Noah’s Ark Staff Celebrate Disability Awareness Day

Noah’s Ark Staff Celebrate Disability Awareness Day

The Staff at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm celebrate Disability Awareness Day with new training opportunities and the launch of quiet sessions at the zoo.

Disability Awareness Day was founded in the early nineties to support ongoing awareness initiatives, promoting independent living and focusing on what can be achieved, instead of what those with disabilities cannot do. Disability Awareness Day aims to shout loudly about accessibility and inclusion, proudly for all to hear.  This year, it will be celebrated on 17th July and promises to promote accessibility and inclusion to all.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, in Wraxall, shares the passion of the organisers of Disability Awareness Day, as they have always held the belief that the Zoo should be accessible to everyone and have striven to provide just that. 

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm launched it’s Ark for All initiative in 2018, promoting the idea that the attraction is for everyone, regardless of age, accessibility needs or background. The team at the zoo are working alongside visitors and experts in accessibility to provide a more accessible zoo and always take on board feedback about how to improve the visitor experience for all.

To celebrate Disability Awareness Day 2022, the staff at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm have been completing training in hidden disabilities with the Sunflower lanyard scheme. The training focuses on ways that staff can help support visitors who have a hidden disability and choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer that they need additional support, help or a little more time.

Following visitor feedback, the zoo will have its first early opening session for those visitors who require a little more space and time. The first ‘quiet session; will be an early opening of the zoo will be in October Half term 2022.

Quiet Zoo will be a special early opening session designed specifically for adults and children with neurodiverse conditions (including autism and other sensory processing difficulties). This quiet opening will enable these visitors to enjoy the indoor play areas with their families or carers, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Keep an eye on our accessibility page for ticket releases!

What else do Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm do support visitors with disabilities?

• Part of the Sunflower Lanyard scheme
• Changing Places facility and accessible toilets
• Mobility scooter hire
• Free wheelchair hire
• Hearing loops
• Accessible signs
• Wheelchair route maps
• Friendly team – we are always here to help
• Staff training
• Full Allergen menu in the café
• 360 tour of the zoo

Read more about accessibility on our accessibility page