By: Matt Emma

For many families, planning a simple outing, dinner at a restaurant, a weekend activity, or enrolling a child in a class is second nature. But for families with special needs, those same decisions often come with uncertainty, stress, and a long list of unanswered questions.

That is what led Atlanta tech founder Ashley Hanchett to create INCLUO, a platform designed to help families discover inclusive spaces for special needs families in Metro Atlanta and beyond.

A Personal Experience Turned Purpose-Driven Platform

Ashley Hanchett did not set out to build a tech company. She set out to solve a problem she experienced every day.

As the mother of a child with special needs, she experienced firsthand the mental load that comes with everyday environments. Simple questions, like whether a space was sensory-friendly or if the staff knew how to accommodate her child, often went unanswered.

“Too often, families like mine are left guessing,” Hanchett has shared. “You want your child to experience the world, but you’re constantly weighing whether a space will truly meet your needs.”

That gap between intention and access became the foundation for INCLUO.

From Isolation to Information

What makes INCLUO different is the way it helps families prepare before they arrive.

Rather than functioning as a basic directory, the platform is designed to help families “know before they go.” It provides insight into whether a business, activity, or organization is truly inclusive and not just labeled that way.

At launch, INCLUO is focused on the Greater Atlanta area, highlighting options across extracurricular activities like dance, sports, and music programs. It also includes restaurants and family-friendly dining spaces, entertainment venues, and community organizations. The platform features businesses that offer adaptive services and accessible environments, and it continues to grow through community input, allowing users to recommend inclusive spaces directly through the website and app.

Why Metro Atlanta Was the Starting Point

Choosing to launch in Atlanta was not accidental; it was a strategic decision. Metro Atlanta is a fast-growing region with an active business community and a strong sense of local connection. Yet, like many cities, there is still a disconnect between businesses that want to be inclusive and families who need to know where those spaces actually exist.

As an Atlanta-based founder, Hanchett saw an opportunity to bridge that gap locally before expanding nationally. By starting in her own community, she is building a model that can grow while remaining grounded in real user needs.

Redefining What Inclusion Looks Like

INCLUO also challenges a common misconception: that inclusion is only about physical accessibility. True inclusion, as Hanchett defines it, goes deeper. It is about staff awareness and training, environmental awareness, flexibility in programming and participation, and a genuine sense of welcome for all families.

“Being listed as inclusive should mean something,” she emphasizes. “It’s not just about checking a box. It’s about creating an environment where families feel seen and supported.”

That philosophy is shaping how businesses are featured on the platform and how users engage with it.

Building More Than a Platform

While INCLUO is a tech platform, its mission extends beyond technology. Its focus is on connection and helping families feel more confident, included, and part of their communities.

It is also about accountability. By spotlighting businesses that prioritize inclusive practices, INCLUO encourages others to examine how their spaces, teams, and programs can better serve families with different needs.

For businesses, inclusion can also support stronger relationships with the families they serve. When families feel welcomed and accommodated, they are more likely to return, recommend a business, and view that business as part of their trusted community.

A Growing Movement, Not Just a Launch

As INCLUO expands into new markets, its impact has the potential to reach beyond Metro Atlanta.

But the heart of the platform remains the same: one mother’s determination to make everyday life easier, not just for her own family, but for countless others facing similar challenges.

For Atlanta tech founder Ashley Hanchett, INCLUO is not just a startup; it is a solution rooted in lived experience.

And for families searching for inclusive spaces for special needs families in Metro Atlanta, it is a long-overdue step toward exploring the world with confidence.