Wings for All at Newark Liberty Airport
Britney Lopez would not let go of her tablet before going through security at Newark Liberty International Airport as part of AHRC New York City’s Wings for All® event.
Maria Aviles, Britney’s mother, expected this would be as far as her daughter would go during a dress rehearsal for air travel on Saturday, May 18. But with a little coaxing and patience, Britney got through security and smiled with her tablet in hand as she boarded the United Airlines jet with her family. Britney, a 16-year-old with autism who attends AHRC Middle/High School, sat calmly on the plane, tending to her tablet.
“Just a Special Experience”
Nearly 30 families participated in Wings for All®, hosted by AHRC NYC, The Arc, United Airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration. Many parents admitted being nervous, and not sure what to expect. But United’s employees went out of their way to ensure this would be a smooth flight, even though the plane never left the gate. United volunteers cheered young passengers and their families as they boarded the plane. This was AHRC NYC’s first Wings for All® in New Jersey after several previous editions at LaGuardia Airport in Queens. New Jersey has the highest rate of autism with one in 34 children. The national rate is one in 59.
Parents of young and adult children on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities have numerous concerns about traveling on a plane. How will their child react to the airport lights, crowds and waiting in line? Will they be comfortable with airport security officers talking to or touching them? How will the engine noise affect their child?
United Captain Mike Neff went out of his way to meet passengers as they waited at the gate. Once onboard, he reassured Tom Wu and his wife, Zoe Zhang, that their son Eason, two-and-a-half years old, who was crying, would be OK. Eason calmed down once his parents showed a video on a phone and sang along.
“This was fantastic, uplifting, eye-opening, and just a special experience,” Capt. Neff said.
Rewarding for Families
Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals, and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services to people with disabilities in a structured, learning environment.
“Partnerships like this can remove barriers to travel for people with I/DD and their families,” said Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC. “This practice run will make a huge difference. We are empowering individuals and families while educating and sensitizing airport personnel to the unique needs of people with I/DD and their families.”
John E. Goodson, Assistant Director, Educational Services & Program Development for AHRC NYC, has seen the impact the programs have on families, having coordinated seven Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® events. “It’s rewarding when you see families immediately book that trip they always wanted to,” John said. “They become an airline’s loyalist for life. They know this airline will support them.”
While this was the first time many of the young passengers had been on a plane, they were all smiles as the flight attendants came around with snacks and beverages.
Maria Aviles was thrilled with the experience. “Britney did awesomely, so we’re going to fly to Disney! I’m excited,” she said. “She liked it so much she didn’t want to get off the plane.”
News 12 New Jersey published a story about the Wings for All event at Newark Liberty Airport. Learn more here
Read Previous Articles about Wings for Autism®/Wings for All®
2019 – Delta Airlines & AHRC NYC Partner for Airport Rehearsal Event
For the 6th consecutive year, AHRC New York City’s Educational Services collaborated with Delta Airlines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, (PANYNJ) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to hold Wings for Autism ® at LaGuardia International Airport. Introduced by The Arc over a decade ago, Wings for Autism ® is an airport rehearsal specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The program is intended to alleviate the stress that families who have a child with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities experience when flying. AHRC NYC brought approximately 20 families of students who attend its schools to the airport where they practiced receiving boarding passes, going through security, and boarding an airplane.
“We had a great experience with Wings for Autism,” said Toni Bennet, parent of a student at Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary. “My son has experience riding on airplanes but every year there are new challenges. We went with a classmate and that family realized that the windows were something they have to problem-solve around. Who knew – the benefits of practicing?”
Students and families were supported by school volunteers as well as Delta and the LGA personnel who dedicated their Saturday to the support of our families. Assistant Director of Educational Services, John Goodson, wants to recognize Jorge Chuzan from Delta, Veda Simmons and Guy Lainis from TSA, and Keshia-Elaine Johnson from PANYNJ for their contributions. We hope to continue this important event next year to continue to coincide with Autism Awareness Month.
“This was our first time participating in the event and we all enjoyed it,” said Maria Nero. “Our son, Sethos, loved meeting the captain, sitting on the plane and using the lights with the air traffic controllers. All of the Delta staff were extremely patient and friendly. Thank you so much for such a wonderful event!”
