About
Magnusmode is an assistive technology platform designed to remove barriers to inclusion for people with autism, Down syndrome, and related disabilities. Its flagship product, MagnusCards, is a free mobile app that delivers step-by-step visual and audio how-to guides — called Card Decks — covering everyday tasks at home, work, and in the community. Each Card Deck is co-created with Inclusion Partners (businesses, venues, and brands such as transit systems, banks, airports, and libraries) and autistic advisors to ensure content is genuinely accessible and relevant. The friendly in-app character Magnus lends a voiced guide to text instructions, awards badges for progress, and keeps card decks organized. MagnusTeams, the companion caregiver portal, allows parents, teachers, and other supporters to create and customize Card Decks, schedule activities, track user progress, and offer remote positive reinforcement — making it easy for support networks to collaborate. The app is available in 13 languages (English, French, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Somali, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Swahili, Burmese, Kinyarwanda, and Kirundi) and has accumulated thousands of downloads and millions of impressions through inclusion awareness campaigns. With hundreds of Inclusion Partners across North America, Magnusmode is a trusted tool for families, educators, and organizations committed to inclusive living.
Key Features
- MagnusCards – Digital How-To Guides: Step-by-step visual and audio Card Decks covering everyday tasks at home, work, and in public venues, co-created with autistic advisors and Inclusion Partners.
- Voiced AI Guide (Magnus): The in-app character Magnus reads instructions aloud, provides encouragement, and awards badges to motivate regular use and skill-building.
- MagnusTeams Caregiver Portal: A web-based tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to create custom Card Decks, schedule activities, and track user progress collaboratively.
- 13-Language Support: Available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and eight other languages, making inclusive resources accessible to diverse communities worldwide.
- Inclusion Partner Network: Hundreds of businesses and venues across North America — from transit systems to banks — have co-created Card Decks to make their services more accessible.
Use Cases
- A parent creates a customized Card Deck in MagnusTeams to help their autistic child practice the morning routine independently before school.
- A special education teacher assigns specific Card Decks to students to reinforce life skills covered in class, tracking progress remotely through the caregiver portal.
- An individual with Down syndrome uses the TTC or GO Transit Card Decks to confidently navigate public transportation for the first time without a caregiver present.
- A bank or airport becomes an Inclusion Partner and co-creates Card Decks with autistic advisors so neurodiverse customers can access their services independently.
- A newcomer family uses MagnusCards in their native language (e.g., Arabic or Hindi) to help their child with a disability adjust to daily routines in a new country.
Pros
- Completely Free: The MagnusCards app is free to download and use, removing financial barriers for individuals and families seeking accessibility support.
- Co-Created with Autistic Advisors: Content is developed collaboratively with people who have lived experience, ensuring guides are practical, respectful, and genuinely useful.
- Broad Multilingual Coverage: Support for 13 languages makes the platform accessible to a wide range of cultural and linguistic communities.
- Strong Ecosystem of Real-World Partners: Integration with transit, banking, airports, and libraries means users can access location-specific guides for real community environments.
Cons
- MagnusTeams Still in Development: The caregiver portal MagnusTeams is listed as 'Coming Soon,' limiting caregivers' ability to customize and monitor progress until it launches.
- Partner Coverage May Be Limited Regionally: Inclusion Partner Card Decks are concentrated in North America, so users in other regions may find fewer venue-specific guides available.
- Primarily App-Based Experience: The end-user experience requires a mobile device, which may be a barrier for individuals without consistent access to a smartphone or tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MagnusCards really free?
Yes, MagnusCards is completely free to download and use on iOS and Android devices. There are no subscription fees for individuals or families.
Who is MagnusCards designed for?
MagnusCards is designed for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and related disabilities who benefit from visual and audio step-by-step guides for daily living tasks.
How are Card Decks created?
Card Decks are co-created by Inclusion Partners (businesses, venues, and brands) together with autistic advisors who help ensure the content is accurate, respectful, and genuinely accessible.
What is MagnusTeams?
MagnusTeams is the caregiver companion portal that allows parents, teachers, and supporters to create custom Card Decks, schedule activities, and track a user's progress remotely.
What languages does MagnusCards support?
MagnusCards is available in 13 languages: English, French, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Somali, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Swahili, Burmese, Kinyarwanda, and Kirundi. You can change the language in your profile settings.
