ACCESS | Inclusion | Belonging
MERGE strengthens communities by guiding organizations and individuals in their commitment to disability inclusion. We envision a culture where inclusion is woven into everyday programs and practices. Join us in creating welcoming environments where everyone thrives, fostering diversity, meaningful participation, and a true sense of belonging.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Meet Lisa drennan
Founder & Lead Presenter
Outdoor enthusiast • proud mom • “grammy” to her grand-puppy • storytelling photographer • chocolate junkie • lover of all things Ireland • political advocate
With more than 4 decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their wellness and enrichment goals, Lisa Drennan has dedicated her career to advancing inclusive practices nationwide. A nationally recognized speaker, she has led trainings and workshops across the country, inspiring organizations to think differently about access and belonging.
-
Lisa Drennan has dedicated her life’s work to innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to inclusion—shaping how communities across the country welcome and support individuals of all abilities.
She began her career at New England Village, where she created the groundbreaking Sollar Wellness Center and helped develop Positive Support Techniques and Best Practices for Instructors, setting new standards for inclusive wellness and enrichment programming. Lisa went on to make history as the South Shore YMCA’s first Association Director of Inclusion, where she transformed organizational culture through program development, staff training, and systems-level change. Her leadership extended nationally as Chair of the YMCA of the USA Diverse Abilities Working Group, influencing inclusion practices across the country.
Today, Lisa is the Founder and Lead Presenter of MERGE Inclusion Consulting, bringing more than four decades of experience to organizations seeking to move beyond intention and into meaningful, sustainable inclusion. Her statewide and national impact includes serving as the primary author of the Building Friendships Toolkit for the DDS/ARC Pathways to Friendship Project, teaching Adaptive Physical Activity at UMass Boston, and delivering trainings and workshops nationwide as a nationally recognized speaker.
Lisa is a Certified Inclusivity Assessor through the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center and is widely respected for her ability to help organizations reimagine access, belonging, and participation. Her work blends deep professional expertise with lived passion—guiding communities to see inclusion not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to connect, grow, and empower.
Outside of her professional work, Lisa is an outdoor enthusiast, proud mom, devoted “grammy” to her grand-puppy, storytelling photographer, chocolate enthusiast, lover of all things Ireland, and a passionate political advocate—bringing curiosity, joy, and heart into everything she does.
Our Clients & Community Partners
WHO WE SERVE
MERGE partners with recreation and community-based organizations that serve the general public and are committed to becoming more inclusive, as well as with provider agencies that support individuals with disabilities and their families. Through this work, we help ensure that people of all abilities feel welcomed, actively engaged, and supported to succeed—both within programs and across the broader community.
MERGE Inclusion Consulting proudly collaborates with a wide range of organizations locally and nationwide to advance meaningful community inclusion. Our partners and collaborators include:
National youth-serving organizations, such as YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Jewish Community Centers (JCCs)
City, town, and municipal recreation departments across the country
Summer camps and afterschool programs, public and private
Community-based sports teams, leagues, and programs ranging from youth soccer to adaptive fitness
Instructional program providers in fitness, the arts, and enrichment
Faith-based and civic organizations, including churches, libraries, Scouts, and first responder departments
City, town, and municipal committees working to embed inclusion into policy and practice
State agencies and provider organizations serving individuals with disabilities
consultation services
MERGE offers tailored services to meet the unique needs of your organization. Every partnership begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your current inclusion practices and identify opportunities for growth.
- Customized Staff Training
Interactive sessions for groups of 2 to 200, designed to enhance knowledge and practical skills in disability inclusion.
- On-Site or Virtual Coaching
Individualized support for inclusion staff, program leaders, coaches, and instructors to help implement inclusive policies and strategies effectively.
-Program Development Support
Guidance on creating inclusive procedures and adaptive tools to ensure meaningful participation for individuals of all abilities.
-Marketing and Communications Consultation
Expert review of language and promotional strategies to ensure inclusive, welcoming communication across all platforms.
-Workplace Support for Employers and HR Teams
Tools and guidance to engage, support, and supervise employees with diverse abilities, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
-Accessibility Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations of programs, policies, procedures, and physical spaces conducted by a Certified Inclusion Accessibility Assessor, with a focus on inclusive design and ADA compliance.
-On-Call Behavioral Support
Real-time coaching and observation to help staff respond effectively to behavioral challenges and build team confidence.
Keynotes & PresentationS
Looking to inspire action and spark change at your next event?
MERGE Inclusion Consulting delivers powerful, engaging speaking engagements that blend lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Whether in person or virtual, presentations energize audiences and equip them with real-world strategies to build more welcoming, accessible communities.
​From national conferences to local panels, MERGE speakers leave a lasting impression—challenging assumptions, sharing practical tools, and shifting the conversation toward what’s possible when everyone is included.
WHAT DOES INCLUSION REALLY MEAN?
Discover what true inclusion looks like—and what it doesn’t. This short video explores how we can build cultures where people with disabilities feel welcomed, valued, and supported to belong. ​
Bonus: It was created by a talented neurodivergent student!
diverse abilities profile
MERGE is committed to empowering recreation, camp, sport, and community programs to feel confident and equipped to successfully include individuals of all abilities.
The support MERGE provides is designed to benefit and promote the inclusion of children, teens, and adults with autism, developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, as well as those who are neurodiverse or navigating mental health, medical, or social-emotional challenges. In short, we support anyone seeking to access and participate fully in community programs alongside their peers.
​Commit to inclusion for all—contact MERGE today.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE CHOSEN MERGE
