Dedicated to making places more inclusive and accessible for guests with developmental disabilities, the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center recently completed steps in the Pal Place certification process.

Pal Experiences is an Arizona-based non-profit that creates access and inclusion to ensure everyone’s experience needs can be supported in public venues, a press release read.

Many families living with developmental disabilities are socially isolated, the release added. Anxiety over new experiences, difficulty communicating and sensory overload are often so overwhelming that families end up staying home.

With a vision to create a network of inclusive Pal Places throughout the country, Pal Experiences creates digital tools rooted in science that address each of these challenges.

Pal staff member Hana Ruzsa was recently at the River of Time to film a video to let visitors discover the museum’s sensory-friendly environment for families to play and learn.

Pal “movie stars” Myles and his parents Mike and Ally Perreault took on the role of interested visitors, demonstrating that the River of Time is working to establish a calm, welcoming environment for folks with developmental disabilities.

Ally Perreault is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) who offers one-on-one direct therapy services to families impacted by autism through her Fountain Hills practice Behavior Ally.

Myles rehearsed with Paige Productions Youth Theatre to perform in the video and River of Time Executive Director Cherie Koss helped to coordinate the shoot.

An official launch of the River of Time as a Pal-certified facility is anticipated to take place at a public event to be held in October.

River of Time Board of Directors President Mary Endorf states that the River of Time staff and board are thrilled to be working with an organization of the caliber of Pals Experiences and states that this project will move the organization closer to accomplishing its DEAI goals of creating a more inclusive experience for all visitors.

Funds to support the costs of certification were provided by Arizona Humanities and the Fountain Hills Community Foundation.

The River of Time summer hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about Pals Experiences, visit palexperiences.org.

For more information about the River of Time, visit riveroftime.center or call 480-837-2612.