Blog: Everyone Belongs - Bringing Zoos and Aquariums to Life for All

In our latest blog, Disability Advocate Aiden shares how zoos and aquariums can lead the way for inclusivity:

Hello, my name is Aiden. I’m 21 years old,  and someone who loves animals — from barn owls to snakes and lizards to rats! I’m also visually impaired, autistic, and living with learning disabilities. These things are part of me, and they shape how I see the world. They’ve also made me passionate about advocacy, especially around accessibility and inclusion.

Zoos and aquariums have always felt magical to me. They aren’t just places where you go to see animals — they’re places where you can learn, connect, and feel inspired about the natural world. But for disabled people, enjoying them isn’t always simple. If the environment isn’t accessible, if staff don’t know how to support you, or if information isn’t available in formats you can use, it can feel like these experiences aren’t meant for you. And that shouldn’t be the case.

My advocacy began because of my own experiences. Living with sight loss and autism means I often face barriers in daily life — from travelling safely to accessing information. Visiting zoos and aquariums has given me amazing memories, but it has also shown me how much difference accessibility makes. Things like tactile maps, Braille signage, audio descriptions, sensory-friendly days, clear and easy-to-read information, and staff trained in disability awareness can turn a stressful trip into an empowering one.

Inclusion isn’t just about ramps and large print signs (though those are important!) — it’s about making sure everyone feels welcome. For autistic visitors, that might mean creating quiet zones or reducing noise and crowds at certain times. For visually impaired visitors like me, it could mean offering touch tours, staff guides who describe the animals and exhibits in detail, and making sure signage includes Braille as well as large print. These adjustments don’t just help disabled people — they often make the experience better for everyone.

What excites me most is the future. I believe zoos and aquariums can lead the way in showing how inclusion and conservation go hand in hand. When people of all abilities can access nature, they can also join the mission to protect it. Disabled people shouldn’t just be visitors — they should be volunteers, staff members, and advocates too. Our voices matter.

My message is simple: everyone belongs in zoos and aquariums. Accessibility isn’t an add-on — it’s a foundation for building communities where people and wildlife can thrive together.

Thank you to BIAZA for giving me the chance to share my story. I hope my words encourage more people to think about inclusion, and to imagine a future where no one is left out of the wonder of the natural world.

- Aiden Akers, Disability Advocate

About the Author

Aiden is a 21-year-old animal lover and accessibility advocate. Living with visual impairment and autism, he’s passionate about making zoos and aquariums welcoming for everyone — and inspiring others to see the magic in the natural world.

You can follow Aiden’s accessibility and advocacy work on Instagram @aidenaccessibility

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's position