Lifeworks Employment Services (LES)—Boston has established a new employment collaboration with Inclusive Fitness, a neuroadaptive gym in West Roxbury, opening more doors to meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this collaboration, LES-Boston participants Ned and Sean have each secured roles at the fitness center, where they are building job skills, gaining confidence, and contributing to a welcoming and supportive community.

Ned and Sean, both supported by Lifeworks’ Employment Services program, began working at Inclusive Fitness in West Roxbury earlier this year. The inclusive gym, founded in 2019 by Kristina and Greg Austin, and co-founder Kristin Abendroth, was created out of a personal mission: the Austins’ son Lucas is autistic, and they experienced firsthand how difficult it was to find accessible, functional fitness programs tailored to neurodivergent people. They launched Inclusive Fitness to change that — creating a welcoming space where neurodivergent athletes can build real strength for life, with expert coaching, a sensory-friendly environment, and adaptive programming tailored to each athlete’s needs and goals.

“Inclusive Fitness isn’t just a place to work out, it’s a place to belong,” Kristin said. “We presume competence, build trust through relationships, and then create opportunities to grow. That philosophy guides how we coach our athletes and how we support everyone on our team.”

Ned and Sean each work several hours per week, performing custodial and maintenance responsibilities that help keep the gym running smoothly. Their roles include cleaning equipment and weights, vacuuming, organizing fitness spaces, and maintaining locker and restrooms.

For Sean, it’s his first experience in a paid job.

“At first I was nervous,” he said. “But as the weeks passed by, I kinda got better at it. I like it a lot. Everyone is really courteous.”

In addition to now working at Inclusive Fitness, Sean participated in community service opportunities through Lifeworks, including Meals on Wheels and a local food pantry. He’s been part of the LES-Boston program for about a year and a half.

Ned, who has been with Lifeworks for nearly two years, also enjoys the structure, social environment, and meaningful responsibilities at the gym.

“I really enjoy learning new things, making connections, and lunchtime,” he said with a smile.

He also helps with fitness equipment upkeep and said he feels like “part of the team.” Ned was honored with an Outstanding Volunteer Award at Lifeworks Annual Employment Services last November for his community service work with Meals on Wheels, local soup kitchens, and food pantries.

Kristin noted that onboarding Ned and Sean was a thoughtful and personalized process, and one that has been mutually rewarding.

“We took a gradual, intentional approach,” she said. “We worked closely with Lifeworks to understand what they needed to succeed — their goals, strength and training needs — and that collaboration made all the difference. Both Ned and Sean are valuable members of the team — hard-working, dependable, and friendly. We love having them as a part of our community.”

Today, Inclusive Fitness provides more than 650 sessions per month, including one-on-one, semi-private, and small group training classes. With a team of 10 specialized coaches and a second location opening in Burlington, MA this June, the organization continues to grow. As Inclusive Fitness expands, so does its commitment to building strength for a purpose — empowering people to live healthy, active lives. This mission extends beyond athletes to the workplace, grounded in a strong belief in hiring people with different abilities and creating an inclusive space where everyone can build strength, confidence and community together.

Lifeworks, a nonprofit human services organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helps dozens of individuals each year prepare for, find, and succeed in employment.

“Our partnership with Inclusive Fitness is a great example of how inclusive hiring benefits everyone,” said Greg Eustis, Job Developer at Lifeworks. “Ned and Sean are thriving, and Inclusive Fitness has been a truly exceptional partner.”

Lifeworks is seeking to build relationships with more inclusive employers across industries. To learn how your business can partner with Lifeworks Employment Services and discover the value of inclusive hiring, please contact Lifeworks LES-Boston at 617-323-7400.