Access Programs
The Transit Museum is dedicated to honoring the strengths of people with disabilities and making its extensive collection accessible to all.
SUBWAY SLEUTHS
Applications for the Spring 2023 semester have closed.
Subway Sleuths is an after-school program that builds on a shared interest in trains and public transit among 2nd through 5th grade students on the autism spectrum to support social interaction between peers.
Participants explore the Transit Museum’s content and collection, sharing their enthusiasm with others while engaging in transit-themed games and activities. Groups are facilitated by Transit Museum Educators and professionals trained in ASD support.
Subway Sleuths will be online for 2nd graders.
Subway Sleuths may be online or in person for 3rd graders.
Subway Sleuths will be in person for 4th & 5th graders.
Learn more about Subway Sleuths.
TRANSIT QUEST
August 21 – 25, 2023, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Applications are open! Learn more and apply now.
Developed for teens who identify as neurodivergent, this week-long summer program will immerse participants in New York Transit Museum content and provide exciting opportunities to engage with fellow transit fans and guest speakers from the Museum and the MTA. Behind-the-scenes experiences include nostalgia rides on Museum train cars and private tours of Old City Hall Station and other exclusive MTA sites.
The Museum must review all applications as space is limited. We may contact potential candidates to confirm a strong passion for transit and ensure that this is an appropriate program.
The cost is $500 for all five days. Limited partial scholarships are available.
Transit Quest applications are due June 12th. For more information, please email us.
SPECIAL DAY ONLINE
Join the Transit Museum online for a fun family program! We invite children with developmental disabilities or those on the autism spectrum and their families to join us on Zoom for activities, performances, and a virtual tour of the Museum’s vintage train cars. All ages welcome for this free event, and registration is required.
For more information, please email us or join our mailing list.
READY TO RIDE:
FAMILY EVENT
Practice how to travel by subway—from mapping a route to buying MetroCards from a station agent—in the safe environment of the Transit Museum. Become familiar with MetroCards, turnstiles, maps, and conductor boards, and role play various real-world scenarios on board a subway car.
This program is developed for participants ages 13 through adults with developmental/learning disabilities or autism, who are interested in independent subway travel. All participants must be accompanied by an adult caregiver, care manager, or parent. The cost of the program is $10 per participant and includes same-day admission to the Museum. Space is limited; registration is required.
Please email us for more information and to join the contact list for the next event.
ACCESS FOR ALL SYMPOSIUM
Are you interested in learning more about cultural programs and leisure experiences for neurodiverse individuals?
On September 16th, 2019, professionals serving the neurodiverse population joined us for a day of conversation. As they discussed and reflected on their experiences, attendees were inspired to develop new ideas to implement in their own work. The Symposium featured presentations and discussions on the topics of inclusive experiences, performing arts, and supportive technology.
ONGOING PROGRAMS:
SCHOOL VISITS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
We offer customized programs that meet the learning needs of your students. Learn more about virtual school programs.
TOURS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Customized tours are offered for adults with developmental and/or learning disabilities. Learn more about virtual adult group programs.
READY TO RIDE GROUP PROGRAM
Offered for 6th graders through adults with developmental and/or learning disabilities, this program is an introduction to independent subway travel in the safe environment of our subway station museum. See a video of Ready to Ride in action.
Request a Ready to Ride visit for a 6th – 12 grade class.
Request a Ready to Ride visit for adults.
S.T.E.P. (SUBWAY TRACK EDUCATION PROGRAM)
Once a semester, the New York Transit Museum and the New York City Transit’s Office of ADA Compliance holds a track safety training program for people who are blind or have low-vision. Participants have an opportunity to walk on actual subway tracks in our Museum with the help of track safety workers. For more information, please email our Special Education and Access Manager.
DAY HABILITATION DAY
Day Habilitation Day allows individuals and groups to explore the Transit Museum and learn about the programs we offer for adults with disabilities. The event is FREE but registration is required. This event takes place twice a year, in the Fall and Spring seasons. For more information, please email our Special Education and Access Manager.
To learn more about accessibility at the New York Transit Museum, please visit our accessibility page.
Funding for access programs is provided by the Taft Foundation, the FAR Fund, the Lemberg Foundation, and generous individual donors.