News Summary
T.F. Green International Airport recently held its second practice boarding event, ‘Autism Flies,’ in collaboration with Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked. Aimed at supporting neurodivergent travelers and their families, the event familiarized participants with airport operations, helping them navigate the travel process more comfortably. Feedback indicated strong support for such initiatives, highlighting the industry’s growing awareness of the need for inclusivity in travel for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Rhode Island – T.F. Green International Airport has successfully conducted its second practice boarding event, titled “Autism Flies,” aimed at supporting neurodivergent travelers and their families. This event took place on Tuesday and was organized in collaboration with Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked, a Connecticut-based organization focused on improving travel experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
The “Autism Flies” program is designed to help participants navigate the travel process, familiarizing them with airport operations before they embark on actual flights. This initiative is particularly important as traveling can pose significant challenges for neurodivergent individuals. By simulating the travel experience, families can better cope with new situations, making future travel less daunting.
During the event, registered participants received their boarding passes, went through security screenings, and arrived at the gate area, eventually boarding a stationary aircraft. This practice environment not only allowed families to experience pre-flight norms but also provided an opportunity for them to book real trips in the future without the stress associated with actual air travel.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the R.I. Airport Corporation has begun facilitating special needs and sensitivity training for its staff, provided by Autism Double-Checked. This training aims to equip airport personnel with the skills needed to assist neurodivergent travelers effectively. Breeze Airways has also taken steps to ensure that its flight attendants and crew are certified by Autism Double-Checked, further enhancing their ability to support passengers with diverse needs.
Iftikhar Ahmad, CEO of the R.I. Airport Corp, highlighted the commitment to making airports more inclusive and ensuring accessible travel for everyone. This aligns with the vision of Breeze Airways’ founder, David Neeleman, who emphasized the airline’s mission to enhance overall travel enjoyment and accessibility.
Feedback from participants and their families about the “Autism Flies” event has been overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the opportunity to practice and prepare for realistic travel experiences, expressing that the event offered a safe space for families who understand the unique challenges associated with neurodiversity. Some families expressed their concerns regarding traveling with neurodiverse children and highlighted the need for more accommodating services in the travel sector.
In addition to providing practical training for airport staff, Breeze Airways has announced plans to expand training programs to include pilots and gate agents, ensuring that support for neurodivergent passengers is integrated at all levels of service. Parents attending the event shared that certifications from organizations like Autism Double-Checked could significantly influence their airline choices in the future, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of accommodating diverse passenger needs.
The event included familiar aspects of air travel, such as traditional flight rituals and safety demonstrations, combined with in-flight refreshments. This comprehensive approach aims to create familiarity around air travel, enabling families to understand their children’s potential reactions better.
Overall, the “Autism Flies” event is viewed as a meaningful step toward enhancing travel opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and fostering broader awareness within the travel industry. By addressing the specific challenges faced by neurodivergent travelers, both T.F. Green International Airport and Breeze Airways are contributing to a more inclusive travel environment for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- PBN: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport Hosts Autism Flies Event
- Boston Globe: Autism Flies Event Held at T.F. Green Airport, Rhode Island
- Turn to 10: Program to Assist Those with Hidden Disabilities at R.I. T.F. Green International Airport
- Wikipedia: Navigating Airports
- WPRI: Autistic Man’s Inclusive Coffee Shop Opening Back Up in Warwick
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Autism
