Sarah Ischer, CIH, CSP
Senior Director, Expertise
What Works Institute
Neuroinclusive Safety: Leveraging Cognitive Diversity to Strengthen EHS Leadership
Roughly one in five people are neurodivergent, meaning they may perceive hazards, process information, and engage with safety systems differently. Yet many EHS programs are still designed with a “one-size-fits-all” cognitive style – relying on dense manuals, lengthy briefings, or rigid reporting systems.
This session challenges EHS leaders to move beyond compliance and toward inclusion. Through the lens of neurodiversity, we’ll explore how to:
- Recognize how cognitive differences influence safety perception, decision-making, and risk tolerance
- Reimagine training, hazard communication, and emergency response to reduce cognitive overload and increase clarity
- Incorporate inclusive practices such as alternative reporting methods, sensory-friendly design, and visual cues
- Build psychological safety and engagement by embedding neurodiversity into organizational culture and EHS leadership strategies
Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap for integrating neurodiversity into their EHS systems – unlocking stronger participation, improved safety outcomes, and a culture that works for every brain.
Sarah Ischer is the Senior Director of Expertise at the What Works Institute. She is an enthusiastic health and safety leader with over a decade of experience across various industries.
Prior to joining the What Works team, she led the MSD Solutions Lab at the National Safety Council and functioned as the workplace safety subject matter expert for many of the programs. In addition to these roles, she was the EHS Manager for the Council.
Most of her career has been spent as a practicing Industrial Hygienist in complex manufacturing facilities, overseeing ergonomics, hearing conservation, chemical management, ventilation controls, TSCA and others. She led employee engagement teams and was a Radiation Safety Officer and is LSS Green Belt Certified.
Sarah graduated from the University of Iowa with a MS in Occupational and Environmental Health, with her research focus in bioaerosols and agricultural health. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, AIHA member, and was appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety & Health in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in the community.