The Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development (CDID) at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) in New Brunswick officially launched IncludED, a new disability education service designed to transform how organizations approach accessibility.
With CDC data showing that nearly 29% of U.S. adults report having a disability and 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability, the “IncludED” program provides a roadmap for businesses to move beyond basic compliance and toward true sensory and physical inclusion.
IncludED leverages the clinical expertise of Children’s Specialized Hospital—part of the RWJBarnabas Health network—to offer organizations practical, lived-experience-driven tools. The service focuses on three primary areas:
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Customized Training: Equipping staff with actionable strategies to support diverse cognitive and physical needs.
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Accessibility Evaluations: Identifying physical and digital barriers that hinder the customer experience.
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Social Stories & Moment Maps: Creating visual, step-by-step guides that help neurodivergent individuals or those with anxiety understand exactly what to expect during a visit.
One of the program’s first major partners, Liberty Science Center (LSC) in Jersey City, used IncludED to overhaul its “Sensory Day” events. By implementing inclusive design and staff training, LSC was able to:
- Modify high-stimulus exhibits, such as the famous Hoberman Sphere.
- Introduce “quiet zones” equipped with weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget tools.
- Train staff to proactively support guests with sensory processing challenges.
“Sensory Days have been a huge success,” Ivory Williams, vice president of STEM Education at Liberty Science Center said. “Our staff members come away feeling empowered to support guests better and foster a more inclusive environment.”
While early successes have been noted in the entertainment and education sectors, IncludED is designed for a broad range of industries, including hospitality, retail, public safety, and transportation.
“By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, IncludED aims to provide an equitable and truly inclusive experience for everybody,” Michael Dribbon, chief innovation & research officer at CSH said.
Organizations looking to audit their spaces or train their teams can find more information at rwjbh.org/cdidincluded.