“We continue to emphasize that there are supports and programs in place that can truly help these families access important experiences,” said John after the event. John will be coordinating another Wings event at Newark International Airport in May with United Airlines.
2018 – Wings for Autism Soars in 2018
On Saturday, April 28th, AHRC New York City, in collaboration with The Arc, Delta Airlines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), held their 4th annual Wings for Autism event at LaGuardia International Airport (LGA). Over 20 families and 100 participants came for the event where they were able to rehearse all aspects of air travel. They were supported by 15 volunteers from AHRC New York City schools and Kerry Mauger, Training Coordinator from The Arc.
With the goal of helping families practice going to the airport and boarding the plane, Wings for Autism was a great success again this year. The event’s message was that “This Is Possible.”
“Year after year, Wings for Autism always surprises me and leaves me feeling more fulfilled than the year before,” said Corinne Young, a Behavior Trainer, and event leader. “The families and children are so excited to be trying out this experience to be able to enjoy a trip together in the future. Delta and TSA are amazing in all the ways they help and are able to cater to the unique needs of families. I’m looking forward to next year!”
Now Boarding…
The families arrived around 12:00 pm on what turned out to be a beautiful spring day. After checking in and receiving their event t-shirts, they received boarding passes and moved through the security line. At the gate, the families ate snacks provided by Delta and took pictures with airline and airport personnel. Boarding started at approximately 1:15. While on the plane, the families were guided through security and safety procedures and also given a visual tour of various on-ground airport job duties.
“I liked going onto the plane,” said Dennis Nasonov, a student at AHRC Middle/High School. “We took pictures in the LGA, looking out the window and seeing the other planes.”
Fellow classmate, Tia Harper added, “I liked the event. It was fun!”
Thanks to Our Partners
Event coordinator, John Goodson, Education Training Director, would like to thank Jorge Chuzan and his Delta Airlines team as well as Guy Lainis and Veda Simmons from TSA, Emily Shyu from the Port Authority, and Corinne and the AHRC NYC volunteers. Wings for Autism is an initiative of The Arc of the United States. We look forward to holding the event again in April 2019 in recognition of Autism Awareness Month!
2017 – Flying High with Wings for Autism
Children and their families from AHRC New York City’s schools were cruising at Wings for Autism for the third year in a row. Organized by The Arc in partnership with Delta Airlines, the TSA, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the event is an airport rehearsal experience that allows families to go through all of the stressors and stimuli that passengers are confronted with at the airport, including long lines, loud or confusing noises of the airport terminal, public address announcements, security checks, and airplane boarding procedures.
For young people with autism, Wings for Autism offers an invaluable opportunity to become acclimated to a daunting but necessary part of life.
Now Boarding…
Like any other trip to the airport, the day began at the check-in counter, where prospective passengers checked in and received special boarding passes. Families then proceeded to the gate, along the way undergoing security measures, emptying pockets, taking off their shoes, and passing through the full-body scanner.
At the gate, Delta provided snacks and drinks while everyone waited for the plane to arrive. After the deplaning process was complete, the families, many clad in the royal blue Wings for Autism shirts, were allowed on the plane to sit for several minutes and explore what it is like to be on an airplane as a family.
All the while, airline and airport staff treated the event as if it was a typical day, making the usual boarding announcements and answering questions from children and parents alike.
Students and Staff React
“This is my second straight year coming,” said Salvatore Shurott, a student from AHRC Middle / High School. Salvador came to LaGuardia Airport with his mom, Vicky, and his brother. Salvatore said that he was getting more used to coming to the airport and had big plans in mind. “Next year we’re hoping to take a flight to Las Vegas!“
Jalen Brown was accompanied by his dad, Danny. “This is my first time!” Jalen said with a big smile. “I like to go to the airport, and I’m glad this plane isn’t taking off.”
“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, speaking to the families in attendance. “Thanks to all of you – the volunteers, the parents, the students, the friends, the airline staff. The goal is to make the airport more comfortable and we come closer and closer to that every year.”
AHRC New York City would like to thank Brian Rohlf and Michele Delgado of the Port Authority, TSA’s Veda Simmons and Guy Lainis, Jorge Chuzan, from Delta Airlines, Kerry Mauger of The Arc, and all of the Delta staff at LaGuardia Airport, for helping to coordinate Wings for Autism and once again, making it a great success. We also thank all of the AHRC NYC staff who volunteered their time to assist the families.
