Wings for Autism Event Coming to WRWA February 4, 2017
A Wings for Autism Social Story
A Wings for Autism event will take place at Will Rogers World Airport on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. Wings for Autism is a program that gives children with autism and their families the opportunity to “practice” being an airline passenger by providing a realistic airport experience. Participants will go to the ticket counter and get a boarding pass, go through the security checkpoint, and then board a plane. The program also provides airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment. Delta Air Lines will be providing an aircraft for the day.
Air travel for many families with a child with autism can be very stressful often making vacation and other trips an impossible dream. Anxiety, long lines, loud noises, and unfamiliarity all come into play when navigating through the airport. The Wings for Autism program allows families to go through the process in a stress-free environment.
Two aircraft boardings are scheduled; check-in for the first boarding begins at 11:30 a.m., the second begins at 1:00 p.m. Both boardings are completely booked but families may still register as “standby” participants in case seats become available due to last minute cancellations. To sign up for “standby” go to the TARC website, http://www.ddadvocacy.net/.
To help families educate and prepare their child in advance of the experience, they can download the A Wings for Autism Social Story.
The OKC Wings for Autism event is sponsored by TARC in collaboration with Oklahomans For Autism Insurance Reform, Will Rogers World Airport, Delta Air Lines, TSA and Delaware North, with additional support from Baker Speech Clinic, Full Circle Developmental Center, Speech Pathway LLC, Stanbro Healthcare Group, and Uptown Kids.