ANCHORAGE, AK, October 25, 2017 – For many families in Alaska, travel is a way of life. For some, it’s a hurdle to see friends and family or take a vacation out of state when a family member has special needs or experiences a disability, specifically autism, and sensory disorders can make travelling a challenge. Wings For Autism® is a program by The Arc working to make a difference in the lives of Alaska’s special needs families who want to travel, but need extra time and assistance in an airport and with air travel procedures.
This year in Anchorage, The Arc of Anchorage has partnered with Alaska Airlines to provide this special aviation program to Alaskans at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Families with children, teens and young adults who experience disabilities or have special needs will have realistic practice checking in for a flight, navigating the airport, as well as boarding a plane and experience being passengers on an Alaska Airlines aircraft. A reception for families will take place following de-boarding. Event participants will receive a Wings For Autism® t-shirt and children will receive special treats, toys and a certificate to celebrate completion of their Wings “flight.”
Seating is limited on the plane to four members of the press. For PRESS PASSES to Wings For Autism® Anchorage, requests need to be made no later than Thursday, November 2 – send requests to Clara Sanderson at csanderson@thearcofanchorage.org to request a press pass that allows media personnel through the TSA security checkpoint and to board the aircraft; pass requests for media not boarding the aircraft must be made no later than Monday, November 6.
About Wings For All® and Wings For Autism® Events
http://www.thearc.org/wingsforautism/about
About The Arc of Anchorage
Founded in 1957, The Arc of Anchorage serves Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc offers a full array of services designed to help these Alaskans achieve lives of fulfillment and contribution as valued members of our community. For information about The Arc of Anchorage, please call 907-277-6677 or visit www.thearcofanchorage.org.
Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.