2016 – Wings for Autism Soars to New Heights in Second Year
Going to the airport can be a traumatic experience for anybody, but for children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, the long check-in lines, constant noise, and cramped cramped conditions of airline travel can present special challenges. The Arc’s Wings for Autism program was developed to provide families with an airport rehearsal experience that allows them to undergo the steps of checking in at the airport, going through security, and boarding an airplane. Opportunities to practice these steps can help families to find ways to reduce the stresses of travel for their loved one with a disability.
On Saturday, April 9, 2016, families and staff from AHRC New York City‘s schools gathered at LaGuardia Airport to participate in Wings for Autism. This was the second consecutive year in which families from AHRC NYC’s schools benefited from the program. AHRC NYC and The Arc partnered with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Transportation Security Administration, and Delta Airlines to help families to get the wheels off the ground.
“A lot of families of kids with autism are intimidated by the airport process because there are a lot of sensory experiences, a lot of crowds, there are delays that are unpredictable… which are all things that in many cases can disrupt someone with autism’s life,” said John Goodson, Training Director for AHRC NYC’s Educational Services, during an interview with Newsday, which covered the event.
Checking In
The families arrived at LaGuardia at 11:00 am, greeted by volunteer staff from AHRC NYC schools, who assisted them during the check-in process. With specially-designed boarding passes provided by Delta Airlines attendants, families were directed to the security gate, where they practiced the security protocols that are so familiar to people who frequently travel by air.
Annissa Guariglia and her son Jack, a student at AHRC NYC’s Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary, were encouraged by their experiences during the Wings for Autism event. “I would like to travel with Jack one day and I wanted to see the experience of going with a special needs child,” said Annisa. “This makes me to go with Delta. They’re showing their employees how to work with families that have special needs children.“
Now Boarding
Prior to boarding, Delta provided snacks and trinkets to families in the waiting area. “We travel quite often, so it’s a good opportunity to come out here,” said Andreas Chrysostomou, whose son, Costas is a student at AHRC Middle/High School. “It’s very organized. This is what they should expect to see when we come to the airport.” Costas smiled continuously as he boarded the plane.
Omar and Amber Chandler had never been to the airport before, let alone get on a plane (Omar is an MHS student). “We just wanted to see how it is,” Omar said. “It’s good,” Amber said. “I like mostly everything.” Upon departing the airplane both flashed a thumbs-up.
Students and families then boarded the Boeing 737, complete with a flight crew and pilot. After settling into their seats the crew gave a typical pre-takeoff demonstration and played some Disney trivia over the intercom.
2015 – Wings for Autism Takes Flight
Visiting the airport can be unpleasant, to say the least. For children with autism, the long lines, constant noise, and other stimuli can be completely overwhelming and make travel impossible. To help combat this, on April 18 AHRC New York City took part in the Arc of the United States‘ Wings for Autism program at LaGuardia Airport.
About Wings for Autism
Wings for Autism is an airport “rehearsal” specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families, and airline professionals. The program is intended to reduce some of the stress that families who have a child with autism experience when traveling by air. Families from AHRC NYC’s school-age programs arrived at LaGuardia at noon, and proceeded to get their own boarding passes, go through security, and even get on an airplane!
“This was very exciting!” Andrew Winfrey, Principal of AHRC NYC’s Middle High School, said. “And it’s been really helpful to a lot of the parents. The airport staff was very helpful and made us feel welcome. We helped a lot of families be able to travel and have trips.“
A Parent’s Perspective
“Taking Nicholas out in public, it’s always questionable how he’ll behave,” Ray Ferrigno, Third Vice President of AHRC NYC’s Board of Directors, and parent said. “So to go into a novel setting like this and have it run so smoothly is wonderful. I really want to thank Homeland Security and Delta for treating us so well.“
AHRC NYC thanks the following for their efforts in organizing and facilitating this rehearsal, for all of the support that they have provided to families: Joanne Feltman of LaGuardia Airport, Guy Lainis and Veda Simmons of the Transportation and Security Administration, the staff of Delta Airlines, The Arc of the United States, and the staff of AHRC NYC’s Educational Services.
Additionally, CBS2 News documented the day’s events! You can view the video HERE.
