Sonoran Center at Reid Park Dream Night
By Drew Milne
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Reid Park Zoo hosted their annual DreamNight once again. DreamNight is a special opportunity for kids with disabilities. Kids can experience the Zoo free of charge and with special sensory-friendly accommodations and activities, and parents and supporters can also connect with helpful resources. The Sonoran Center was among the organizations that provided resources this year.
Lupita Loftus was working at the Sonoran Center table this year.
“It's a really fun event,” Lupita said. “We had a few resource tables so parents and kids could take some information. We all provided games and just a fun atmosphere for the kids.”
Some of the accommodations for kids with disabilities include a quieter environment, lower lights, and reduced capacity. The Zoo also hosts “meet and greets” with some of the animals, as well as community volunteers dressed like popular characters, including Ghostbusters, Spider-Man, and mermaids.
“The kids feel safe just walking around. It's a safe environment for them.”
Sonoran Center peer mentors Paavleena Madhivanan and Gabriel Martinez were also present at the event. They provided a firsthand perspective about the Sonoran Center, and showed kids what a successful career could look like for them.
Among the most popular Sonoran Center resources this year were Project SEARCH and the Future Planning workbook.
Next year, Lupita hopes that even more kids will be able to attend this one-of-a-kind event.