New NYC subway announcements recorded by children with autism
Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr
New York City subway commuters will be guided by announcements recorded by young New Yorkers in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month. To bring attention to the millions of people living with autism worldwide, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and INCLUDEnyc invited children with autism to record subway announcements that both encourage straphangers to follow transit rules and remind them of Autism Awareness Month. The recordings are playing in select subway stations through Sunday, April 30.
Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr
The MTA unveiled the new subway announcements at the Fulton Center station in Lower Manhattan on Monday. The children, accompanied by their family members, met with MTA leaders, subway conductors, train and bus operators, supervisors, and other transit workers to ask them questions and listen to their announcements being played.
The names of the children who recorded announcements include Adam H., Andrew U., Colin, Elle P. “Froggy,” Elliot C., Morgan C., Rafael R., and Thomas W.
“The MTA is a place for everyone to feel like they belong, and we’re showing that better than ever before by having these kids front and center,” Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility, said.
“Millions of riders will hear these voices in stations telling everyone how much we care about our riders. It is my pleasure to work every day and make it possible for everyone to use the system independently.”
The announcements will play at the following subway stations in 15-minute intervals:
- Fulton Street
- 96th Street
- East 180th Street
- 14th Street Union Square
- Times Square
- 34th Street Penn Station
- Bowling Green
- Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center
- Flatbush Avenue
- Forest Hills 71st Avenue
- Queensboro Plaza
“INCLUDEnyc is thrilled to partner with the MTA in providing an inclusive opportunity for children with autism to make announcements to be shared at various subway stations across NYC during Autism Awareness month,” INCLUDEnyc Executive Director Cheryelle Cruickshank said.
“We want to thank the MTA for this unique opportunity, and we thank all the children and their parents for their participation. We hope that someone hearing one of these announcements will take pause and embrace INCLUDEnyc’s vision of a world with love, equity, and access for children and youth with disabilities.”
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