When residents at Austin Street IRA in Queens said they wanted to see more of the world outside their front door, Behavior Intervention Specialist Amy Tsui listened.
Transportation isn't always easy to come by, and not everyone in the 12-person home is currently enrolled in a day program, but that didn't mean their curiosity had to wait.
This year, Tsui launched something new: a travel experience group, built not around formal travel training, but around repetition, familiarity, and fun. The idea was simple: the more the people she supports ride the subway, tap an OMNY card, and navigate a new neighborhood, the more comfortable and confident they become doing it.
"We want to use repetition to help them become familiar with public transportation," Tsui said. "There are so many places to see in New York City, and they haven't been there. We just want to bring them out to see what it's like outside and have fun."
For the group's first outing, Tsui had two people in mind: Debjani Syam, who loves video games, and Jessica Robinson, who enjoys photo opportunities and exploring new places. Rockefeller Center was the perfect destination, with the Nintendo Store offering plenty to discover. Three residents made the trip, along with three staff members who provided extra support on this first-of-its-kind adventure.
“I am proud of myself being able to swipe the subway card and be more familiar with how to use the subway,” said Robinson. “The subway is scary, but I like going to the Nintendo store, especially seeing colorful Pikachu and Bowser statues.”
Before they even left the house, Tsui walked the group through how to use an OMNY card and choose the right subway car. By the time they reached the platform for the F train, the lesson had stuck. "When we arrived at the subway, they remembered the instructions to tap the card and go inside," Tsui said. "I really appreciate that they were able to remember that. They did really great."
For Syam, who moved to the residence from Long Island, the trip was a string of firsts: her first ride on the New York City subway, her first time inside a video game store, and her longest subway ride to date. Riders around her noticed, too, offering encouragement along the way.
“I’m very proud of myself for learning how to take subway, doing a lot of walking, and visiting the Nintendo store,” said Syam.
By the end of the visit, the group agreed: next time, they'll explore a different store like FAO Schwarz. It's the beginning of what Tsui hopes becomes a monthly tradition.
"I think the biggest thing is it really took the whole team to make this trip happen," Tsui said, crediting her supervisor and fellow staff members Kira Viera and Olakunle Faniyan for making the extra support possible. "They are just so amazing."