The River of Time Museum & Exploration Center is committed to making places more inclusive and accessible for guests with developmental disabilities and recently completed steps in the Pal Place certification process.
Pal Experiences is an Arizona-based nonprofit that creates access and inclusion to ensure that the experience needs of all people can be met in public places, according to a press release.
Many families with developmental disabilities are socially isolated, the press release continued. Fear of new experiences, communication difficulties and sensory overload are often so overwhelming that families end up staying at home.
With a vision to build a network of inclusive Pal Places across the country, Pal Experiences is developing evidence-based digital tools that address each of these challenges.
Pal staff member Hana Ruzsa was recently at the River of Time to shoot a video that allows visitors to discover the museum’s sensory-friendly environment where families can play and learn.
Movie stars Myles and his parents Mike and Ally Perreault took on the role of interested visitors and demonstrated that the River of Time is working to create a calm, welcoming environment for people with developmental disabilities.
Ally Perreault is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) who provides individualized therapy services to families affected by autism through her practice, Behavior Ally, in Fountain Hills.
Myles rehearsed with Paige Productions Youth Theatre for his performance in the video, and River of Time executive director Cherie Koss helped coordinate filming.
The official opening of River of Time as a PAL-certified facility is planned for a public event in October.
Mary Endorf, Chair of the River of Time Board of Directors, states that the River of Time staff and board are excited to partner with an organization of the caliber of Pals Experiences and states that this project will move the organization closer to its DEAI goals of providing a more comprehensive experience for all visitors.
Funds to cover certification costs were provided by Arizona Humanities and the Fountain Hills Community Foundation.
The River of Time’s summer opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information about Pals Experiences, visit palexperiences.org.
For more information about River of Time, visit riveroftime.center or call 480-837-2612.
