Children With Autism Voiced Announcements to be Played Throughout New York City Transit System  

Announcements Unveiled at Fulton Center Ceremony with Parents and Transit Workers  

Listen to Announcements Here 

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today invited children with autism to Fulton Center  subway station in Lower Manhattan to unveil subway announcements that will be played in select stations across the transit system in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month. In partnership with INCLUDEnyc, the children recorded subway service announcements advising customers to follow subway rules of conduct while reminding riders that it is Autism Awareness Month. Family members accompanied children to meet MTA leaders, subway conductors, train operators, a bus operator, train service supervisor, customer service agent and other transit workers to ask them questions and listen to their announcements being played.  

To increase awareness and celebrate the millions of people living with Autism, the children’s recorded announcements began playing on Monday, April 10 in select stations for the millions of subway riders who use the system throughout the city daily. The announcements will play through Sunday, April 30.  

“The MTA is honored take part in Autism Awareness Month once again and welcome this great group of kids and their families to Fulton Center station,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “I thank the children and their families for their hard work on these announcements and hope they continue to foster and embrace their curiosity about the transit system.”  

“Autism Awareness Month is a reminder for us to accept, support, respect, and include those with autism. That is why I am pleased to meet some of subways’ most enthusiastic riders,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “It’s always a good day when we get to hear directly from the kids about what makes the New York City Transit system so special to them.” 

“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,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “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.” 

“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,” said INCLUDEnyc Executive Director Cheryelle Cruickshank. “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.” 

Autism Awareness Month announcements will play in 15-minute intervals, at the following stations: 

• Fulton Street  
• 96 St 2nd Av  
• E180 St  
• 14 St Union Square
• Times Square      
• 34th St Penn Station    
• Bowling Green  
• Atlantic Av Barclays
• Flatbush Av 
• Forest Hills 71st Av   
• Queensboro Plaza  

Names of the children whose announcements will be heard are below: 

• Adam H. 
• Andrew U. 
• Colin 
• Elle P. “Froggy” 
• Elliot C. 
• Morgan C. 
• Rafael R. 
• Thomas W. 

World Autism Awareness Month works to foster inclusion and increase understanding on what it means to be a person with autism while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to society.