverse needs of our visitors. Below, we have listed our offerings to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable visit.

Sensory Friendly Offerings

Georgia Aquarium recognizes the importance of providing a sensory-friendly environment for individuals on the autism spectrum. We offer low-sensory hours, designated quiet areas, and a dedicated Sensory Room. Allowing our guests the ability to enjoy the wonders of the Aquarium at their own pace.

The Aquarium has an ongoing partnership with KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. As a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, we cater to the needs of all guests with sensory needs, including individuals on the autism spectrum, military vets with PTSD, adults with dementia, and others. You can find more information to help plan your visit on our social story.

Understanding the importance of sensory experiences, the Aquarium has tailored its offerings to accommodate guests with visual and hearing impairments. Audio tours, tactile elements and detailed descriptions from staff ensure that visually impaired visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of the marine world. Similarly, closed captioning devices during animal presentations cater to to guests with hearing needs, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action. Our building maps are available in multiple languages for those with language needs to facilitate understanding and navigation.

Mobility Offerings

Last year, Georgia Aquarium became the first facility to be awarded Gold Certification by WheelChariot. WheelChairot is a platform that promotes accessibility for people with disabilities.

We offer a range of services for guests with mobility needs to ensure smooth navigation throughout our facility. We strive to make every aspect of the Aquarium accessible to all.

From wheelchair accessibility and golf cart availability to designated accessible parking spaces, we aim to eliminate any barriers to enjoyment. It’s about more than just physical access—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and accommodated.

Additional Offerings

We understand that animal encounters can present unique challenges. Our Dive Immersion Team is certified by the Handicapped Scuba Association to accommodate divers and snorkelers of all abilities. Ensuring all our guests have the opportunity to explore the underwater realm safely and comfortably,

We encourage all guests with specific needs to plan their visit in advance and take advantage of our resources. We are here to support every individual in having a memorable and enjoyable experience at Georgia Aquarium.

By prioritizing the needs of all visitors, regardless of their abilities, we aim to create a genuinely inclusive environment. As we observe Autism Awareness Month, we are proud to highlight our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for guests of all abilities. As we continue to evolve and improve our accessibility offerings, we invite feedback from our guests to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included. Together, we can create a space where the ocean’s wonders are accessible to all.

Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine remains one of the least diverse professions in the United States.

Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine 3

Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine 2

By Gregory Scott, DVM, DACZM, Sr. Associate Veterinarian at Georgia Aquarium

My journey to veterinary medicine was not an easy or straight path.

I have wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember. Although I did not always want to be a veterinarian. As a young kid, I was interested in becoming a zookeeper. However, when telling people you love animals, the most common response is, “You should be a veterinarian!”. I heard this comment so often I internalized it despite having doubts about whether this career was right for me. At the time, I thought vets cared for dogs and cats and wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted to do. I was more interested in working with exotic animals or in a zoo setting. I struggled with deciding to become a veterinarian even through the start of college.

Upon starting college, it was the first time I truly dove into what it would take to become a veterinarian. It became clear that I would need to work incredibly hard and devote a lot of time. I still had not yet realized becoming a zoological veterinarian was possible and questioned whether the requirements would be worth it for a career I was so uncertain about. Ultimately, I decided to pursue an alternative major. Eventually, after a few years of unsuccessfully trying to navigate a different career path, I came back to the idea of becoming a veterinarian.

This time, I researched to see if there was a space in this field where I could see myself. I started by looking into veterinarians’ work in zoo settings – where my passion originated. While learning more about a zoological veterinary career, the light bulb went off. It was the closest experience to a “eureka moment” when I realized this was the perfect career for me.

As I began my journey at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, I became even more exposed to veterinarians’ various roles and specialties – including aquatic animals. I was lucky enough to learn from some experienced professors who specialized in aquatic animal medicine. I was very open to learning about how to care for a vast variety of creatures. Steadily, I gained more exposure to the aquatic side of veterinary medicine and continued down that path. Eventually, this led me to Georgia Aquarium.

