A Dry Run for Air Travel for Children with Disabilities, Families

AHRC New York City (AHRC NYC) is partnering with The Arc, United Airlines, Newark Liberty International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide families who have a child with autism or other developmental disabilities a dress rehearsal for taking a flight at Newark airport on Saturday, May 18. Participants will begin boarding the plane at 11 a.m.

This is the first time that AHRC NYC will host The Arc’s Wings for All® with United Airlines at its New York/New Jersey hub.

The program is designed to alleviate some of the stress families and individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience with travel. During the event, participants will check in to receive their boarding passes, go through the TSA security checkpoint, wait in the boarding area and board the aircraft. The program will feature a presentation on the aircraft’s features, in-flight safety protocols and take-off procedures. Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services to people with disabilities in a structured, learning environment.

Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® is a national program the Arc launched in 2014. The Charles River Center, a local chapter of The Arc in Massachusetts, started Wings for Autism®/Wings for All®.

John E. Goodson, Assistant Director, Educational Services & Program Development for AHRC NYC, has seen the impact the programs have on families.

“It’s rewarding when you see families immediately book that trip they always wanted to,” Goodson said. “They become an airline’s loyalist for life. They know this airline will support them.”

“Partnerships like this can remove barriers to travel for people with I/DD and their families,” said Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC. “This practice run will make a huge difference. We are empowering individuals and families, while educating and sensitizing airport personnel to the unique needs of people with I/DD and their families.”

This event is open to all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the New York metropolitan area and beyond who seek a safe but realistic experience of traveling through a busy airport. More than 100 participants are expected to attend the event.

“Every customer deserves to enjoy and be comfortable throughout their travel experience and working with The Arc helps us ensure that thousands of families across the country feel welcome when they travel with United Airlines,” Jill Kaplan, United’s President of New York and New Jersey. “We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to Newark Liberty International Airport, our New York/New Jersey hub.”

“This event offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with a group of young special needs travelers to help ensure that they are familiar with TSA procedures,” said Tom Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Now when they return to Newark Liberty International Airport or any other airport for an actual flight, things should go smoothly because they are familiar with the procedures, the equipment, the sounds and sights of a checkpoint.”

“We are excited to bring the Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® program to Newark,” said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc. “For parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, everyday tasks can sometimes prove to be far more difficult for their child. Air travel can prove particularly challenging between clearing security, the overwhelming noises, and harsh lights. This program will not only continue to alleviate the stress children and their parents may feel, but further help educate airport and airline professionals about how best to serve children with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities in the future.”

About AHRC New York City:

Founded 70 years ago, AHRC New York City is one of the largest not-for-profit health and human services organizations in the nation serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a diverse and talented staff of 5,000, AHRC NYC offers an unsurpassed array of services that annually touch the lives of more than 15,000 people and their families in the five boroughs. AHRC NYC is the New York City chapter of The Arc and is a recognized leader in the field.