Why ZANE Matters
Neurodiversity is the concept that all human minds natural work differently and this shows up as humans experiencing and interacting with the world in different ways.
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Neurodivergent individuals are those whose neurological functions and behavior patterns fall outside of what is considered typical by society. Some examples of neurodivergence include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Tourette's Syndrome.
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Neurodivergence is not in itself a disease or an intellectual disability. On the contrary, it often leads to unique strengths in intelligence, problem solving, creativity and intuition that can be true assets to an employer.
ZANE is here to help zoos and aquariums move towards neurodiversity affirming practice by giving them the right attitudes and understanding to recognize and embrace the strengths of neurodivergence among their team.
Studies suggest at least 20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent and research supports this number is much higher in nature/environmental fields. Meeting the needs of this demographic both among staff and visitors is vital to zoos and aquariums fulfilling their missions of saving wildlife. ZANE aims to provide these institutions the resources and support they need to make their organizations as accessible and accommodating as possible.
Additionally, being neurodivergent can be very isolating and come with significant stigmas. This often goes unnoticed as the barriers are often subtle and intangible and many individuals with these conditions mask their neurodivergence, often leading to burnout and poor mental health. ZANE provides an opportunity to let these people know they are not alone, connect them with an open and understanding community of allies and create a platform for them to use their collective voice to advocate for positive change.
The genesis of ZANE is rooted in reshaping the way zoological professionals understand, support, and uplift each other, fostering a culture built on love and inclusion to drive meaningful change. By strengthening these connections, we empower individuals and organizations to better achieve their missions of conservation and community engagement. Our goal is to create culture shifts to ensure that every individual feels a deep sense of belonging within the zoo and aquarium field. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate leadership, we aim to move the zoo and aquarium world from compliance to compassion.
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Learn more about ZANE and its story in this feature about us on Blooloop.
Mission
ZANE aims to help zoos and aquariums move from compliance and compassion and foster genuine inclusion and belonging for all zoological professionals, volunteers and guests no matter their neuro-identity.
Vision
Create a zoo and aquarium world where neurodivergent individuals are included, celebrated, and provided equitable opportunities to be leaders in the zoological conservation movement.
ZANE Objectives
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Raise Awareness: Increase visibility of neurodiversity across zoological communities and highlight the importance of inclusion and belonging.
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Support Individuals: Give zoological professionals a platform to share their perspectives, connect with other self advocates/allies and benefit from ZANE’s resources
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Expand Engagement: Through participation in webinars, trainings, and resource utilization, create a community of practice for inclusion across the zoological profession.
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Foster Institutional Partnerships: Work with zoological organizations to help them better understand neurodiversity and give them the perspective, attitudes and tools to accommodate it.
What ZANE Offers
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Promoting Inclusivity & Belonging: Neurodivergent perspectives are essential to enriching work environments and conservation efforts. The ZANE team provides lived experience and insight into how to effectively integrate inclusion for neurodiversity into this field.
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Empowerment Through Community: ZANE fosters supportive connections and amplifies self-advocate voices. We create a network where people can learn from and support each other.
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Fostering Guidance & Growth: ZANE's resources, webinars and consulting equip institutions to become more accommodating and inclusive. We are helping them learn what they don't know and consider neurodiversity and how it shows up in their work.
Core Values- CIA
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C-urious: Try to learn what you don’t know when it comes to neurodiversity- ask us or self advocates you know how we can help you better understand.
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I-nclusive: Create as neurodivergent friendly of a work environment as possible and strive to make positive change, whether sweeping or incremental.
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A-dvocatory: Empower and embrace neurodivergent voices in the organization.
