In a move that celebrates both community connection and Autism Acceptance Month, BART has once again teamed up with local youth on the autism spectrum for a unique initiative that is sure to add a personal touch to the daily commute. Throughout April, passengers will hear announcements recorded by these young individuals at more than twenty stations across the BART system, BART announced.
The initiative, part of the Autism Transit Project, allows participants, like 13-year-old Zayn, to contribute their voices to the BART experience. "Hi BART riders, I'm Zayn. I love BART because I can sit and relax and see everything that's going on in the Bay. I hope you enjoy your trip!" one can hear as part of the station audio mix. This is the third year BART has participated in the project founded by Jonathan Trichter, who recognized the special connection between children on the spectrum and trains. Jonathan told BART, "Children on the spectrum often have a special affinity for trains. That means the first sentence a child on the spectrum says might be, 'Stand clear of the closing doors.'"
These interactions are about more than just fun and education. They serve to weave these young individuals into the tapestry of the community, providing visibility and acknowledgment so significant to them and their families. BART employee Jennifer Tom, whose brother was one of the participants, shared, "For the autism community, events like this help us to feel seen. I feel really blessed to be here today," as she told BART. Some participants, like ten-year-old Bella, found further inspiration from the experience, her mother revealing, "This whole experience inspired her to be a radio DJ."
