The Two Oceans Aquarium, in partnership with Autism Western Cape (AWC), hosted autism hour at the aquarium on Saturday, April 11.
As April is Autism Awareness month, the Rondebosch East-based non-profit would like to spread autism awareness far and wide to allow their members to participate in activities that promote inclusivity for the autism community.
Training co-ordinator and administrator at AWC, Roshan Subailey, said that during autism hour, the aquarium opened from 8am until 9am for autistic persons.
“There would be no sound, no music, no general public, no television screens on, and this allows children to run around and explore the aquarium at leisure, with no other challenges that they would experience daily,” she said.
Ms Subailey said that their clients and parents are in “awe” of this experience.
Apart from exploring the different marine life in the aquarium, the children were also treated to a puppet show facilitated by the Two Oceans Aquarium staff.
Two Oceans Aquarium community relationship coordinator, Phumza Jongihlathi, said they partnered with AWC to give one hour to persons with autism to explore the aquarium.
“This allowed them to enjoy the aquarium without being crowded by other people, and this is the work we do in the Two Oceans Aquarium to support the autism community,” she said.
Parent, Juanita Leeman from Kuilsriver, brought her son Shane,6, who has autism, to experience the aquarium.
“This is a good initiative, as children with autism face different challenges; some are not used to noises, some want to be quiet, and this was an opportunity to explore how they could be free in their own space,” she said.
Visit Autism Western Cape for more information.
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