Chicago Zoological Society

Project Title
Family Fun Saturdays
Amount
$5,000
Category
Assisting Sick and Abused Children
Year
2016
Location
Brookfield, IL

One of a suite of access and inclusion initiatives for individuals with disabilities, Family Fun Saturdays provides social integration and animal interaction for young children with autism and their families. Research indicates that children on the autism spectrum can increase positive social behaviors in the presence of animals. The program welcomes children ages 3-6 and their families to Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo for hour long sessions of nature play activities developed by occupational therapists and designed to address developmental goals for this age group.