Category: Parent Talk
Hi, I am a single father with a 7 year old second grade daughter. I am totally blind and have an interest in taking her to the zoo here in phoenix.
I travel allot with my daughter but they seem to be more managible places such as malls, parks, restoraunts etc.
the one place I know she'd love to go to, I am not very confident that I can take her on my own being one, I am totally blind and although I have excellent mobility skills, I fear the fact that the zoo is like two miles squared, and the fact that I think my daughter has great vision and sense of direction, I really think we'd get lost at the zoo if it was left to her and I.
now sure, I have friends, and even an x wife I can call to lend us a hand and they would be more than happy to go with us, but I don't want that, I want to do this on my own with my daughter and want her to know I took her and have it be a memory of just us, not us and some sighted person helping us.
can anyone give me some tips if any?
thanks.
What about a small petting zoo? True, it's not the same as a regular one, but both you and she could touch the animals and the people there are usually helpful to everyone, so it wouldn't be as if you personally needed sighted help. Check your local farms, if you have any. Their usually where these things can be found. And yay for single dads! I don't know any personally, but think it's always great when I come across one.
um, the only tips i can give you is go alone at first, get a feel for the zoo or for the facilities they offer for blind people such as audio commentaries, audio maps etc, and then go with your daughter? i think the key here is to learn the environment if possible. maybe talk to the zoo staff and see what they can do to help the situation?
have you also thought about going to a riding stable? if you enquire, they will most often let you go with your daughter and be around the horses. I know the one I work at in the UK does just that if arranged. they will give you the guided tour of the place. hehe good place this stable. actually it's a farm, but is riding and driving stable too.
Hi there
When you say you don't want a sighted person helping you, does this also extend to zoo staff, or just friends and family? If you are happy for zoo staff to help, you could ring in advance and ask for a guide. In the UK, if you give the staff enough notice, they will organise someone to be available to you on the day, if you need it. It also has added benefits. if you let them know you're blind, in the UK anyway, they'll let you touch a lot of the animals. This helps you get more involved in the day, but also increases the excitement factor for your daughter, as she'll also get to touch, and ask the actual keepers about the day-to-day care of the wildlife.
If you don't want the help, i'd look on their website, and try and download a map of the area. Sit diwn with a sighted friend and plan the route, then teach this to your daughter. If you mark the route you want to take on the map and bring it with you, even if she can't read and follow it, you ahve something to show passersby, who you can then ask for directions to your next stop.
I'm also totally blind, and took 3 of my partners' nephews to a wildlife park near us. It isn't easy, but it was so worthwhile, because the kids absolutely loved it.
Hope this helps
FM
I agree with Post 3's suggestion of first going alone to get a "feel" for the zoo, and then taking your daughter. I totally understand your desire to do this trip as independently and safely as possible, and I commend you for wanting to give your daughter a fun day that she'll remember. Keep up the good work of being a supportive dad. Good luck on your trip!
BlindTechsNet,
So did you ever take your daughter to the zoo?
If you're comfortable sharing your experience on the boards I'd like to know how it went. This is interesting to me, perhaps I can pick up on a few tips.
Thanks.
Yes. I'd like to know how it went as well.
Becky
I know the people at some of the zoos or farms or other places here in the UK are quite helpful. for example, we went to a small breeds farm on Sunday with the college and the person working there came with us and sort of gave us a tour and even though he was working behind the desk, he met up with us sometimes during the day and told some of the people about the animals there. Also, if there are pets there, the staff will normally pick them up and let children or anyone really stroke them. Hope this helps.