Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development IncludED trainers provided education at Liberty Science Center. L to R: Liz Trembley, Community Programs Coordinator, CSH; Lorianne Megill, Community Recreation Therapist, CSH; Caitlyn Foelsch, Manager of Community Programs, CSH.
New Brunswick, N.J. — March 2, 2026 — The Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development (CDID) at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is helping organizations create more welcoming, accessible environments through IncludED, adisability education service focused on improving spaces, services, and experiences for individuals with cognitive difficulties or mobility challenges.
According to the CDC, approximately 28.7% of adults in the United States reported having a disability, and about 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability underscoring the growing need for thoughtful accessibility planning across industries. Sensory processing differences and physical disabilities, which are common in both children and adults, further highlight the need for accessible and inclusive spaces. IncludED addresses this need by providing organizations with practical tools, training, and lived-experience insight to improve spaces, services, and customer experiences.
IncludED takes a lived-experience approach, partnering with national disability leaders and individuals to deliver:
- Customized disability awareness training that equips teams with actionable strategies to support diverse needs
- Comprehensive accessibility evaluations that identify opportunities to enhance compliance, inclusion, and customer experience
- Moment maps and social stories – visual, step-by-step guides that help individuals understand what to expect during a visit, reducing anxiety and increasing engagement
Together, these services help organizations build trust, enhance access, and confidently support individuals and families of all abilities.
“Children’s Specialized Hospital brings decades of clinical expertise and community partnership experience to IncludED,” said Michael Dribbon, PhD, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Innovation & Research Officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, IncludED aims to provide an equitable and truly inclusive experience for everybody by better positioning organizations to empower teams and foster environments where everyone feels welcomed.”
IncludED partners with businesses, healthcare facilities, service providers, and organizations across industries including hospitality, entertainment, transportation, retail, and public safety to implement effective disability inclusion practices. One early partner, Liberty Science Center, worked with IncludED to enhance accessibility for visitors with sensory processing challenges.
By applying IncludED’s inclusive design and training guidance, Liberty Science Center adapted its Sensory Day events to reduce sensory overload — including dimming lights, modifying high-stimulus exhibits such as the Hoberman Sphere, and creating designated quiet zones. The museum also introduced supportive resources like bean bags, weighted blankets, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones. These enhancements allowed school groups and families from New Jersey and beyond to explore exhibits and activities – from sensory fossils and pollinator investigations to the butterfly house – in an environment tailored for comfort and engagement. The partnership also strengthened staff understanding of how to proactively support guests with sensory needs.
“Partnering with IncludED helped us enhance our efforts to make the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology accessible to all,” said Ivory Williams, Vice President of STEM Education at Liberty Science Center. “Sensory Days have been a huge success, resulting in incredible feedback from educators, students, families, and our staff members who come away feeling empowered to support guests better and foster a more inclusive environment.”
Organizations interested in partnering with IncludED can learn more by visiting rwjbh.org/cdidincluded or contacting IncludED@rwjbh.org.
About Children’s Specialized Hospital
Children’s Specialized Hospital, a part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns. At 14 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit rwjbh.org/csh.
Media Contact:
Megan Granozio
732-443-7068
mgranozio@childrens-specialized.org