Blog: Autism Acceptance – Wild Place Quiet Hour

For Autism Acceptance Week, coinciding with the BIAZA World Autism Acceptance Campaign, Wild Place Project team and volunteers take a look back on its value and what it means for future events:

Autism Acceptance Week gave us a great opportunity to pilot an accessible event and to provide more opportunities for those who otherwise might not feel able to visit.

On the lead up to this event we had two Autism Awareness training sessions for staff and volunteers. We also developed a new sensory map of the site to improve the visitor experience by clearly identifying areas across the site that may impact those with sensory processing needs.

We had lots of amazing volunteers take part in the training and come in early to help with the early opening.

This is what our volunteers thought of the event;

“The 1st of April was a day to try something new for staff, volunteers and some very special visitors when Wild Place opened an hour earlier. The day was damp but the excitement of the families was great to see.”

“The comments from everyone who came were very positive. Well wrapped up in coats and wellies we were ready to go!  I spent some time in the sensory area, a room which was slightly darkened, where there were small things for little fingers to examine, textures and colour. A special light display made the room really inviting.”

“The families stayed on to enjoy the animals and a walk through the woods.”

“The training beforehand helped to understand some of the helpful ways to make the day special.  Quiet areas, space to relax as well as the freedom to explore.” Carole - Wild Place Volunteer

“The quiet hour for neuro-divergent guests was a peaceful, happy time despite the torrential rain! The sensory room was a big hit with our younger guests who loved all the things they could pick up and handle, and all the parents and carers seemed relaxed and keen to talk to staff and volunteers.

The training session was very helpful in giving us a better understanding of the difficulties that some people have in relating to the world around them, and of the demands that this can put on their carers.”  Lin - Wild Place Volunteer

“One of my nephews is autistic and this influenced my decision to get involved with the Quiet Hour. However, I was still slightly nervous about the Quiet Opening but the course we attended prior made me realise that ordinary people like me embrace autism and autistic people every day.

 On the day I really enjoyed meeting the visitors at the gate, despite the weather they all arrived with a smile on their faces, a few had been before so they knew what to expect but some hadn’t. During the morning shift I was able to stay connected to some of them as they enjoyed the animals and the relaxed spacious feel of the Wild Place, I always get a buzz from talking to our visitors anyway and this was extra special.”  Les - Wild Place Volunteer

We really couldn’t run events like these without the support of our amazing volunteers. Thank you!

Rio Whittaker (she/her)
Bristol Zoological Society - Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer
& BIAZA DEAI Working Group