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Kate and Mandy chat to Phoebe, Education Officer at Werribee Open Range Zoo and Zoos Victoria! Phoebe is a triple Pea - a qualified peacher, a Pea mum of two boys both diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and herself recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
Phoebe is passionate about her job at the Zoo where she’s been working for the past 16 years. School children from all across Victoria of all ages come to Zoo on excursions to learn about conservation, and Phoebe says that the environment can be particularly suitable and supportive for neurodivergent kids.
Kate and Mandy reflect on how much the Zoo has meant to them personally, offering a safe, inclusive and consistent place to bring their peashoots and families over the years. Mandy recalls the Association for Children with Disabilities Dream Day at the Melbourne Zoo, which Phoebe says paved the way for the Zoo to improve inclusion and accessibility, including providing training for Zoo staff about Pea family needs, and installing Changing Places facilities at each of their four Victorian sites. The Zoo also now provides social stories and sensory maps to help prepare kids before they come to the Zoo on excursions.
The Zoo is also very welcoming of adults with disabilities who come to the Zoo for time outdoors in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment. Phoebe also says that 10 percent of the Zoo’s staff have disabilities, and they’re improving their accreditation and hiring practices for volunteers with disabilities. Mandy, Kate and Phoebe also reminisce about the role the Zoo played during COVID lockdowns, where they opened up through digital programs and entertained everyone through the Animals at Home livestreams!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Phoebe and reminding us all of how much we love our Zoos, and how they’re safe, welcoming and accessible places for our Pea families.
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