DAY 1 • TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER • 16.00 – 16.40
Fireside chat / Panel: Small changes, big impact: Designing neuroinclusive spaces without major renovation
A practical exploration of how small, targeted design interventions can significantly improve neuroinclusion without the need for major capital investment.
This session focuses on high-impact, low-barrier changes - from lighting and acoustics to visual clarity and spatial layout — that can reduce sensory and cognitive friction in existing environments.
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Identifying high-impact, low-cost interventions that improve neuroinclusive design
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Reducing sensory and cognitive friction through lighting, acoustics, and spatial clarity
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The impact of visual clutter, contrast, and competing textures on user experience
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How existing environments can be adapted without full redesign or refurbishment
Rachel Jackson, Neuroinclusive Design Consultant, Rachel Jackson Design
Joe Hurst, Key Account Manager, Social Care, Altro
Rachel Jackson
Rachel Jackson is a neuroinclusive interior designer based in Austin, Texas. With twenty years of practice, her work focuses on how environments shape the way nervous systems function.
She specializes in residential design and consults with hospitality groups, builders, and manufacturers applying neuroinclusive principles to public spaces. Some people regulate through quieter, low-stimulation environments; others need more sensory input to focus, and Rachel designs for both.
She founded the Home Design Lab, a learning platform for designers, therapists and organizers, and homeowners. Students from 22 countries have taken her courses and online workshops.
She is a Fitwel Ambassador through the Center for Active Design, an IDCEC CEU provider, and holds Institute for Challenging Disorganization certificates in both ADHD and Chronic Disorganization. In May 2026, she spoke on the future of neuroinclusive hospitality design at HD Expo and saw two of her projects featured in Good Housekeeping's coverage of neuroinclusive design.
Joe Hurst
Joe Hurst is Altro’s UK Social Care Key Account Manager, working closely with a wide range of care home and social care providers, from large multi-site organisations to smaller specialist groups and independent operators.
In his role, Joe builds trusted relationships with key stakeholders, offering expert support, guidance and insight to help ensure floor and wall specifications meet performance, legislative and design requirements. His work is centred on creating environments that are not only high quality and sustainable, but also welcoming and fit for purpose for residents, staff, and visitors alike, ensuring that both physical and emotional wellbeing are considered.
Joe is particularly passionate about the role design plays in supporting wellbeing. He hosts Altro’s Care, Neurodiversity and Inclusivity Forums, where he shares practical guidance on how thoughtful, inclusive design can better support neurodivergent individuals and create spaces that work and enable everyone. This includes promoting equal access, avoiding overly complex floor and wall patterns, and selecting materials that help reduce sensory overload while enhancing safety, comfort, and overall user experience.
Through his work, Joe champions the importance of designing with empathy and insight, helping social care environments become safer, calmer, and more inclusive spaces.