It’s difficult enough to fly these days for people who don’t face physical challenges, but for those with disabilities – and the friends and families who help them fly – things can be even tougher. That’s why Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is joining with partners to put on an event that should help a lot in that regard.
“Wings for All” is an airport “rehearsal” that’s specially designed for people with disabilities, their families and aviation professionals.
According to the Wings for All sponsors, “The event is intended to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a loved one on the autism spectrum experience when traveling by air. The program allows families to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through security, and board a plane.”
Wings for All will be held at PTI on Saturday, Sept. 28.
It’s meant to allow participants with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities – as well as their family members – to practice navigating the multiple steps of air travel from parking to check-in, to managing the ticket counter and boarding the aircraft and taxiing out to the runway.
PTI Executive Director Kevin Baker said this week that the staff at the airport and its partners in the program are eager to put on the event, which is an annual occurrence.
“We are so excited to participate in this program each year,” Baker said. “The airport strives to improve access and make travel easy for all of our customers, including those – especially those – who may need a little extra help.”
The Wings for All program is being held in partnership with Delta Air Lines, the Transportation Security Administration – better known as the “TSA” – The Arc Organizations of the Triad, and several others.
Piedmont Triad International Airport is owned, operated, and managed by the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority – its governing 7-member board that represents Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, and two counties: Forsyth County, and Guilford County.
Sounds like a great idea for parents and autistic children to get a take on the workings at an airport. But do they really board a plane and then taxi around the airport? Good commitment on the part if Delta then.