Navigating the lack of diversity.

I believe a crucial element is exposing students to diversity in this field at a young age. As a minority, having visual role models in your career is essential. I was lucky enough to have a mentor who was a Black veterinarian from the time I was in elementary school. My mom knew the extraneous factors that could potentially chip away at my self-belief. She proactively provided me with ways to pursue my passions, ensuring those factors did not deter my aspirations.

Unfortunately, not all students of a minority have that support or experience. Programs like Auburn University’s Veterinary Intensive Program are crucial in shifting the trajectory of diversity in the field of veterinary sciences. The goal is to capture students at a young age, expose them to this career, and support them in their journey. We hope this demonstrates to aspiring veterinarians that, though they may not see people representing their demographic in the field, they can succeed in this career. I truly believe this experience is essential in demonstrating the ability for all to thrive and succeed in this career. As a representative of diversity, I want to inspire young veterinarians and open their minds to the possible avenues.

My hopes for the future of veterinary medicine.

While continuing to reach out to young minorities for mentorship will always be necessary. Hopefully, speaking about veterinary medicine in this context will not be. Everyone should have simple access to animal health as a service to the public, the environment, and for conservation. One great way to help accomplish this is by having ample representation of various demographics in the field as service providers. Because of the variety of backgrounds and life experiences we all have, diversity increases the number of people we can reach. My job is to contextualize the message for different people to understand and connect with.

Practicing veterinary medicine at the Aquarium offers a fun and unique opportunity to work with some amazing animals – it’s hard not to be inspired being in their presence. But veterinary medicine is just one of many pieces of a larger machine that helps the Aquarium accomplish its mission. The importance of spreading awareness of our ocean’s health increases each year. All of us working at Georgia Aquarium have an opportunity to inspire ideas and actions that can make a real difference in the world. We get the incredible opportunity to touch not only a lot of animals’ lives but also people’s. I hope to share this message with future generations and inspire them to follow their passions and overcome any visible or invisible barriers.

Georgia Aquarium Brings the Magic of Marine Life to Guests with Disabilities Year-Round

Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime connection that brings you to the wonders of the ocean? Georgia Aquarium does just that, and for all guests, with its year-round commitment to accessible programs and experiences for those living with disabilities.

“At Georgia Aquarium, we offer immersive programs for guests of all abilities,” said Sam Herman, director of guest programs at Georgia Aquarium. “We have made it our mission to train our staff, design experiences, and build spaces so people of all physical and cognitive abilities can connect with our magnificent marine life.”

July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating and honoring the dignity of the one in four Americans living with a disability. But all year at the Aquarium, guests with physical or cognitive disabilities can explore and discover the wonders of the ocean up close with swim and diving experiences. Journey with the Gentle Giants in the Aquarium’s 6.3 million-gallon Ocean Voyager habitat is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim or dive with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other fish.

The Aquarium’s dive team is comprised of Dive Masters and Instructors with certifications and training to assist guests of all abilities. Each member of the Dive Team is trained to lead disabled divers and swimmers on their journey, ensuring the care and safety of these esteemed guests. Locker rooms and dive platforms are ADA-compliant.

“Our commitment to accessible experiences doesn’t stop with physical challenges,” said Herman. “We’re honored to accommodate other individual needs, as well.”

In 2018, Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium designated as a Certified Autism Center. Last fall, it was named KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year for training more than 80% of staff and volunteers on compassionately and effectively working with guests on the autism spectrum and providing sensory features for those who need or want them. They also have assets and services to support those with vision and/or hearing loss as well.

Georgia Aquarium is also honored to have hosted more than 2,900 military personnel and guests who have been physically, emotionally, or mentally wounded through their Veterans Immersion Program, offering swims or dives 365 days a year.

To learn more about how to visit the aquarium and the accessible experiences offered, please visit. To arrange accessible swim or dives programs, guests may email dive@georgiaaquarium.org. For all other accessible animal encounters, please call 404-581-4000 or email hospitality@georgiaaquarium.org.

