Tampa International Airport recently hosted an event to help families with autism prepare for air travel. The event, called Wings For Autism, was organized by The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation in partnership with the airport and Southwest Airlines.
Reducing Anxiety and Building Confidence
The event allowed 50 children and adults with disabilities to rehearse every step of the travel experience, from checking in for a mock flight to boarding a Southwest aircraft. This helped participants become familiar with the sights, sounds, and routines of flying, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
For Brandon resident Austin Weaver, the practice experience is the first step toward a long-awaited trip to visit family in Knoxville, Tennessee. His grandmother and guardian, Wanda Rimmer, said routine and repetition can make all the difference for individuals with autism.
Another participant, 8-year-old Orion Viera of Orlando, is on the autism spectrum and has been afraid of airplanes. His mother hopes the event will help prepare him for a future trip to Disneyland in California.
Resources for Families
The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation encourages families who couldn’t attend the event to reach out to their local airport and take advantage of TSA Cares, a program that helps travelers with disabilities and medical needs navigate the airport experience before their flight.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
