Georgia Aquarium Receives First Gold Certification from WheelChariot
WheelChariot is a platform focused on improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
Georgia Aquarium has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Gold Certified organization recognized by WheelChariot, a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. This distinctive certification underscores the Aquarium’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, making it a leading accessible destination in the Atlanta metro area.
WheelChariot is a local Georgia-based organization, founded by graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology, whose focus is forming a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to goods and services. WheelChariot’s platform provides businesses with the tools and insights needed to enhance accessibility and foster an environment of inclusion. By providing a unique opportunity for businesses to receive first-hand feedback, engage with and learn from a vibrant community dedicated to improving accessibility; WheelChariot helps businesses, like Georgia Aquarium, improve their accommodations based on real user experiences.
“We at WheelChariot are deeply grateful and immensely proud of Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity,” said Gabriel Jones, CEO of WheelChariot. “Their decision to trust in a homegrown initiative spearheaded by Georgia entrepreneurs speaks volumes of their dedication not only to superior guest experiences but also to fostering a supportive local community. As passionate advocates for Atlanta, we dream of seeing our beloved city become a leading hub for accessible tourism. Georgia Aquarium’s trailblazing achievement in receiving the first WheelChariot Gold Certification not only marks a significant milestone in their journey towards inclusivity but also sets an exemplary model for others. We fervently hope that their leadership and commitment inspire many more establishments to join us in this vital endeavor. Together, we can make Atlanta a beacon for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, enjoys the rich, diverse experiences our city has to offer.”
Through the WheelChariot for Business initiative, establishments like Georgia Aquarium not only have the opportunity to highlight their commendable efforts, but also gain public-facing certification. This certification allows businesses to proudly promote their commitment to inclusivity, assuring visitors of their dedication to providing accessible experiences for all.
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. 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. Now, being recognized as the first WheelChariot Gold Certified organization the Aquarium’s hopes to continue expanding efforts to make their facility accessible to all by setting the example of best practices. This Gold Certification recognizes Georgia Aquarium’s exceptional efforts to make their facility accessible to all through the wide range of accessibility measures, including but not limited to: providing wheelchairs, golf carts, tactile and specialized exhibit information, and a sensory room. The Aquarium’s encounter programs are also all designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring every guest the opportunity to participate in these experiences.
“We are honored to be the first organization to receive Gold Certification from WheelChariot,” said Sam Herman, director of guest programs at Georgia Aquarium. “Every year, we see millions of guests come through our doors. Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond the basics, demonstrating our passion for providing a memorable and enriching experience for every visitor. Georgia Aquarium’s mission is to inspire awareness and preservation of our aquatic world, and we believe that every individual, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to be a part of this mission.”
Georgia Aquarium’s journey toward achieving WheelChariot Gold Certification reflects on their incredible dedication to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for guests with disabilities. With this new achievement, Georgia Aquarium aims to set a new standard for accessibility in the metro Atlanta community.
Together, WheelChariot and Georgia Aquarium are taking a significant step forward in setting a higher standard for accessibility in Atlanta, and hope this certification serves as an inspiration for other businesses looking to promote accessibility and inclusivity.
To learn more about Georgia Aquarium’s accessibility offerings, please visit georgiaaquarium.org.
For more information about WheelChariot, please visit wheelchariot.io.
For photos and videos, please see below:
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Gabriel Jones
CEO, WheelChariot
(678) 730-4778
Hannah Hardwick
Public Relations Specialist, Georgia Aquarium
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, built by The Home Depot, 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.
What’s New This Summer at Georgia Aquarium?
Summertime is almost here, and Georgia Aquarium is your destination for all the fun (out of) the sun with exciting new announcements. Check out what’s happening below, and to plan your visit, head to georgiaaquarium.org.
