Parks Victoria has launched a pilot education program at Serendip Sanctuary giving children with low and impaired vision the opportunity to experience some of the plants, animals and Aboriginal culture of Wadawurrung Country.
Parks Victoria said the Junior Rangers Pilot Program was hosted by Park Rangers in partnership with Blind Sports & Reaction Victoria.
“Eleven children and their families walked through the sanctuary listening to the sounds of the environment, touching trees and plants and feeling different objects and animals – including a resident Bearded-Dragon lizard,” Parks Victoria said.
“During a cultural activity, materials and tools including possum skins, boomerangs and clapping sticks were held and felt, along with explanations of how they are used by Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people,” it said.
“The Pilot Junior Rangers Program has been developed to allow blind and vision impaired children to explore nature and experience native wildlife up-close with their other senses.”
Parks Victoria said the Program aimed to give children a passion for nature and confidence in the natural environment.
“The Program also provides valuable experience to Park Rangers providing nature-based activities to children with additional needs,” it said.
Parks Victoria said Serendip Sanctuary had flat wide paths and was an accessible park suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
“The Serendip Education Team runs wildlife tours for children and adults of all abilities and has worked with groups including Amaze, NDIS, Scope, Outside the Box Education and Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria,” it said.
