Wings for Autism Lands at Louisville International Airport
The Arc of Kentucky, FEAT of Louisville, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Delta Air Lines and The Arc of the United States will co-host a Wings for Autism event at Louisville International Airport on Saturday, September 22.
This event is being held in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Originated by the Charles River Center, a local chapter of The Arc in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Wings for Autism/Wings for All program is an airport “rehearsal” created to alleviate some of the stress that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families experience when traveling by air.
During the event, participants will check in to receive their boarding passes, pass 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 also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment.
This event is open to all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Louisville area and beyond who seek a safe but realistic experience of traveling through a busy airport. More than 140 participants from the greater Louisville area are expected to attend the event.
Participant check-in begins at 10:15 a.m. and welcome remarks are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the gate area.
“The Airport Authority is pleased to welcome this collaborative program to Louisville International Airport,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
“As part of our SDF Cares initiative, it’s important that we offer folks an opportunity to gain a better understanding of air travel and hopefully, help them be more at ease when flying.
“The Wings for Autism program and its partnerships are a strong benefit to these individuals and their families within our community. And after months of co-planning, we’re excited to see the inaugural event finally take flight.”
The event reflects the mission of The Arc of Kentucky, according to Executive Director Sherri Brothers.
“The Arc of Kentucky is committed to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is enthusiastic about the collaboration with FEAT of Louisville, the Louisville International Airport, and Delta Air Lines,” she said.
“We are excited to bring a new program, Wings for Autism, to Kentucky. Traveling can be difficult for individuals and their families with disabilities. Wings for Autism helps make our children and adults
more comfortable during the air travel experience.
“We are thankful to all our volunteers who help to make this event possible.”
The Arc advocates for and serves people with I/DD, including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses.
The Arc has a network of more than 650 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.