Wings for Autism Takes Flight Again at LaGuardia Airport

NEW YORK, NY (04/20/2018) (readMedia)-- On Saturday, April 28th, AHRC New York City will hold the fourth annual Wings for AutismTM event at LaGuardia Airport in partnership with in partnership with The Arc, Delta Airlines, the TSA, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Wings for Autism™ 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 in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Port Authority, 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 also allows airport staff to interact with people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in a structured learning environment.

Families from AHRC NYC's schools will begin arriving at LaGuardia at 12:00 p.m. and go through a typical airport experience. They will get their boarding passes, go through a complete security check, walk to the gate, and board a plane. Employees from the Port Authority, TSA and Delta will guide parents and their children through the process. While on the plane, Delta personnel will go through typical pre take-off instructions. Following disembarking, snacks and a small reception will be provided.

"This is one of my favorite days of the year," said John Goodson, Staff Training Director and Lead Investigator for AHRC NYC's Educational Services. "We are always grateful for the AHRC New York City staff volunteers, the parents, the students, the friends, and the airline staff who come out to support this great event. The goal is to make the airport more comfortable and we come closer and closer to that every year."

About AHRC New York City: A family governed organization committed to finding ways for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to build full lives as defined by each person and supported by dedicated families, staff and community partners. Touching the lives of over 15,000 people annually, AHRC New York City is one of the largest providers of services to the I/DD population in the state. The organization is the New York City Chapter of NYSARC Inc., and an affiliate of the Arc of the United States. Learn more at www.ahrcnyc.org.

About The Arc: 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 700 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.