Allowing each child to express delight in their own way

Our students each have their own individual modes of communication. Some use spoken or sign language while others communicate with vocalizations or through body, mouth, or eye movements. We hoped the Fantas Aquarium would come because we wanted to see the students express themselves in whatever ways they could in response to light and images, stimuli that are easy for them to absorb.

The results were hugely satisfying. The children were fascinated by the Fantas Aquarium. Some exclaimed in delight when they saw a seal coming straight at them on a big screen. Some signed ‘fun, fun’ every time a staff member passed. Others actively reached for the cloth screens or stared absorbedly at the images on the ceiling.

Saitama Municipal Himawari Special-Needs School

A special-needs school with separate curricula for children with physical disabilities and for children with intellectual disabilities

The Fantas Aquarium visited in 2023 and was enjoyed by 193 people.