A monthly charity event Ocean of Hope is taking place at the Primorsky Aquarium on Saturday, June 29, at 11:30 to 14:00 in the Art Gallery. The event’s goal is to spread awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to promote education for autistic children and development of their skills.
Traditionally, Ocean of Hope changes its theme and form every month. The June event will be in form of a theatrical performance. Members of the Education Department with the aid of volunteers will involve the Aquarium visitors into an interactive theatrical performance based on a famous novel by Lewis Carroll, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. The White Rabbit, the Hatter, and Alice will introduce the audience to the world of autistic people who often struggle with spatial navigation problems, perceiving time and interacting with other people.
Chapter 7 of the novel, the Mad Tea-Party, with a scenery of a clock and a large tea table, is selected for the performance. Educators will talk to the audience, ask questions and explore the feelings and emotions of people with ASD.
Some scholars think that Lewis Carroll had signs of autism, hence the choice of the book. The author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” always had trouble making friends and was painfully shy. In spite of this, he was a brilliant mathematician and worked as a lecturer at Oxford for many years. Moreover, some of his literary works, including Alice books are still among the top-rated children’s literature.
“Autistic people are very sensitive and vulnerable. We learn our neurotypical audience to be patient and understanding with them. We help to build a better society, which would support different people.” said Diana Perebeinos, Head of the Education Department.
During the event, members of the Primorsky Aquarium will inform the visitors about a variety of ways to help people with ASD. Also, visitors will be able to support autistic children by transferring money to the account of the Vladivostok Special Needs Boarding School No.2. Through their funding, participants of the event will provide educational field trips, specialized learning materials for students, and professional development for teachers, - all these things will help children with autism to socialize and to adapt to the ever-changing environment.