Georgia Aquarium Named KultureCity’s 2022 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year

Georgia Aquarium, the Western hemisphere’s largest aquarium, is KultureCity’s 2022 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year. KultureCity is the nation’s leading non-profit working towards sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. The award was presented at the annual KultureBall in Birmingham, AL. on August 27, 2022.

“Through our partnership with KultureCity we’ve expanded our sensory-inclusive offerings, trained more staff, and recognized what we can continuously do to offer the best experience.

- Anthony Rivera, Senior Vice President of Operations and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is certified Sensory Inclusive™ by KultureCity. Aquarium staff are trained by leading medical professionals on how to help guests with a sensory overload situation. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress, and other similar conditions.

“We are honored to receive KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Venue Award for 2022. We are dedicated to sharing the wonders of the aquatic world with all our guests, regardless of abilities,” said Anthony Rivera, Senior Vice President of Operations and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium. “Through our partnership with KultureCity we’ve expanded our sensory-inclusive offerings, trained more staff, and recognized what we can continuously do to offer the best experience.”

The Aquarium offers a wide range of sensory-inclusive amenities to all guests, of all abilities. In 2020, the Aquarium partnered with KultureCity to plan and debut the Wilkins Rhodes Sensory Room. The sensory room is for guests who may need a quieter, smaller, or more secure environment during their visit to the Aquarium. The space was designed by KultureCity medical professionals and is equipped with sensory tools and privacy. Guests can access the sensory room by using the passcode located next to the door. The room is available during all operating hours, every day, and is a free offering.

Georgia Aquarium Named KultureCity's 2022 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year

“I still remember the opening day of the Georgia Aquarium; I was a teenager and my family drove 5 hours to support the newest and largest aquarium. Since then, I have made countless visits. To know that families from across the nation and world can enjoy Georgia Aquarium is truly heart-warming! The commitment from the entire staff at the Aquarium has been amazing. We are honored to partner and award Georgia Aquarium with this and hope families will be able to enjoy the sensory inclusive experience for years to come,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director at KultureCity.

Including the Wilkins Rhodes sensory room, Georgia Aquarium’s additional sensory amenities include:

Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. These bags are available free of charge to all guests and are available at the Aquarium’s Information Desk.
Designated sensory hours with low lighting, limited sounds, and further limited capacity. Check the Aquarium’s website for operating hours.
Quiet Zones in galleries

Prior to visiting a venue or event, families can download the free KultureCity App and view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also on the app is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying Georgia Aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium Takes Their Certified Autism Center™ Designation to the Next Level

Georgia Aquarium, named the first aquarium to earn Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation in 2018, has extended their efforts to welcome all visitors, including those with sensory needs.

The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), must be renewed every two years to ensure staff are current on training and best practices. In addition to training additional staff members through IBCCES, the Aquarium will host Sensory Friendly hours from 8-10 a.m. on the last Sunday of every month. During this time, the Aquarium will allow guests to navigate exhibits within an altered setting for optimal guest experience. During this special entry, all audio and visual screens will be turned off and lighting lowered. Guests can also take advantage of the Aquarium’s sensory bags and social story to assist guests during their visit at any time during the day or year.

“Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We are happy to have received reaccreditation and look forward to applying this training in a way that will allow us to continue to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide,” said Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and attractions industry. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum.

- Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Georgia Aquarium to serve ALL guests, including those with autism and sensory needs who are currently underserved but are such an important part of our community,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Paige Hale, Senior Manager of Communications at Georgia Aquarium
media@georgiaaquarium.org

Meredith Tekin, President of IBCCES
904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534
meredith@ibcces.org

Georgia Aquarium Becomes First Aquarium Designated as a Certified Autism Center

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing vacation locales and attractions to visit a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase is a generic term that does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they review search for options.

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide

- said Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality

While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and industry leaders such as Georgia Aquarium are working to change that.

“Our goal is to partner with the leading travel destinations in the world to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

This article was published on: October 29, 2018

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