Inclusive Therapies: The CoLab

The CoLab is a dynamic, year-round adaptive skills group housed in our modern, 4,000-square-foot tech-integrated facility in Hayward, CA. Designed for neurodivergent and developmentally disabled individuals ages 13 and up, The CoLab offers targeted support in social communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and everyday life skills—all through a lens of inclusion, autonomy, and emerging adulthood.

What do folks do at the CoLab?

Makers Lab: 3D printers, sewing machines, vinyl presses and other equipment is available for folks to unleash their creativity.

Media Lab: Podcasting, video editing, photography, TikToks, Instagram, everything socials.

Gamers Lab: Streaming, VR consoles, and PC gaming available to support folks in navigating these worlds.

Taste Lab: A full kitchen available to create. Whether its delicious food or a cooking channel.

Community Integration: Community is key. We are hyper local and work with our neighbors.

Hours of Operation: The CoLab runs Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. 

Location: 1275 A Street Hayward, CA 94541

The CoLab: Program Description

The program emphasizes age-appropriate experiences including identity exploration, digital and social media literacy, romantic relationships, and consent education. Facilitated entirely by trained Skills Coaches under master's-level supervision, The CoLab bridges traditional skill-building with 21st-century readiness.

Operational Details

• Location: 1275 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541

• Schedule Options: Monday–Friday, with flexible blocks: 9:00–12:00, 12:00–3:00, 3:00–6:00 PM; full-day options available

• Client-to-Staff Ratio: Maintained at 4:1; 3:1; and 2:1

• Population Served: Ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals ages 13–25 with mild to moderate support needs Service Components (Adaptive Skills Focus)

Program Details

Our program integrates practical, social, and tech-based skill development, including:

• Social-Emotional Learning Participants build emotional intelligence and real-life relationship skills through engaging, age-relevant topics including:

• Conflict resolution and self-advocacy

• Emotional regulation and setting healthy boundaries

• Navigating identity, dating, and consent

• Age-appropriate discussions on sex, gender, and relationships

• Digital life skills, such as managing group chats, handling online conflict, and understanding social norms across platforms.

• Interest-Based and Experiential Learning Participants explore their interests through tech-enhanced and collaborative projects designed to promote creativity, confidence, and connection:

• Video production, podcasting, and online content creation • Digital storytelling through platforms like Canva, CapCut, or iMovie

• Collaborative art and maker projects

• Movement-based expression (e.g., dance, yoga, sensory regulation)

• Game-based social learning, including console gaming, card/board games, and virtual co-op activities This blend of creative media, movement, and play allows participants to express themselves authentically while building community with peers.

Executive Functioning Participants develop essential life-management skills using modern tech tools that support independence and success in school, work, and daily life:

• Digital time management using apps like Google Calendar, Notion, Trello, or Clockify

• Goal setting and habit-building through interactive planning tools

• Organizing tasks, creating routines, and managing transitions

• Career and college readiness through digital research, application tracking, and mock interview prep

• Tools for managing executive overload and building focus in a distraction-heavy world

• Adulting Essentials Participants learn everyday life skills with a tech-forward, functional approach designed to make independent living accessible, engaging, and empowering:

• Cooking with step-by-step video tutorials, smart appliances, and digital grocery lists

• Personal care and hygiene routines using visual schedules or reminder apps

• Budgeting and shopping with real-world practice using price comparison tools and online budgeting platforms

• Connected Living & Local Integration We combine in-person community outings with digital literacy tools to support real-world independence and confidence navigating public life:

• Using ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft, Waymo) safely and independently

• Ordering food and essentials through DoorDash, Instacart, Amazon, and learning to manage delivery logistics

• Practicing digital payments with Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Venmo

• Practicing communication and interaction in community settings like cafés, libraries, and retail shops

Information

For more information about enrollment email TheColab@inclusivetherapies.com or Text (510)422-2090.

Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to contact us with any other questions.

    • Insurance: We are contracted with most commercial insurance plans as well as Medi-Cal.

    • Regional Center: If you are a Regional Center consumer, we also have contracts in place with them.

    • Schools: We are developing partnerships with local schools to expand access.

    • H.A.R.D. : We are establishing a connection with our local recreation office to offer monthly enrichment classes.

    • Adult Education Programs: Ask bout our services through your program.

    • Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available for families in need.

    • Private Pay: We offer private pay options on a subsidized basis.

  • Once we have a referral for you (or your adolescent) from one of our contracted partners, you will receive an initial assessment where we determine your goals and create a plan to achieve them. Once that is complete we submit this plan for approval. Once we receive approval we will schedule a time for you to begin!

    If you are a scholarship recipient or private pay partner, you will go through a similar process.

  • Our space is specifically designed with young adults in mind. This includes teenager and adolescents up until young adulthood.

  • We are not a licensed childcare facility.

  • No, our program is designed for peer immersion and socialization. This will require for parents/guardians to drop off and pick up off underage participants.

  • Yes! We offer sliding scale or fee for service for individual classes. Moreover, we have limited scholarships available from our community partnerships.

  • We have three block options available, that includes morning, midday, and afternoon groups. We also offer half and full day participation for youth that qualify.

  • At this time we do not offer transport services. Parents can drop off or make arrangements with current transport services.

  • Our group sizes can be 2, 3 of 4 participants per group. The level of support needed will be determined during the intake process.

  • Groups are facilitated by our coaches and supervised by our Clinic Director, a master’s level practitioner.