Over thirty students from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Music Program had an opportunity to explore Zoo Miami through a unique, multisensory experience, local sources report. The event, which took place on July 11, allowed these middle and high school students to discover the world of wildlife using their senses of touch, smell, and hearing.
The day kicked off with a guided tour focused on the Everglades, home to a diverse array of species, where students could hear the sounds of wildlife and feel various organic materials, according to the South Florida Reporter. Beyond listening and touching, the students also participated in a parrot feeding experience, further adding to the tactile interactions of the day.
Highlighting the importance of such encounters, Virginia Jacko, President and CEO of Miami Lighthouse, stated, "The multisensory experience at Zoo Miami reinforced what we teach here at Miami Lighthouse, that it’s possible to see without sight,” Local10 reported. This sentiment underscores the organization’s commitment to innovative education methods that cater to the unique needs of visually impaired students.
The visit concluded with a hands-on activity where students painted a large cardboard box, destined to become a puzzle feeder for the zoo's animals. This element of play, encourages the animals’ natural behaviors, and fosters a connection between the students and the animals they were learning about.
Miami Lighthouse's Music Program is recognized for its comprehensive approach in providing music education to the blind and visually impaired. It stands as one of the few in the nation that incorporates all aspects of music, audio instruction, and youth development, as highlighted by the educational visit to Zoo Miami.
