Columbus-based disability-led organization will support self-employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Ohio
Columbus, Ohio – Independence Through Interdependence (ITI), a disability-led 501(c)(3) organization, has been awarded $295,800 by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) in response to its Growing Self-Employment Supports RFP. The 24-month project will provide accessible entrepreneurship training and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and related conditions.
Athina Peterson has agreed to come onboard as Director of Innovation and Program Development to lead the program. Peterson served as Central Ohio market manager for SEAChange, a social enterprise accelerator, where she advised more than 30 startups. Peterson also served as ACE Program Manager at Central Community House and completed a Miller Fellowship with Yellow Springs Community Foundation.
“Athina guided ITI through establishing ITI Lab during her tenure at SEAChange,” said Dr. Shannan Palma, Co-Executive Director of ITI. “We could not have accomplished all that we’ve done without her and we are beyond thrilled to collaborate with a leader of her caliber in reimagining what entrepreneurship training looks like for the range of people with brains and bodies like ours.”
ITI CIRCLE addresses critical gaps in Ohio’s entrepreneurship support systems.
Despite 105% growth in I/DD self-employment between 2022 and 2023, existing resources remain underutilized. I/DD is an umbrella term for chronic disabilities that emerge before age 22 and impact people throughout their lifespans. These conditions can be more or less disabling depending on support needs and available resources.
DODD launched a Self-Employment Think Tank to begin the process of increasing resources in this area. “We need support to move the work forward. This Think Tank has illuminated the reality that existing entrepreneurship resources for people without disabilities are under-utilized by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities due to a lack of knowledge by the disability community and lack of training with small business resources on working with people with disabilities.”
I/DD entrepreneurs who rely on Medicaid for essential support services face additional complexity navigating income limits that could compromise access to the supports necessary to run their businesses. They need peer mentoring that addresses these competing interests when growing and scaling their businesses.
“I’m approaching ITI CIRCLE with a commitment to build systems that uplift people, not just programs. My focus is to create an incubator rooted in dignity, accessibility, and long term impact, one that equips every participant with the tools, confidence, and community they need to truly thrive.” said Peterson.
ITI CIRCLE differentiates itself from existing accelerators by supporting I/DD entrepreneurs who want to create sustainable businesses that support them and their families, rather than focusing exclusively on mission-driven social enterprises or scalable ventures. The program will deliver an eight-session training program combining traditional business concepts with disability-specific supports including energy management, sensory considerations, and sustainable work practices. An advisory board consisting of majority I/DD entrepreneurs will guide program development. A microgrant program will provide $1,500 grants to a minimum of 20 Ohio businesses.
ITI plans to pilot the program for Ohio entrepreneurs before scaling nationally.
For more information or to join our mailing list, contact Dr. Palma at [email protected].
About Independence Through Interdependence
Independence Through Interdependence (ITI) is a disability-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds capacity for self-advocacy and disability-led research and service delivery in support of neurodivergent wellbeing.
Media Contact: Dr. Shannan Palma, Co-Executive Director, Independence Through Interdependence Email: [email protected]