Designing for Everyone: Advancing Neuro Inclusion in Associations

In this episode of The Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, is joined by Celia Zamora, CAE, Executive Director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, and Jen Mehltretter, CAE, Director of Membership and Constituent Services at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, to discuss new research from the ASAE Research Foundation and MPI Foundation, Enhancing Neuro Inclusive Practices in Associations. The conversation explores why neuro inclusion is gaining urgency—shaping how associations foster belonging, support learning, and create meaningful connections—while also unpacking why it often goes unaddressed due to stigma, uncertainty, and fear of getting it wrong. Together, they outline a shift from reactive accommodations to proactive, universal design, sharing practical approaches for meetings and workplaces, from advance materials and flexible formats to sensory considerations and intentional breaks. They also discuss how to embed neuro inclusion into strategy, governance, and measurement—moving beyond individual champions to sustained organizational commitment. The episode highlights the role of thoughtful data, continuous feedback, and iteration in improving engagement, retention, and authentic participation across the association community. Access the report, Enhancing Neuroinclusive Practices in Associations, here: https://foundation.asaecenter.org/research/neuroinclusion/   The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings.