“While rehearsals can’t
guarantee that your
flight will be turbulence
free, they are a great way to
figure out what areas may
pose greater challenges so
that you can seek further
accommodations or make
better plans.”
families and airport employees.
A lot goes into making these
events happen. In fact, Karen
Wolf-Branigin from The Arc
told ZOOM that each event requires about 6 months of planning. But the feedback they get
from the families, some like the
Isaacs who never thought that
flying would be an option until
they attended the program,
makes it worthwhile. For more
information on Wings for Autism and upcoming events, visit
their website.
AIRPORT AUTISM
ACCESS PROGRAM
(Philadelphia International
Airport)
This program provides
opportunities for children
with autism and their families
to become familiar with traveling and includes Social Stories
by Carol Gray as well as a
simulated airport experience.
Family members with children
with autism and airlines
interested in participating
in this program may contact
[email protected] or
visit their website for more
information.
AUTISM TAKES FLIGHT
AT ILM
(Wilmington International Airport)
This is a special event in Wilmington, North Carolina that
During the Wings for All event, passengers with physical challenges are even
able to practice being transferred to an
airplane aisle friendly wheelchair so they
can board the plane.
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ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
Click ABOVE to view a short Video of what a rehearsal program is really like.
takes place once a year to allow autistic people and their
families to rehearse air travel
with the goal of reducing the
stress involved. Not only does
the event provide the opportunity for families to rehearse for
air travel, but also, it provides
invaluable experience and training for TSA, airport and airline
personnel. For more information or to find out how to attend
next year’s event, visit their
website or email
[email protected].
BUFFALO/NIAGARA
FALLS INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
(Buffalo, New York)
This airport offers special acclimation sessions for anyone
diagnosed with autism who will
be traveling in the near future
through the airport. The goal of
these sessions is to help familiarize the individual with the
surroundings of the airport and
to serve as an introduction to
the security and boarding process. For more information or
to schedule your walk-through,
call (716) 630-6072.
ON BOARD WITH
AUTISM
(Detroit Metro Airport)
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) collaborated with
the Wayne County Airport
Authority (WCAA) and Delta
Airlines to create this program,
which offers autism safety training to airport and Delta Airlines
staff, airport simulation experiences to families, and social narratives for preparing families to
fly. Check out their website for
more information.
OPEN SKY FOR AUTISM
(Air Hollywood Studios in
Pacoima, CA)
What better way to rehearse
than in a real motion picture
studio that specializes in aviation-themed sets where thou-
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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