SEPTA & Elwyn Partner on Effort to Raise Autism Awareness
April 11, 2023
In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month [April], officials from SEPTA and Elwyn announced a partnership to raise awareness about support services available to riders and SEPTA employees affected by autism.
“For those with autism in our city and region, SEPTA can be a lifeline – connecting them with jobs, healthcare, and other important resources,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards. “We want to make sure that individuals with autism and their families know that SEPTA is here to help them.”
Today’s announcement was made at the SEPTA’s Accessible Travel Center, located in Suburban Station. Staffed by occupational therapists and other specialists, the ATC helps seniors and persons with disabilities learn about SEPTA’s fixed-route service and how to ride the system.
SEPTA’s partnership with Elwyn will develop in three phases:
· Phase One: Provide resources to SEPTA employees so that they are familiar with signs and symptoms of autism and can offer information on services that are available.
· Phase Two: SEPTA will highlight Elwyn’s resources to the public through informational signage on vehicles and at stations. SEPTA will also highlight the resources its Accessible Travel Center provides to the public.
· Phase Three: Partner with outside groups to provide training and pathways to SEPTA careers for individuals with intellectual disabilities
“Elwyn has been committed to providing high-quality services and supports to individuals with a wide array of developmental disabilities - including Autism Spectrum Disorder - and their families for over 170 years,” said Elwyn’s Vice President of Children’s Services Veronica Williams. “As an organization that values the communities we serve, we are delighted to partner with SEPTA to continue to improve equitable access to the community for all,”
SEPTA is dedicated to improving the customer experience for members of the disability community through infrastructure improvements that will enhance accessibility. This includes a comprehensive Wayfinding initiative that will transform how SEPTA displays key information that customers need while they are navigating the system
“SEPTA’s Wayfinding initiative will enhance accessibility and simplify naming systems so that our expansive transit system is easier to understand and use,” Richards said. “SEPTA has made great strides in making more of the system accessible for all riders and we are committed to building on those efforts moving forward.”
More information about this initiative and other ways SEPTA can help disabled riders can be found here.
About Elwyn
Elwyn is the national leader in education, treatment, and support services for over 25,000 children and adults and is proud to be the exclusive provider of early intervention services to children ages 3-5 in Philadelphia serving 10,000 families annually. Our mission remains steadfast, we make life better for people with developmental and behavioral health challenges. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Media, PA, Elwyn has grown to become one of the largest and most respected organizations in the industry.
