Project

Mobility Autonomy Program (MAP)

The Mobility Autonomy Program (MAP) is a comprehensive multi-project initiative to improve transportation access and autonomy for autistic adults in Central Ohio through innovative technology solutions and community partnerships.

With support from The Columbus Foundation, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

Details

The Mobility Autonomy Program (MAP) addresses transportation barriers through an integrated partnership ecosystem that combines cutting-edge technology with community-centered solutions. Following our completed Phase 1 needs assessment with 120+ stakeholders and experts, MAP now focuses on developing practical, user-centered solutions that address individual, environmental, and systemic transportation challenges.

ITI partners with key organizations to create holistic support: ITI Lab develops AI-powered assistive technology. Unmuted Grace provides speech generating device training and support for nonspeaking/minimally speaking people. Sidewalk Sidekick crowdsources real-time accessibility data. BeEnabled brings disability-led experiential learning to transit provider trainings. And Punch Card ensures technical development aligns with user experience research.

This integrated approach ensures technological solutions are supported by trained providers, informed by real accessibility data, and accessible to nonspeaking community members – creating a replicable model for improving transportation autonomy nationwide.

Mobility Autonomy Program timeline

IN DEVELOPMENT

Virtual Resource Navigator: Comprehensive Transit Assistance for Neurodivergent Minds

The Virtual Resource Navigator is an app that will serve as both a real-time trip companion and planning resource, providing emotional regulation support, step-by-step guidance, personalized navigation assistance based on your accessibility needs and preferences, and additional features that address neurodivergent challenges with transit. Through partnerships with ITI Lab and Punchcard for UX research and development, this technology solution will leverage AI to map individual accessibility needs to specific recommendations, ultimately expanding community engagement opportunities for autistic adults who currently face transportation barriers limiting employment, healthcare access, and social participation.

Key Features:

  • Digital Accessibility Profile Tool: Personalized assessment system that creates individualized user profiles based on sensory needs, communication and travel preferences, mobility requirements, and anxiety triggers
  • Integrated Trip Experience Support: Real-time assistance that breaks down trips into manageable steps, incorporates neurodivergent-specific tips and tools, provides time management support (preparation time calculations, optimal departure timing), and helps users navigate obstacles safely and calmly (changes in route, boarding incorrect transit, heavy traffic, getting lost, etc.)
  • AI-powered recommendation engine that maps individual accessibility profiles to relevant resources
  • End-to-End Journey Navigation: Seamless support from initial trip preparation through planning to active riding, with context-aware resource delivery
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