FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANCHORAGE, AK, October 25, 2016 – 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, Alaska Airlines has partnered with The Arc of Anchorage 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 following de-boarding will take place in Concourse C. All participants will receive a Wings For Autism® t-shirt, and children will receive a special passenger bag with special treats and toys to celebrate completion of their Wings “flight.”
Seating is limited on the plane to three members of the press. For PRESS PASSES to Wings For Autism® ANC, requests need to be made no later than Friday, October 28. Please contact Clara Sanderson at 907-777-0103 or csanderson@thearcofanchorage.org to request a press pass that allows media personnel through the TSA security checkpoint, into Concourse C and the Alaska Airlines aircraft. Additional press are welcome in the airport to cover the event; pass requests for media not boarding the aircraft must be made no later than Tuesday, November 1.
What: Wings For Autism® ANC – an aviation program that provides special needs families with realistic practice in an airport and aboard an aircraft.
When: Saturday, November 5, 2016. Passenger check-in begins at 12:00 pm; boarding begins at 2:30 pm; reception begins at 4:00 pm; and event ends at 4:30 pm.
Where: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, 5000 W. International Airport Road, Anchorage. Press meet at 12:00 pm, Alaska Airlines ticket counter in main lobby. Reception in Concourse C.
Who: Special needs families and major event partners – Alaska Airlines, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, State of Alaska Department of Transportation, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), The Arc of Anchorage, Alaska Autism Resource Center, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Alaska Pediatric Therapy and The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.
How: Special needs families register for the program by October 28: Wings For Autism®
Why: To provide families and aviation professionals a chance to learn and work together to make flying on an aircraft a better experience for individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Learn more about The Arc of Anchorage and our history in Alaska since 1957: www.thearcofanchorage.org
About Wings For Autism®
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.
For more information contact:
Clara Sanderson, Senior Public Relations Officer
Phone: 907.777.0103 or 907.312.3042 | E-mail: csanderson@thearcofanchorage.org