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. Originated by the Charles River Center, a local chapter of The Arc, Wings for Autism™ is designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with autism experience when traveling by air. The program provides families with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through securityand board a plane. Wings for Autism™ also gives airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration 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 that are concerned about the ability of their family member to travel. National expansion of Wings for Autism is being administered by The Arc of the United States.
Ted Stevens International Airport will be hosting for the first time “The Wings for Autism” event in combination with AARC and The Arc of Anchorage. The event will be held on Saturday March 22nd, 2014 at the Ted Stevens International Airport. Check-in for registered families will begin at 12:00pm at Alaska Airlines. To register for this event please see http://www.thearc.org/wingsforautism/ANC. Space is limited and only registered participants will be able to attend. A reception will be held for the participants upon deplaning. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Caryn Brunello, The Arc’s Marketing Director at 907-777-0703.