Deaf Day at the Tennessee Aquarium is May 2nd

By Thom Benson 

Chattanooga, TN - Like any Tennessee Aquarium visitor, little Marielle Bocaner was thrilled to reach into the warm water at Shark Island and touch a stingray. As she waited for another ray to swim her direction, someone across the way caught her eye. More importantly, this person was using sign language to talk to her about the animals she was touching. Instantly a smile appeared on Marielle’s face as interpreter Samantha Udelhofen used her hands to describe the difference between cow-nosed and southern stingrays. Marielle is one of 25 million people in the United States who can hear some sound, but have severe enough hearing loss to be classified as deaf. Nearly three million other Americans are totally deaf.

This Saturday, May 2nd, the Tennessee Aquarium will host “Deaf Day at the Tennessee Aquarium.” Deaf Day will feature special programs and events designed specifically for the deaf community. Sign language interpreters will provide help translating special programs, keeper talks, dive shows, and behind-the-scenes tours offered throughout both of the Aquarium’s Ocean Journey and River Journey buildings. Deaf Day at the Aquarium will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sign language specialists will partner with Aquarium staff, docents and naturalists aboard the River Gorge Explorer to deliver educational presentations and introduce guests to all kinds of animals including penguins, river otters, hyacinth macaws, sharks and the natural history of the Tennessee River Gorge. 

Deaf Day at the Aquarium is the result of a partnership between the Tennessee Aquarium and Gate Communications for the purpose of connecting with the deaf community.

Gate Communications is a national not-for-profit organization which serves the deaf and hard of hearing communities through accessibility services, events and outreaches both locally and across the United States. www.gatecommunications.org

The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $21.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $27.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. Excursions aboard the new River Gorge Explorer depart daily into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” Cruise tickets are $29.00 per adult and $21.50 per child (3-12). Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.

Tennessee Aquarium & IMAX Theater
201 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402-1014
www.tnaqua.org

Photo 1 - Marielle Bocaner learns about rays from an interpreter.
Photo 2 - Samantha Udelhofen uses sign language during a presentation at Shark Island.

To view Tennessee Aquarium's web page on Z&A, go to:http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-364-Tennessee_Aquarium