Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion

The issues of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) have long been important ones for The Maritime Aquarium. With the murder of George Floyd and events sweeping the nation in 2020, these issues have taken on greater prominence and increased urgency nationally, as well as for us at the Aquarium.  In the fall of 2020, we convened a DEAI Committee, and in 2021, we unveiled a DEAI Action Plan to articulate our overall goals and approach, as well as our activities and programs, with respect to DEAI priorities. Beginning the summer of 2022, we are proud to be working with KJR Consulting to further accelerate and expand our efforts on these priorities.  

The Maritime Aquarium strives to create a culture that:

• acknowledges differences exist among all of us
• welcomes, engages and empowers all voices; and
• expresses our shared commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.

We will do this by educating our team and creating awareness through our hands-on exhibits, education programs and research and conservation initiatives. 

Our Goals: 

• Creating a culture of belonging by inspiring people of all races, genders, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds to protect the ocean and get involved in ocean awareness and conservation. 
• Empowering staff and volunteers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to implement practices that foster diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. 
• Engage our community by expanding our voice to include diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives that also further our mission. 
• Track and audit these initiatives to gain insight and continually improve. 

Over the past two years, the Aquarium has launched new initiatives and expanded existing programs addressing DEAI priorities: 

Guest experiences and accessibility

We welcome all guests and have created a number of programs and special events to ensure all guests are welcome.  

• Accessibility for All – We are the proud organizer of "Accessibility for All" - a partnership between eleven Fairfield County attractions working together to reduce the stresses of planning – and accomplishing – visits for guests with disabilities or special needs. Click here to learn more. 
• EBT Program and Museums for All – We offer steep discounts on admission for SNAP EBT participants to make sure that families and individuals can take advantage of the educational and cultural experiences available at The Maritime Aquarium without the cost of admission being a barrier. Click here to learn more. 
• Sensory-friendly mornings and evenings –We open the Aquarium before and after hours regularly throughout the year for families and individuals who want to experience the Aquarium in a more sensory-friendly setting, without lights, music and other distractions or disturbances. 

Staff and volunteer diversity and inclusion

We pride ourselves on a diverse and talented team, and we are always striving to ensure that there is a sense of belonging among staff. 

• Animal Husbandry Fellowship – Specifically to address a lack of diversity in animal husbandry – often the path to be a leader in a zoo or aquarium – the Aquarium is implementing a new fellowship specifically for young professionals and students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to pursue a career in animal husbandry. The initiative will offer a competitive salary, plus benefits, with training (including SCUBA certification) to two fellows for the year.  Click here to learn more. 
• Partnership with Fairfield Public Schools – Since November 2021, we have partnered with Fairfield Public Schools to provide work experience to students with special needs.  

Partnerships and vendor relationships

We look to partner with companies and vendors that share the same DEAI priorities that we have.  

• Procurement – We procure uniform apparel and promotional items from Spectrum Designs, a non-profit organization that creates meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities for people on the Autism spectrum.