Avoca, PA (August 7, 2019) – The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania has announced that Wings for All® will be landing at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on September 21st!
Wings for All® is an airport “rehearsal” program designed specifically for individuals with Autism or other intellectual disabilities.
Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler.
People with autism and other I/DDs often experience barriers to participating in air travel. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming and full of unexpected and overstimulating variables, such as bright lights, noises, TSA security screening, and crowds. Too often, there is a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff—leading to confusion on how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process. Combined, these barriers lead to hesitation and fear, inhibiting participation in air travel.
As a result, people can miss out on new experiences and connecting with family members and friends that live far away.
The Arc’s Wings for All® Program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. Families are given the opportunity to practice all steps involved in air travel including: entering the airport, obtaining a boarding card, going through TSA security, and boarding a real plane (that does not take off).
In addition to this event taking place on September 21st, a small reception will be held for all participants with light snacks and refreshments after deboarding the aircraft.
Thanks to our friends at SkyWest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Delta Global Services for the usage of the aircraft and personnel for this event.
This event is free to families, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Wings for All® is a national program of The Arc of the US.
For more information, including how to register for the event, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, visit the Airport’s website at www.flyAVP.com, or contact Roseann Polishan at The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania at 570-346-4010 or rpolishan@thearcnepa.org.
About The ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a grassroots organization formed in 1955 by a group of parents seeking public education for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since that time, a growing number of parents, neighbors and members of the business and professional communities have faced numerous challenges in advocating for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About AVP
AVP currently offers travelers approximately 38 daily arrivals and departures, which includes non-stop flights to six destinations, with one-stop service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Air service is provided by the following airlines: American (Charlotte, Chicago-O’Hare and Philadelphia); Delta (Atlanta and Detroit); and United (Chicago-O’Hare and Washington-Dulles). For more information, call 1-877-2FLYAVP (235-9287) or visit our web site at flyAVP.com.
