Wings for Autism Event Scheduled at  Huntsville International Airport

Feb. 1, 2017

On April 8, The Arc of Jefferson County will hold a Wings for Autism event at Huntsville International Airport (HSV). This is the first time for this event to be held at Huntsville International Airport and it will take place during National Autism Awareness Month.  The Arc of Jefferson County, Delta Air Lines, Four Points by Sheraton, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Leadership Huntsville/Madison County, the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities and Huntsville International Airport have partnered to bring the event to families in the Tennessee Valley. Wings for Autism, one of The Arc's newest national initiatives, is an airport "rehearsal" specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and aviation professionals.   

This initiative is geared towards helping individuals with disabilities and their families acclimate to the flying experience. Many people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities have tried unsuccessfully or have not had the confidence to travel by air. The sights, sounds and movement by thousands of people in a busy airport can be overwhelming.

Wings for Autism gives people with autism or an intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families the opportunity to participate in an airport rehearsal program to help them feel more comfortable with air travel.During the Wings For Autism™ experience, families will be able to practice going through the check-in line, security line, and typical boarding process. The plane will taxi around the airport, but will not take off.

Wings for Autism also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment. This experience is equally useful for families that have a member with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) that are concerned about the ability of their family member to travel.

"Huntsville International Airport is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with The Arc in order to provide this event to our community.  Customer Service is one of our top priorities and this event allows our team to learn how to better serve our customers while also easing some of their travel concerns," said Jana Kuner, Public Relations Manager at Huntsville International Airport.

"We are excited to be expanding the Wings for Autism™ program to Huntsville. For parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, 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 alleviate the stress children and their parents may feel, but help educate airport and airline professionals about how best to serve children with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities in the future.  We are grateful to our partners like Huntsville International Airport, Delta Air Lines, Four Points by Sheraton, the Transportation Security Administration, Leadership Huntsville/Madison County and so many more who are committed to making air travel possible for families with children with autism and other developmental disabilities," said Scarlet Thompson, Vice President of Development at The Arc of Jefferson County.