Good Works Program

Inspiring Conservation Leaders of All Abilities

CZS is dedicated to inspiring conservation leaders of all abilities. In addition to our Good Works program, in 2013, we hosted 12 community-based events for children and adults with disabilities throughout the Chicago area. These events reached more than 1,000 individuals with special needs, providing them with up-close experiences with our animals and the opportunity to participate in nature and science-themed activities.

One of these events was our first-ever Autism Awareness Day, hosted in conjunction with Zoos Go Blue, a nationwide effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Autism Speaks to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder. We also partnered with Easter Seals on a pilot program for early learners on the autism spectrum that offered 10 specialized Saturday morning animal experiences.

Given the importance of early intervention for youngsters with autism, CZS is dedicated to playing an increasingly important role in supporting developmental milestones. Last year, we provided specialized training to our front-line staff about autism, enhancing our ability to meet the needs of special learners, and we launched ZooCamp for All, which was honored by the American Camp Association-Illinois with the 2013 Program of Excellence Award for encouraging children of all abilities to work together and interact with peers through cooperative activities.

CZS works with many key collaborative partners in providing specialized programming, including Misericordia, Best Buddies of Illinois, Autism Speaks, the Special Education Department at Riverside Brookfield High School, the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education, and the Special Recreation Association that serves Brookfield and nearby communities.