Gaining New Perspectives on Disability Inclusion Through Trainings

When Sasha pulled into the parking lot of the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion – New Hope, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Her company, located just a few minutes away, had purchased an in-person training on inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. Sasha, who worked in Human Resources at her company, signed up to attend because she enjoys professional development sessions and figured she might learn a few new HR best practices.

What she didn’t expect was to be surprised before she even stepped inside.

“I thought it was going to feel like an old warehouse or clinic,” Sasha admitted later. “I guess that’s just what I’ve pictured, based on things my neighbor has said about a different disability center his niece goes to.”

Instead, Sasha found a bright, modern space with natural light, thoughtful design, and welcoming energy. The host who greeted her offered coffee and a smile and invited her to take a look around.

“It didn’t feel like a ‘disability services’ building,” Sasha said. “It felt like a space I would hang out at on the weekends.”

The training began with an introduction to Lifeworks and what a Center for Disability Inclusion is – a neighborhood space where people with and without disabilities can learn, connect, and build a more inclusive future together. Then the facilitator led the group into the training: how to create workplaces where people with disabilities not only feel welcomed but truly belong.

As the training unfolded, Sasha’s understanding began to shift.

She learned that most disabilities aren’t apparent, and that it’s likely some of her coworkers may already identify as disabled but haven’t disclosed it at work. She was surprised to discover that accessible practices, like flexible work hours or quieter spaces, benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. She heard real stories, reflected on unintentional bias, and got practical tools to take action.

By the end of the session, Sasha walked away with a checklist of easy ways to make her office more inclusive and a whole new mindset.

“I’m  excited to go back to work tomorrow,” she said. “I already have three things I want to start doing differently.”

Before heading out, Sasha lingered in the lobby for a moment and made a mental note to tell her neighbor about the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion – how open, accessible, and beautiful it was, and how it might be a place his niece would prefer.

About the Series

This post is part of our new blog series: “A Day at the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion – New Hope.” Each story in the series reflects real experiences shared with us by people who visit the center – whether for Day Support, Employment, In-Home or Navigation Services, or stopping by for a training, education sessions, or community event.

To honor the privacy of individuals and highlight the many ways people engage with the space, names and details are blended to paint a fuller picture of what accessing a Center for Disability Inclusion looks like in everyday life.

Other Posts in this Series

Finding the Right Support Through Navigation Services

Creating Community Through Day Support Services

Moving Forward with Employment: Where Understanding Meets Opportunity