ExploreAbility
ExploreAbility began with a simple Vision:
“Inclusion. Innovation. Independence.”
About Us
ExploreAbility is a family-run organization built on a lifetime of experience, shared values, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Owners Nicole and Brandon MacLean—along with their two children and, of course, their dog—have dedicated their lives to creating accessible, meaningful spaces for neurodivergent children, youth, adults, and families.
Nicole and Brandon met while working at a camp for people with disabilities, and that early experience shaped both their partnership and their purpose. Their work has taken them across Canada and overseas: Nicole as an Occupational Therapist and Queen’s University graduate, and Brandon as a Camp Director and inclusion specialist.
Together, they have supported thousands of individuals and families, offering therapy, program design, innovation, and practical solutions rooted in compassion, expertise, and lived experience. ExploreAbility reflects not just their professional backgrounds—but their family’s belief that every person deserves environments where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
Our Mission :
Exploreability empowers organizations and individuals to create inclusive, accessible, and sensory-friendly environments. Through expert consultation, adaptive design, and hands-on training, we help camps, schools, and community spaces welcome and support neurodiverse individuals with confidence, compassion, and creativity.
Our Vision:
To build a world where accessibility and inclusion are seamlessly woven into every environment — from summer camps to classrooms and homes — ensuring that people of all abilities can explore, connect, and thrive.
Meet the Team
Nicole: Founder/ Lead Therapist
Nicole MacLean has over 25 years of experience working with children and their caregivers, including parents, educators and supporting professionals. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge and perspectives about how to best support children with diverse needs. She has led and facilitated sessions for teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, early childhood educators and fellow therapists. She is a dynamic and inspiring presenter that shares her understanding of how to best support children. Presentations are interactive and provide valuable strategies and resources to help children thrive.
Nicole can cover a variety of topics including Neuro-affirming practices, Emotional Regulation, Sensory needs, Fine motor skills, executive functioning skills and daily activities of daily living skills. Nicole will meet with you to discuss your goals for the session and how to best meet the needs of your target audience.
For parents and caregivers supporting children and helping them thrive can come with lots of complexities. Nicole has been providing parent/caregiver coaching for the past 5 years to families with neurodiverse children and young adults ranging in ages from 3-25. She develops trust and connection with caregivers to support them in navigating their everyday lives. She works with you to co-create goals and provide practical solutions that fit into your life.
Brandon: Founder/ Inclusion Specialist/ Designer
With over 35 years of experience in Disability leadership, Brandon MacLean brings deep expertise in program design, staff development, and inclusive recreation. He has served at a director at multiple disability organizations across Canada and in New Zealand, developing a strong reputation for creating accessible, welcoming programs for people with diverse needs and abilities.
Brandon’s unique combination of engaging leadership and disability inclusion expertise allows him to help organizations to redesign programs, adapt facilities, and build systems that support meaningful participation for all People . He is an experienced presenter and facilitator who delivers engaging, practical workshops on leadership, team dynamics, and inclusive program design. All training sessions are fully customizable to meet the needs of each organization.
Brandon has extensive experience with mobility and accessibility equipment through years of work in medical equipment supply and adaptive recreation. He brings hands-on knowledge of assessing, adjusting, and testing adaptive gear—from off-road powerchairs to sensory spaces and specialized program tools.
Brandon approaches every challenge with creativity and curiosity. Rather than thinking “outside the box,” he asks a deeper question: What if there is no box? This mindset allows him to design innovative, practical solutions that strengthen programs and enhance accessibility across all settings.
He is available for consulting, mentoring, workshops, and guest speaking engagements.
