“Wings for All” Event at Chicago O’Hare Airport

A free opportunity for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities and their families to explore the airport and practice the boarding process alongside airline staff

Join The Arc for the Wings for Autism/Wings for All (Wings) program on Aug. 16 beginning at 9 a.m.

People with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience stress and other barriers when flying. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming due to unexpected lights, noises, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening and crowds.

Airport and airline staff may not know how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process.

Wings brings families and aviation professionals together to explore the airport, rehearse the flight process and learn from each other.

Participants will experience:

• Checking in and receiving boarding passes
• Passing through the TSA security checkpoint
• Waiting in the boarding area
• Boarding an aircraft (the plane does not take off)

Participants will also enjoy a small reception featuring light snacks and refreshments.

Chapters of The Arc, local partners and airport/airline/TSA personnel work collaboratively to design and carry out each Wings event.

Read more about the Wings for All program on The Arc’s website.

Register for Wings at O’Hare Airport.

For questions, please contact Kim at Kim@thearcofil.org.

Charles River Center, an affiliated chapter of The Arc, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority, created Wings for Autism.