Experiences for Blind Guests Featured at Texas State Aquarium Event
October 23, 2019
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – On Thursday, October 24 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., the Texas State Aquarium (TSA) will host its first annual Blind & Visually Impaired Awareness Day event in commemoration of National Blind Awareness Week. This event, held as part of Aquarium’s ongoing Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, will offer guests who are blind or have limited vision with several inclusive and immersive activities and interactions.
Blind & Visually Impaired Awareness Day will emphasize sensory touch and hearing opportunities, including touch pools where guests can get hands-on with sharks, stingrays, sea stars and even jellies. There will also be animal encounters in the lobby and “bio-fact” stations throughout the Aquarium, where guests can feel the unique natural shapes and textures of live animals, plus sea turtle skulls, alligator skin and more. A variety of auditory experiences will also be featured throughout the Aquarium, such as the bright songs of Caribbean birds in the jungle exhibit or the whistles and squeaks of the Aquarium’s dolphins. Presentations including the 2:30 Wild Flight Show and 3:30 p.m. DOLPHINS! presentation will provide an engaging sound and touch experience for guests who are blind or have limited vision.
“What to Expect” signage will be placed at participating exhibits and three quiet “calm zones” will be provided. Several blind awareness booths in the lobby will also offer resources to guests, with representatives from the Lighthouse for the Blind and the Blind Children’s Program.
Support for the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative is provided in part by a partnership with the Driscoll Health Plan. Community Partner, the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, consulted with the Aquarium on the event and will also be providing staff and volunteers to meet with guests.
To purchase tickets for Blind & Visually Impaired Awareness Day, interested parties can email Annie Vlach at [email protected] or purchase them at the front desk of the Aquarium on Oct. 24.