The MTA said it would reverse courses and revive a popular program that will allow autistic students to record public service announcements across the metro system.
Transit Agency cancelled the program in 2024 and informed the leaders of the group working with children with autism that it refused to continue this year's application.
The Metropolitan Transportation Office's top official clearly has changed his mind.
The MTA was co-hosted with children with autism in 2022 and 2023. Published Press Release Advertise the program.
“I am writing to let you know that the MTA has decided to honor your child this year. I am very pleased,” said Jonathan Trichter's chief. Autism Transport Project, I told the parents of autistic children on e-letter.
When making an announcement in the Autism Acceptance Month in April, the MTA will work with another group, including another group that will also work with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Includenyc co-hosted the program in 2023.
“This is great news. That's the right thing to do,” said parent Brenna Coles.
Her son, Morgan, 8, has recorded public service announcements over the past few years and hopes to do so again.
“It's great to showcase your kids their abilities and why they matter,” Coles said.
Parents who had planned to testify to seek reinstatement at the MTA board meeting on Wednesday were notified that they would be renewed on Tuesday.
Calles praised the stories posted for reviving the program.
“We are delighted to be working with the MTA again on the Autism Transport Project on behalf of NYC children with autism and other disabilities, as well as families who love trains and everything!”
MTA Chair Janno Lieber argued that there was a misunderstanding.
“Our autism program was ongoing and existed a long time ago,” Lieber said following Wednesday's MTA Board meeting.
“No. 1, we run autism programmes not only once a year, but all year round. There are many programs, especially in April.
“And there was confusion because there's one outfit. [Autism Transit Project] It was misunderstood that you were taking that commentary. We had an exclusive relationship with them. They are private schools,” he said.
“We are working with public schools that serve this population, a population of special needs, so misconceptions are resolved and we will continue to carry on many programs with that population.”
Shanifa Riera, MTA's chief customer officer, argued that the agency “promised to highlight this community.”
“We use 10,000 digital screens to highlight the month of acceptance of autism, and illuminate many of the busy terminals to bring awareness to our customers and everyone in the city,” Riera said.
Frustrated that the MTA had denied his request to revive the program, Trichter declined to comment Wednesday.
