TTC received the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2023 CUTA Awards Ceremony.

This past spring, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) launched a partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, promoting inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. TTC representatives engaged athletes and families across the Greater Toronto Area at athletic meets. Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities on public transit, the TTC offers support programs like the Travel Trainer and MagnusCards app.

This initiative aims to raise awareness of these services and familiarize athletes with TTC vehicles, aligning with TTC’s commitment to accessibility. The partnership was initiated by a TTC employee whose daughter competed in the Special Olympics. To ensure participation, various TTC departments collaborated. A TTC bus allowed athletes to board and get comfortable, reducing anxiety. Information on MagnusMode’s MagnusCards, and step-by-step guides for TTC use, were provided. A designated Travel Trainer was present on the bus to address questions, and additional materials included “Please Offer Me a Seat” buttons, Family of Services info, and TTC colouring books.

This initiative aligns with TTC’s 10-point Action Plan on Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring all customers, including those with cognitive disabilities, feel comfortable onboard the TTC. Positive feedback from Special Olympics and interest from other municipalities make this program a potential model for engaging customers with cognitive disabilities. TTC will continue to partner with Ontario Special Olympics to enhance accessibility, addressing a historically underserved customer group.