I frequently find that zoos are one of the most accessible places I can visit. From wheelchair rentals for everyone, alternate paths, often flat terrain, to assisting neurodivergent individuals with sensory tools and even special hours.
I have a variety of chronic illnesses that limit my ability to walk distances unassisted and limit my ability to tolerate heat. I am also neurodivergent (ND) and need a service dog to go out. These disabilities cause me to have a completely different experience in zoos and its something I think about frequently while playing this game. It would mean an incredible amount to both me, and the disabled community as a whole, to see us represented and have the ability to create a zoo that we can also visit.
I will be formatting this suggestion thread like this:
Disability/Accommodation Category:
Mobility Aids:
I think these are all of my ideas for the moment, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!
I have a variety of chronic illnesses that limit my ability to walk distances unassisted and limit my ability to tolerate heat. I am also neurodivergent (ND) and need a service dog to go out. These disabilities cause me to have a completely different experience in zoos and its something I think about frequently while playing this game. It would mean an incredible amount to both me, and the disabled community as a whole, to see us represented and have the ability to create a zoo that we can also visit.
I will be formatting this suggestion thread like this:
Disability/Accommodation Category:
- Possible accommodation options
- In-game example or anecdote
Mobility Aids:
- Wheelchairs
- These are HUGE for zoos, there is always a wheelchair/stroller rental place for guests
- You can also throw in strollers here, as a lot of guests bring them
- The current slope angle in the path tool is fine if you're able bodied, but it would be extremely difficult for someone in a chair. If we could angle the slopes at specific degrees, that would help us build our zoos with us in mind.
- According to the subreddit, a surprising amount of players already build their zoos to have accessible paths, but have to fiddle around with it or use the ride tracks to create an angle and then place a path on top
- Mobility friendly paths
- The asphalt options are fantastic, but a majority of other paths (cobblestone/brick) have a bumpy texture and causes the wheelchair user more strain or even being unable to proceed.
- This could be an interesting mechanic combined with slopes
- I'd love to see some fun paths that are both flat and interesting to look at
- The asphalt options are fantastic, but a majority of other paths (cobblestone/brick) have a bumpy texture and causes the wheelchair user more strain or even being unable to proceed.
- Canes/Walkers/Crutches
- These are also a very important feature that tends to be overlooked when thinking of accessibility
- An interesting feature could be a radius around benches to highlight how far a disabled guest would have to walk to get to the next rest zone.
- Quiet and Headphone Zones
- Many zoos have designated zones where guests tend to be quieter or louder
- This could also be a really cool feature if tied to animal stress
- A Quiet Zone sign indicates to a ND individual that an area can be used to relax and aid in preventing sensory overload
- On the other hand, Headphone Zones indicate where an ND individual may have a more difficult experience and suggest wearing ear protection to help
- These are also used in "caves" or places that may echo
- Many zoos have designated zones where guests tend to be quieter or louder
- Sensory Bags and experiences
- These could be as simple as a purchasable option in the information shop
- Similar to the child interactive education assets, touch pools, splash pads, sandboxes, are something I see frequently at zoos. This gives the parents a small break, while the kids burn some energy
- Many zoos have displays with tactile elements
- These could be similar to the animal education signs, but with a shaped surface that can be changed for different animals/habitats
- I would also like to see this tied to animal talks or education
- The Atlanta Zoo actually attaches QR codes to their signs that lead to ASL translator led videos on each animal
- I don't anticipate this being in the game at all, but I thought that was too cool not to share
- Walking educators can possibly have an option to provide interpretation or descriptions to disabled individuals
- I don't believe I've seen any media portray someone with a service dog, especially someone who isn't military. I don't know how this could be implemented, but this majorly impacts how I attend zoos
- Service dog (SD) handlers have to notify the zoo upon arrival
- The staff member then radios out to the zoo with the dog's description
- This could be an event similar to inspection, being rare but with possible rewards for a good experience?
- SDs are sometimes prohibited from certain locations
- This is due to animal safety on both sides
- Common locations are aviaries, animal talks, or areas that animals may be loose
- Certain animals may get stressed (or enriched) by seeing SDs near their barrier
- This could be an interesting mechanic if handled well
- Rest/relief areas could be a guest interactive asset
I think these are all of my ideas for the moment, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!