Akron Zoo Expands Sensory Accessibility Program

New guest comfort station and Sensory Explorers program launched to enhance visitor experience.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Akron Zoo has announced the expansion of its sensory accessibility program with the addition of a new guest comfort station and a new Sensory Explorers interpretive program. The comfort station features sound-dampening walls, dimmable lights, and comfortable furniture to provide a calming space for visitors experiencing sensory overload. The Sensory Explorers program will allow guests to interact with biofacts like animal pelts, skulls, and eggs to learn more about the zoo's inhabitants.

Why it matters

The Akron Zoo's focus on sensory accessibility demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all visitors can fully enjoy the zoo experience. These new offerings cater to guests with different abilities and needs, making the zoo more welcoming and accommodating.

The details

The new guest comfort station is located in the Komodo Kingdom Education Center and is funded by the Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation. The Sensory Explorers program, also funded by the Reymann Foundation and Community Fund Ohio, will feature five sensory boxes throughout the zoo where visitors can touch and interact with various biofacts. The zoo works with KultureCity to train all staff and volunteers on understanding sensory processing and overload, and also provides sensory bags, weighted lap pads, and custom communication boards for guests to use.

  • The Akron Zoo launched its sensory accessibility program in 2017.
  • The new guest comfort station and Sensory Explorers program will debut this summer.

The players

Akron Zoo

A zoo located in Akron, Ohio that has expanded its sensory accessibility program to better serve visitors with different abilities and needs.

Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation

A foundation that provided funding for the new guest comfort station and Sensory Explorers program at the Akron Zoo.

Community Fund Ohio

An organization that provided funding for the new Sensory Explorers program at the Akron Zoo.

KultureCity

An organization that the Akron Zoo works with to train all staff and volunteers on understanding sensory processing and overload.

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The takeaway

The Akron Zoo's expansion of its sensory accessibility program demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all visitors can fully enjoy the zoo experience. These new offerings, including a comfort station and interactive Sensory Explorers program, cater to guests with different abilities and needs, making the zoo more welcoming and accommodating.