Wings for Autism is a program developed by The Arc, an organization that educates and advocates for people on the autism spectrum.
Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) find it difficult to navigate the complexities of air travel. The process can be incredibly overstimulating for them, which often leads to behaviors that confuse airport and airline staff and make it difficult for their families.
All these factors create a barrier that inhibits people with I/DD from participating in air travel, which stops them from connecting with loved ones who live far away.
We believe that people with I/DD deserve the same opportunities to travel as everyone else. That’s why Allegiant [LC1] collaborates with The Arc and airport/airline personnel to organize and execute each Wings event.
How are We Helping?
The Wings for Autism program provides a ‘dress rehearsal’, or practice run, at the airport and in the aircraft so that everyone can gain a cohesive familiarity with the air travel process.
Participants and their families do everything they would do on the day of a flight: arrive at the airport, check in at the ticket counter, go through the security checkpoint, board the plane, and buckle up for the safety briefing from flight attendants.
The only difference is the plane doesn’t go anywhere. This process of familiarization helps children on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable during the “real thing.”
We give a presentation of the airplane and go over in-flight safety protocols.
Wings for Autism in Las Vegas
Our Las Vegas-based team members love co-hosting Wings for Autism with The Arc. This event is held in partnership with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Doug Flutie Foundation.
With more than 300 participants from the Las Vegas area, we filled two planes with future travelers! This experience was so beneficial for participants and their families, and was a privilege for Allegiant team members, airport personnel, and TSA officers.
At the end of the event, each participant “earns their wings”! Check out this story from the mom of one of the participants:
“We just booked our first flight with Grace – we’re going to Disney World on Allegiant Air from Lehigh Valley International Airport this December 10 – 17, and it’s a dream come true,” said Lisa Kulp, Grace’s mom. “After our experience with the Wings for Autism program this past May, Grace is no longer afraid of airplanes or airports. In fact, after we received the incredible gift of airline tickets from Allegiant Air, Grace and I began to talk about our first trip together, we practiced packing our suitcases for this trip, and consider all of the wonderful new things we will now experience together. There are still times when Grace gets a bit nervous and overwhelmed when we talk about our plans, but all we have to do is put on our Wings for Autism t-shirts, and she calms right back down and gets excited again about the trip ahead. The Wings for Autism program, The Arc, Lehigh Valley International Airport, and Allegiant Air and the incredibly generous gift of airline tickets to all of the local families who participated in the Wings for Autism event on May 9, enabling us all to not only go through the flight rehearsal event in a busy airport and on a commercial aircraft, but also providing us all with the airfare for our first trip – this was a life-changing experience for Grace and our family.”
Want to get involved?
Become a member and support The Arc as they address issues such as employment, education, housing, and more.
You can also donate to The Arc so they can continue leading the fight for inclusion and equality.
Do you have a family member on the autism spectrum, but can’t make it to an event? No problem! The Arc provides access to virtual reality videos where individuals can become familiar with the step-by-step process of air travel.
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