Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science: Developing a framework of inclusive practices for broadening the participation of autistic individuals

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). This project will develop an evidence-based framework of practices that foster meaningful participation in science learning for zoos and aquariums and build a community of practice to support access and a sense of belonging for all audiences including autistic individuals. The project brings together researchers and practitioners from Oregon State University, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Researchers will create and investigate the extent and ways in which a research-informed framework and associated tools (i.e. case studies, discussion guides, self-guided audits, etc.) and strategies support science learning, and help practitioners expand access and participation beyond special events or the general visit experience by applying evidence-based practices that support meaningful engagement in programs, exhibit development, internships, volunteer opportunities, and employment. To maximize impact, the project will develop and expand a network of early adopters to build a community of practice focused on advancing approaches that ensure zoo and aquarium experiences are accessible and welcoming for all individuals. The project will investigate 4 research questions: (1) In what ways and to what extent are zoos and aquariums currently addressing access and engagement for all audiences including autistic individuals? (2) How do staff in zoos and aquariums perceive their and their institution's willingness and ability to address access and engagement for all audiences including autistic individuals? (3) What is a framework of evidence-based practices across the zoo and aquarium experience that supports full participation for all audiences including autistic individuals, and what associated tools and strategies are needed to make the framework useful for early adopters? And (4) to what extent and in what ways does a research informed framework with associated tools and strategies engage, support, and enhance an existing community of practitioners already dedicated to addressing all audiences including autistic individuals, and promote practices that expand access and engagement at zoos and aquariums? The project is designed as two phases: (1) the research and development of a framework of evidence-based practices and tools that support meaningful engagement, and (2) expanding a network of early adopters to build a community of practice around participation-focused practices and an overall strategy of implementation. The framework will be informed through a state of the field study across the zoo/aquarium field that includes a landscape study and needs assessment as well as a review of literature that synthesizes existing research across disciplines. The team will also conduct online surveys and focus groups to gather input from various stakeholders including zoo and aquarium employees and practitioners, autistic individuals, and their social groups (e.g., family members, peers, advocacy organizations). The second phase of the study will focus on sharing the framework and tools with practitioners across the zoo/aquarium field for feedback and reflection to develop an overall strategy for broader implementation, and expanding the existing network of zoo and aquarium professionals to build a community of practice dedicated to comprehensive participation. The results will be disseminated through conference presentations, scholarly publications, online discussion forums, and collaborative partners' websites. A process evaluation conducted as part of the project will explore how the approach taken in this project may be more broadly applied in understanding and advancing access and participation for all audiences. This Research in Service to Practice project is supported by the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program, which seeks to (a) advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments; (b) provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; (c) advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments; and (d) engage the public of all ages in learning STEM in informal environments. informal environments. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.