Unique Art Will Help Support the Discovery Center's Sensory Programs
The Discovery Center has teamed up with a young artist with a unique story to create frog art for the upcoming Ribbit Exhibit. Thirteen year old Viktor Bevanda was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and is non-verbal — though that doesn’t limit his artistic talent! He taught himself how to create art from the young age of 5. He consistently proves Autism is no barrier to his creativity.
Retail items featuring Viktor’s art will be available in the Discovery Center's gift shop, and proceeds will support our sensory programs. We interviewed education specialist, Brianna Varner, to learn more about the programs and services offered for people with different sensory needs.
What programs does the Discovery Center offer to people with different sensory needs?
The Discovery Center is offering Sensory Saturday programs every other month starting this September! This program will include modified lighting, lower noise, and a focus on hands-on learning for an hour and a half before the exhibit hall is open to the public. The exhibit hall will have tables set up where guests will be able to read educational facts about Tampa Bay and the ecosystems we have! September’s Sensory Saturday theme is Fins and Skins, so the activities will highlight the different coverings that animals utilize to survive in their environments. Guests will be able to participate in activities that teach about the shedding process of snakes, how blubber insulates large marine mammals, and be able to arrange their own hermit crab shell while watching real hermit crabs! People with sensory differences are also encouraged to visit our center during public hours, as our sensory kits are always available for guests upon request!
Can you tell us a little bit about the sensory kits that the DC offers for guests?
Our sensory bags are available to anyone that visits the Center, just ask the front desk and they would be happy to grab one for you! Our sensory kits consist of noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidget spinners, a marble trap, poppers, a stress ball, and a calm down activities sheet. All of these things have been selected to target either sensory overload or sensory seeking behaviors to ensure that all guests have the tools they need to have the best educational experience!
How can visitors learn about upcoming sensory programs?
Visitors can learn about upcoming sensory programs by following our social media pages and staying up to date through our emailed newsletter each month! We also encourage everyone to register for our events online through our website to ensure a spot will be available upon arrival.
Can you tell us about the Discovery Center's partnership with the Center of Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)?
CARD has been so beneficial in providing training to our education staff as well as providing us with their sensory kit, called a "distract pak". We have been able to use their sensory kit as a reference for putting ours together! CARD has been available to go over curriculum and walk-through activities with our team to ensure that we are providing the best educational experience to everyone that visits the center! CARD has the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center listed as an autism friendly experience and has created a social story to help prepare any guests with sensory differences for their trip to the center! This social story is important to help individuals transition to an activity that may be out of their normal routine. We are so thankful for the guidance CARD has given us as we bring these specialized programs to life!
Viktor’s other art and prints are available for purchase through his website. All proceeds support his therapy, education and supplies to create more art.