A visit to the Heard Museum is already one of Phoenix’s most meaningful cultural experiences. Now, it is becoming more accessible for even more visitors.
The Heard Museum has partnered with Pal Experiences, a Phoenix-founded nonprofit focused on accessible and inclusive adventures, to expand support for guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the collaboration, the museum is now part of Pal’s growing network of Pal Places, a group of destinations equipped with resources designed for visitors with autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety and other non-visible disabilities.
Think of it as a smarter “know before you go” moment, but with real purpose behind it.
The new digital resources are designed to help individuals, families and groups prepare for a museum visit with more confidence. Just as ramps, elevators and other physical accommodations help guests with mobility needs, Pal Place tools are meant to support guests who may experience public spaces differently.
For the Heard Museum, that support now includes a visitor video, visual schedule, sensory scales, assistive communication and staff training focused on welcoming guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To build the resources, Pal Experiences and the Heard Museum worked with a board-certified behavior analyst from the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, who conducted an on-site assessment of the museum. That evaluation helped identify potential sensory challenges and shaped the development of the visitor video.
The video walks guests through what to expect before they arrive, from parking and entry to navigating exhibits. It also points out quieter spaces and other supportive features throughout the museum, helping reduce uncertainty before the visit even begins.
That kind of preparation can be the difference between skipping an outing and feeling ready for it.
“The Heard Museum is a destination for Arizonans and visitors from all communities, and it’s paramount to us that this umbrella always includes our friends with IDD [Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities],” says Patty Talahongva, Heard Museum Chief Programming and Engagement Officer. “By joining the Pal Places network, we are reinforcing our commitment to making the institution a place that is safe, and fun, for everyone.”
The partnership also gives Pal Experiences another major Arizona destination in its accessibility network. Founded in Phoenix in 2012, Pal creates digital tools that connect individuals and families impacted by autism, anxiety and other developmental disabilities with businesses and institutions working to improve accessibility.
Its current partners include Flower Child restaurants, OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, Arizona Science Center, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and more.
“Heard Museum is one of Arizona’s great treasures,” says Melanie Isaacs, Founder and Chief Inclusion Officer of Pal Experiences. “We are thrilled to partner with them to create tools that support more visitors with disabilities. These resources help families, school groups, and individuals feel confident in planning their visit. Everyone should be able to experience the Heard Museum, and this partnership helps make that possible.”
Since 1929, the Heard Museum has been one of Arizona’s most important cultural institutions, nationally and internationally recognized for its exhibitions, festivals, educational programs and deep focus on Indigenous creativity. The museum’s mission centers on connecting Indigenous creativity to the world and presenting the voice and vision of American Indian artists.
Now, with Pal Experiences in the mix, the Heard is making sure more people can access that world with less stress, more confidence and a better sense of what awaits.
That is not just thoughtful. That is how Arizona’s most beloved institutions keep getting better.
Insider Takeaways
- The Heard Museum has joined Pal Experiences’ Pal Places network to expand accessibility for visitors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- New resources support guests with autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety and other non-visible disabilities.
- Tools include a visitor video, visual schedule, sensory scales, assistive communication and staff training.
- A board-certified behavior analyst from the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center conducted an on-site museum assessment to help shape the resources.
- The visitor video helps guests understand what to expect, from parking and arrival to exhibits and quieter spaces.
To learn more, visit heard.org and PalExperiences.org.
