Accessibility
i.d.e.a. Museum is dedicated to making its art, experiences and facility accessible to all of our guests.
If you have questions or recommendations regarding accessibility, or need assistance, please contact us at ArtsAndCultureAccessibility@mesaaz.gov. You can also speak with our Accessibility Coordinator Sarah Goedicke directly at 480.644.6607 or email her at Sarah.Goedicke@mesaaz.gov.
For Guests with Mobility Impairments
Accessible Entrances
The museum’s front entrance has automated doors activated by an actuator (ADA Door Button). All art and activity spaces in i.d.e.a. Museum are on the first floor.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available in the i.d.e.a. Museum parking lot for vehicles displaying disability parking permits or license plates. Additional accessible parking spaces are located along North Robson St on the West side of the i.d.e.a. Museum. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Courtesy Wheelchairs and Canes
A courtesy wheelchair is available for our guests while they are at i.d.e.a. Museum. The wheelchair is available at the front desk and subject to availability. Please note that staff and volunteers are not able to assist guests in transferring or to provide personal attendant services.
A courtesy cane is available to check out at the front desk.
Lap Desks
Complimentary lap desks are available to check out at the front desk.
For Guests with Autism or Sensory-Processing Disorders
i.d.e.a. museum staff have gone through the rigorous process of autism certification training by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification ensures that our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide an inclusive, supportive, and accommodating environment for visitors with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
Sensory Support Backpacks
Sensory support backpacks can be checked out at our front desk. Backpacks include fidget toys, weighted calming stuffed animals, visual timers and more.
Noise-Reducing Headphones
For those with noise sensitivities, noise-reducing headphones can be checked out at our front desk and can be found at different locations around the museum for guests to use.
Light Sensitivity Glasses
For those with light sensitivities, TheraSpec glasses, bluelight glasses that relieve light sensitivity and glare can be checked out at the front desk.
Quiet Spaces
The museum offers two designated “quiet spaces” where visitors can sit and relax away from the bright lights and sounds of other visitors. In ArtVille, the Infant Care Room is a private space where families can sit away from other visitors, feed infants or change diapers. The outdoor Atrium is also a place to relax and enjoy.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
i.d.e.a. Museum proudly participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, since not all disabilities are obvious. Museum guests and members may ask for a lanyard or bracelet to let staff know they may need some extra help or time during their visit.
For Guests with Color Blindness
EnChroma glasses, lenses that enhance color differentiation for those with red-green color blindness, can be checked out at our front desk.
Service Animals
i.d.e.a. Museum complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws pertaining to service animals. We welcome guests with disabilities who wish to bring their service animals into the museum, though pets that are not trained to be service animals are not allowed inside.
Service animals, as defined under federal ADA law, are welcome inside the venues at Mesa Arts Center, but must be leashed, harnessed, or tethered, and under control by the person at all times.
A guest whose service animal poses a disturbance or threat to the safety of other guests and employees may be asked to escort the animal off the premises.
Definition of a service animal:
As defined by the ADA, the term “service animal” means a dog or miniature horse* that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Service animals are working animals, not pets. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or animals that provide comfort just by being with a person are NOT considered service animals because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task. Therefore, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and will not be admitted to i.d.e.a. Museum. *Due to weight, size and safety requirement necessary for the safe operations of the facility, some areas at i.d.e.a. Museum are inaccessible for a miniature horse.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on both ends of the museum. Additionally, a Family/Companion Care restroom is in ArtVille. Museum bathrooms have manual flush toilets, on/off sinks and electric towel dispensers.