Columbus-based disability-led organization will develop Virtual Resource Navigator app and transit provider training for neurodivergent travelers
Columbus, Ohio – Independence Through Interdependence (ITI), a disability-led 501(c)(3) organization, has been awarded $438,750 by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities through its Innovative Technology Solutions grant. The 21-month grant supports ITI’s Mobility Autonomy Program (MAP) through testing and refining comprehensive transit support technology and developing transit provider training to help them serve autistic and neurodivergent adults across Central Ohio.
A 2021 report from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council found 39% of people with developmental disabilities can only sometimes find needed transportation and 7% never can, while only 33% feel they can use transportation options on their schedule. These barriers limit employment, healthcare access, and community participation. Traditional approaches fail to address the complex coordination needed across trip planning, communication supports, and emergency protocols for neurodivergent travelers with invisible disabilities.
MAP addresses this problem through an integrated solution combining AI-powered technology with provider education. The Virtual Resource Navigator (VRN) will serve as a real-time trip companion and planning resource, providing emotional regulation support, step-by-step guidance, and personalized navigation based on individual accessibility needs. The project will also develop digital training modules for transit providers on autism-specific support protocols, sensory overwhelm recognition, and communication strategies.
Jen Schlegel of BeEnabled and Owen Myers of Punch Card are consulting on the project. Beta testing will include paid participation from neurodivergent adults representing Ohio Medicaid demographics.
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. Learn more about it on ITI’s website.
Future plans include scaling successful solutions beyond Central Ohio and establishing sustainable funding models for program replication in other regions.
For more information or to join our mailing list, contact Dr. Shannan 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]
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