Heartless Decision: MTA Cancels Beloved Program for Autistic Students

A Program That Brought Joy and Inclusion

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has made a disappointing decision to cancel a cherished program that allowed students with autism to record public announcements for the subway system. This initiative, run by the non-profit Autism Transit Project, brought immense joy and a sense of inclusion to many autistic children in New York City. The program was not just a fun activity; it was a meaningful way for these students to engage with their passion for trains, maps, and schedules.

The Impact on Families

Parents and children alike are devastated by the MTA’s decision. Many autistic students have a deep fascination with the subway system, and this program provided them with a unique opportunity to contribute to it. Brenna Epstein Calles, whose 8-year-old son Morgan participated in the program in 2022 and 2023, expressed her dismay: “It’s a real slap in the face to the kids with autism spectrum disorder. It almost seems vindictive.” Morgan himself shared his disappointment, saying he was looking forward to doing it again and that one of his classmates was even reduced to tears upon hearing the news.

A Missed Opportunity for Inclusion

Eliyanna Kaiser, another parent, mentioned that her 12-year-old son Leo never got the chance to participate and was “really disappointed” by the program’s discontinuation. She emphasized how meaningful the program was for children who are passionate about trains. Andrew Uzzi, an 18-year-old autistic student who participated in the program during high school, highlighted the program’s importance: “It’s a shame. Kids enjoyed the program. They had fun doing it. You could hear the enthusiasm.” For Andrew, the program was more than just a fun activity—it was a chance to show that autistic individuals have valuable contributions to make.

The MTA’s Sudden Change of Heart

The MTA had previously supported the program during Autism Awareness Month in 2022 and 2023, even holding press conferences and issuing press releases. In 2023, the students’ recordings were played at 11 major stations across the city. However, this year, the MTA refused to continue the program without any explanation. Jonathan Trichter, the founder of the Autism Transit Project, believes that the MTA’s decision may be personal. He suggests that the MTA has an issue with him due to his political activism and candidacy for state comptroller. Despite this, he argues that the program should not be tied to personal differences and that the children should not be penalized.

A Call to Reinstate the Program

Parents and children are now taking action to try to save the program. They plan to testify at an upcoming MTA hearing, urging the agency to reconsider its decision and reinstate the program for Autism Awareness Month in April. The program not only brought joy to the children but also fostered a sense of community and inclusion. Shanifah Rieara, the MTA’s Acting Chief Customer Officer, had previously praised the program, expressing hope that it would continue to encourage children’s curiosity about the transit system.

A Decision That Hurts the Community

The cancellation of this program is not just a loss for the autistic community; it’s a missed opportunity for the MTA to show its commitment to inclusion and diversity. By discontinuing the program without explanation, the MTA has sent a disappointing message to the families and children who valued it so deeply. As the autistic community continues to advocate for its reinstatement, one thing is clear: this program was more than just a series of announcements—it was a celebration of the unique talents and passions of autistic students. The MTA’s decision to cancel it has left many feeling hurt and confused, but the community remains hopeful that the program will be reinstated, giving these children the chance to shine once again.