On Thursday, June 25, I had the privilege of visiting Sensory Safari alongside the autistic adults from a respite camp being hosted by Bethesda – For Person with Disabilities.
Going into the trip, I knew that Sensory Safari was a place designed to promote inclusion through fun, interactive, and sensory-friendly activities for people of all ages and abilities. Although I have experience working with autistic adults, I approached the day with an open mind, eager to learn more and to share in the experience.
By the end of the visit, I left with a much greater insight and appreciation toward inclusion and breaking stereotypical behaviour.
From the moment we arrived there was an atmosphere of warmth and excitement. Children from other schools were also visiting Sensory Safari, and it was truly encouraging to see how welcoming they were toward our group. In fact, they invited the autistic adults to join in activities, conversations, and games. It was heartwarming to witness everyone interacting so naturally and sharing smiles.
One of the highlights of the day was watching the autistic adults enjoy the trampoline. Their excitement was contagious as they laughed.
Another memorable activity was the zipline. For some, it was a new experience, but with the support and encouragement of the staff and volunteers, they embraced the challenge with confidence. The smiles on their faces as they completed the ride reflected a wonderful sense of achievement and joy.
Throughout the day, every activity provided opportunities for fun and mainly social interaction.
The staff at Sensory Safari played a significant role in making the visit such a success. They were caring, and attentive, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed, safe, and included. They took time to encourage participants and explain activities. Their enthusiasm and dedication created an environment where everyone could participate comfortably and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
This visit reminded me that inclusion is much more than simply being present in the same space. It means creating an environment where every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate.
The autistic adults were not merely observers; they were active participants who laughed, explored, and formed meaningful connections with others throughout the day.
Seeing children from other schools engage with them so naturally was a powerful reminder that acceptance often begins with simple acts of kindness and understanding.
Beyond the fun and excitement, the experience challenged many stereotypes about individuals on the autism spectrum. Seeing the autistic adults confidently enjoy the trampoline, zipline, and interact with the children reminded me that they can thrive when given acceptance, encouragement, and opportunities to participate.
Overall, my visit to Sensory Safari was both enjoyable and inspiring. I am grateful to the dedicated staff and the welcoming children who made the day so memorable. Most importantly, I left with a deeper appreciation that true inclusion means recognising the worth of every individual and creating a community where there is a sense of identity and belongingness. — Johan Syms, volunteer