INCLUDEnyc

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Project Brief

INCLUDEnyc is a New York City-based organisation working to promote positive futures and enhance the quality of life of children and young people with disabilities, aged from birth to 26, and their families. Its work centers on supporting young people and families to navigate education, employment, independent living and wider community participation.

Motionspot partnered with INCLUDEnyc to assess the universal design and accessibility of its offices in New York City. The virtual audit looked at how the existing workplace supports accessibility and inclusion for staff, visitors and the wider community, identifying both the strengths of the existing environment and opportunities for further improvement.

“We are pleased to partner with Motionspot to assess the universal design of our INCLUDEnyc offices in New York City. Our mission centers on empowering young people with disabilities to live full, independent lives. True independence starts with accessible environments—not just for the families we serve, but also for our staff and visitors. Incorporating inclusive design into our office was a critical step toward building a stronger community. While it is reassuring to know our current efforts are working, it is equally important to identify where we can improve. Motionspot provided the clear, actionable steps we need to make our offices fully accessible.”

Cheryelle Cruickshank, Executive Director, INCLUDEnyc

Project Scope

Motionspot undertook a virtual evaluation of INCLUDEnyc’s existing office environment, providing a high-level assessment of accessibility and inclusive design. The review considered how the space supports people with a broad range of physical, sensory and cognitive needs, alongside the intersection between different user requirements.

Inclusive Design Assessment:

Reviewed the existing office environment to identify accessible and inclusive design features, as well as opportunities to reduce barriers for staff and visitors.
Assessed key areas including reception, circulation, meeting rooms and offices, phone rooms, pantry facilities, open-plan workstations, the wellness room and accessible toilet.
Considered the needs of wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility or dexterity, people with visual or hearing impairments, neurodivergent people, people with sensory sensitivities, people who are pregnant or lactating, and people with different faith and wellbeing needs.

Practical Recommendations:

Identified clear, actionable improvements across the workplace, including additional height-adjustable workstations, accessible work surfaces and storage, improved visual contrast and signage, and enhanced acoustic and sensory conditions.
Recommended improvements to support greater independence in shared facilities, including the pantry, wellness room and accessible toilet.
Recognised existing workplace adjustments made to support individual staff members, while identifying anticipatory measures that could reduce barriers before an individual needs to disclose a disability or request an adjustment.

Project Impact

The assessment demonstrated a strong existing commitment to inclusive design within INCLUDEnyc’s workplace. Accessible entrances, spacious circulation routes, flexible workspaces, adjustable furniture, user-controlled lighting and a dedicated wellness room all contribute to a workplace that supports a diverse range of users.

Motionspot’s recommendations provide INCLUDEnyc with a clear roadmap for further improvements, helping the organisation build on what is already working well and address areas where the environment could be more accessible and inclusive.

The project reflects INCLUDEnyc’s wider commitment to creating a more inclusive society, ensuring that the organisation’s own workplace environment aligns with its mission of love, equity and access for young people with disabilities and their families.