We're Excited to Launch Beyond Access!
Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE) is very excited to announce its participation in and the launch of Beyond Access, a collaborative initiative between zoos, aquariums, children’s museums, science centers and botanic gardens to make informal STEM learning (ISL) spaces more accessible and supportive for people who are neurodivergent or developmental disabilities (IDD).
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Funded by the National Science Foundation (Award No. 2517287) and led by the STEM Research Center at Oregon State University, Beyond Access: Examining the Implementation of Approaches and Tools in Informal Settings STEM Learning Environments including Neurodivergent and Intellectually, Developmentally Disabled Individuals is a first of its kind partnership between ZANE, the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Beyond Access will support a cross-sector committed community of practice and foster belonging for audiences and staff who have neurodivergence or IDD. The four-year project will last through 2029.
ISL spaces help people explore science in welcoming, hands-on ways. Beyond Access will take an important next step toward making these environments more inviting for everyone. Building on the earlier project Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science (MoZAICS), this project will look at how existing strategies and resources can be adapted for and used by science centers, children’s museums, and public gardens. We’ll also explore how ISL organizations can better support inclusive employment pathways and workplace culture.
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People who are neurodivergent and people with IDD bring a wide range of strengths, perspectives, and ways of thinking that enrich organizations and contribute to inclusive, creative, and innovative environments. Beyond Access aims to help zoos, aquariums, science centers, children’s museums, and public gardens engage neurodivergent and IDD communities in making our informal STEM learning environments more successful and welcoming spaces for all visitors and staff.
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“Beyond Access lies in the essence of ZANE’s mission of moving the zoo and aquarium world from compliance to compassion and creating an environment where all professionals feel they belong,” states ZANE President Grayson Ponti, who is a Co-PI on the project. “We’re looking forward to being part of this groundbreaking initiative and representing neurodivergent zoo and aquarium professionals on this project. We will provide updates to our members on opportunities to participate in this effort as they come along.”
