Cincinnati Metro is teaming with The Cincy Hat, the apparel effort started by Ted Karras, on a Metro-branded hat. Both organizations frame the collaboration as a way to highlight support for people with disabilities who want to live independently and take part in community life.
According to Metro, the pairing links the transit agency's routine work of connecting riders with destinations to The Cincy Hat's fundraising for housing, education and services aimed at adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds are raised through The Cincy Hat Foundation.
Metro said its Access paratransit service supplies close to 200,000 trips each year to riders whose disabilities keep them off fixed-route buses. The service carries eligible customers to jobs, medical visits, stores and other routine destinations.
Brandy Jones, Metro's chief communications and marketing officer, said independence involves reaching destinations and joining in community life, and credited the Access staff with making those links daily. Karras said transportation, housing and education each matter in building independent lives, and described the agency as putting that idea into practice.
Metro noted a staff connection: employee Wayne Strunk volunteers on Cincy hat design. Access employees will be allowed to wear the Metro-branded hats with their uniforms.
Pre-orders are available through The Cincy Hat's website.