Science for Everyone: Moving Beyond ADA in Lab Design

2025 Lab Design Conference speaker—Michele Pollio, senior laboratory planner, SmithGroup

When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, it laid the groundwork for improving accessibility in public buildings. But as laboratory design professionals are discovering, true inclusivity in lab environments requires going well beyond the minimum ADA standards.

During their 2025 Lab Design Conference session Science for Everyone: Beyond ADA, SmithGroup senior laboratory planner Michele Pollio and lab planner Alan Massey explored how inclusive design can better serve the full spectrum of human abilities—both visible and non-visible—while maintaining safety and functionality in technical environments.

“This is about bringing a variety of people into the space and having them be successful,” said Pollio. “This is not just about checking the box.”

Reframing accessibility in technical spaces

Laboratories introduce unique design challenges when compared to standard commercial spaces. The need for safety, complex equipment, chemical storage, and adaptable workflows can make universal accessibility more difficult to achieve. But the speakers emphasized that addressing these challenges from the beginning of a project—not as an afterthought—can make all the difference.

“Technical spaces often have more constraints,” Massey noted, “but we shouldn’t let that be an excuse to do the bare minimum.”

The presenters urged attendees to expand their understanding of what accessibility means, incorporating needs related to non-visible disabilities (NVDs), such as autism, anxiety, PTSD, or motor control issues. They emphasized that neurodivergent individuals often encounter barriers that aren’t addressed by current standards.

“A lot of accessibility standards are designed for physical disabilities, but what if someone is overwhelmed by alarms or lighting or needs a quiet place to recover from stress?” said Massey. “We need to consider these as real design needs too.”

Start with empathy, not codes

2025 Lab Design Conference speaker—Alan Massey, lab planner, SmithGroup

Pollio and Massey challenged lab planners and architects in attendance at the Lab Design Conference to think beyond compliance and instead lead with empathy and listening. Rather than beginning with building codes, they suggested starting with user engagement—especially with individuals from communities that are often overlooked.

“Codes are a baseline, not a goal,” said Pollio. “We need to ask: Who are we not hearing from? Who’s not at the table when we’re planning these spaces?”

The speakers recommended gathering input through anonymous surveys, accessibility audits, or inviting diverse user groups into planning sessions. Not all individuals are comfortable disclosing their disabilities, especially non-visible ones, so allowing for multiple feedback methods can surface needs that might otherwise remain hidden.

Practical strategies for inclusive lab design

The session highlighted several actionable strategies to make laboratory spaces more inclusive and accessible over the long term:

Design for flexibility

Laboratories should be tunable environments—spaces that can adapt to the varied and changing needs of different users over time. “You may not know who your next hire will be,” Massey said. “Designing with adjustability in mind future-proofs the space.”

Adjustable-height benches, movable casework, and multiple work zone configurations allow labs to accommodate users with different mobility needs, heights, or sensitivities.

Address sensory accessibility

Lighting, acoustics, and visual clutter can impact people with sensory processing challenges. The presenters advised planning quiet rooms, minimizing harsh lighting, and allowing users to control their environment when possible.

“Sensory regulation is a huge part of accessibility,” said Pollio. “People need the ability to step away and reset.” This can be as simple as using dimmable lighting, reducing alarm volume, or providing noise-dampening materials in open labs.

Reevaluate emergency protocols

Lab safety protocols—especially in emergencies—must account for a wide range of users. For example, flashing alarms may be disorienting for individuals with epilepsy or sensory disorders, while audible-only alarms don’t serve those with hearing impairments.

“In an emergency, every second counts,” Massey said. “We need to make sure everyone can evacuate safely and get help if needed.” Strategies include multi-sensory alarms, visual signage, and clear, intuitive exit pathways.

Train staff and plan for change

Even the best-designed lab can become inaccessible if staff aren’t trained or if protocols don’t reflect inclusive values. Regular training, mock scenarios, and adaptive planning help teams stay responsive.

“Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done process,” said Pollio. “As users change, the space has to change with them.”

They recommended building in accessibility check-ins during facility assessments, renovations, or onboarding of new staff.

Redefining success in lab design

Ultimately, the Lab Design Conference speakers framed inclusive design not as a limitation but as an opportunity for innovation and equity. Designing for accessibility improves not only the experience of people with disabilities, but also enhances safety, productivity, and satisfaction for all lab users.

“Universal design makes spaces better for everyone—not just people with disabilities,” Massey said. “It’s about dignity, independence, and belonging.”

By moving beyond compliance checklists and embracing the spirit of inclusivity, lab designers can ensure science truly is for everyone.

For lab managers and project teams planning renovations or new construction with accessibility in mind, the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL (May 11–14) offers a valuable opportunity to learn from peers and industry experts. Visit https://www.labdesignconference.com/ to receive updates on this interactive, solutions-focused event.