New Coastal Birds Exhibit Debuts This June
For the first time, Georgia Aquarium will showcase a coastal birds exhibit. Georgia Aquarium’s Dolphin Coast gallery is now the Margaritaville Vacation Club Dolphin Coast and will soon unveil a brand-new habitat featuring scarlet ibises and roseate spoonbills. The new exhibit will invite guests to learn about the importance, diversity, and delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. The exhibit is in the lobby of the Margaritaville Vacation Club Dolphin Coast gallery and is included in general admission. The Aquarium’s daily, trainer-led dolphin presentations will continue to give guests a glimpse into the beauty, athleticism, and intelligence of the common bottlenose dolphin. Dolphin presentations are included in general admission, but guests can purchase preferred, reserved seating for the shows in advance at georgiaaquarium.org.
Sound Waves
Twenty-two nights, one incredible venue! Introducing the Aquarium’s newest summer event – Sound Waves. Every weeknight throughout June, enjoy live music from local Atlanta artists in the Aquarium’s atrium. Artists include; Electric Avenue, DJ KIMBER, Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, and Georgia Players Guild. Each night will feature a unique theme with specialty cocktails and small bites for purchase. Music will play from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Friday in June. Sounds Waves is included with the purchase of a General Admission ticket.
For a full schedule of performances and to purchase tickets, visit georgiaaquarium.org.
20,000 Beers Under the Sea
Our most popular summer event is back! Celebrate the arrival of summer at Georgia Aquarium on Friday, June 30, by enjoying unlimited beer, hard seltzer, and cider samples, a summer-inspired buffet dinner, music, and over 500 aquatic species. All proceeds benefit Georgia Aquarium’s education programs. Our education programs have enabled countless students to experience the magic of the world’s premier aquarium and has allowed us to improve and expand our educational offerings. Tickets will go fast, so visit georgiaaquarium.org for tickets and more information!
Join us this summer to check out some of these amazing events and new additions! To purchase tickets and learn more about these and other upcoming Georgia Aquarium announcements, visit our website.
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Posted May 25, 2023
Celebrate World Ocean Day at Georgia Aquarium
By Harlee Goldermann, Guest Programs Team Specialist
Have you heard June 8th is World Ocean Day? World Ocean Day is a United Nations-recognized day to raise awareness, help create policy, and inform the public of the importance of our ocean and what we can do to help protect it!
Did you know that the ocean covers 70% of the planet and contributes 50% of the oxygen we breathe? Our ocean also protects us by absorbing nearly 30% of carbon dioxide created by humans, reducing the impacts of global climate change. The ocean contains most of the earth’s biodiversity, with many of the species found on our coral reefs. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but account for 25% of all known ocean life. Unfortunately, many of the species that diversify our ocean and reefs are depleted. Many of these negative impacts are caused directly by humans. Overfishing, plastic pollution, and chemical runoff are hurting the ocean – furthering the importance of protecting our ocean ecosystem. All of this has led many to campaign for a global ocean protection effort. This effort is one of the many reasons why World Ocean Day came to fruition!
World Ocean Day at Georgia Aquarium
We are committed to conservation efforts that not only aim to restore coral reefs that contribute so much to the ocean’s biodiversity but also fish populations and other animals to help restore order to our ocean ecosystems. One of the ways we are doing that is by partnering with conservation institutions around the globe. Georgia Aquarium is a founding partner of the StAR Project. This project brings facilities around the world together to help replenish zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) populations in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. These waters have been protected since 2004. However, zebra sharks have been functionally extinct from this area for so long that the young people of that region no longer have a common name for them in their language. Georgia Aquarium is one of 76 partners and 15 countries involved with the project. Read more about this project at https://www.reshark.org/project-star
Wold Ocean Day Over the Years
World Ocean Day was first proposed in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. In December of 2008, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized and established June 8th as World Ocean Day. Over the years, thousands have participated in global World Ocean Day events and pledged to help with their latest campaign #30×30. This is an effort to protect 30% of our planet by 2030. Currently, less than 17% of our lands and only 8% of our oceans worldwide are protected. Protecting our ocean is vital as we have reached a point where we are taking more than what can be replenished.
Help our ocean this World Ocean Day, too! Come visit us at Georgia Aquarium on June 8th for World Ocean Day. Enjoy festivities for the whole family and learn more. The proceeds from your visit will go towards helping us care for our animals and our conservation efforts protecting animals around the world, including our work with the StAR Project. We cannot wait to see you there! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit georgiaaquarium.org.