A celebration of differences is the theme for the MTA’s campaign to recognize Autism Awareness Month inside NYC subways this April, the agency announced on Tuesday.
Dozens of New Yorkers with autism, their families and disability rights organizations gathered at the Fulton Street subway station in Manhattan — home to the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J and Z trains — to launch a new PSA campaign to recognize people with autism and double down on the importance of subway safety.
The campaign’s centerpiece is a series of familiar safety announcements recorded by the voices of people of all ages who have autism.
The announcements will air in 11 of the agency’s 472 subway stations throughout the city through April 30.
Some recordings include courtesy tidbits such as, “Let people leave the train before you get on” and “Remember to remove your backpack before getting on the train.”
“Today at the MTA, we gather to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, a time to honor the diversity of minds, experiences, and to make our community stronger, more compassionate and more creative,” NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said. “Autism acceptance is about more than just awareness. It’s about understanding, it’s about inclusion and it’s about respect.”
Through the MTA’s partnership with the NYC Department of Education, INCLUDEnyc and other advocacy groups, 30 New Yorkers participated in the campaign, including 12-year-old train fan, Colin, who recorded an announcement about inclusivity.
“Hello passengers. My name is Colin and I’m 12 years old. I’d like to let you know that it is Autism Awareness Month. Let’s work together to make the subway an inclusive space,” Colin’s message states.
NYC commuters will also hear an announcement from Gabriel, another young NYC Transit fan on the trains.
“Let’s celebrate our differences this April and make space for all on the subway,” Gabriel’s PSA says. “Speaking of space, remember to remove your backpack before getting on the train. Have a nice day!”
The newly recorded announcements will run through April 30 at various stations:
- Fulton Street A/C/J/Z/2/3/4/5
- 96 St Q
- E 180 St 2/5
- 14 St Union Square L/N/Q/R/W/4/5/6
- Times Square N/Q/R/W/4/5/6
- 34th St Penn Station 1/2/3
- Bowling Green 4/5
- Atlantic Av Barclays B/D/N/Q/R/2/3/4/5
- Flatbush Av 2/5
- Forest Hills 71st Av E/F/M/R
- Queensboro Plaza N/W/7
Christopher Greif, from the NYC Transit’s advisory committee on transit accessibility, applauded the campaign.
“I can not wait to hear those announcements at the stations,” he said.
