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Wings For Autism™
Saturday, September 17, 2016
9:00am – 12:00pm
Barnstable Municipal Airport, Hyannis MA
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Cape Abilities, Cape Air™,the Barnstable Municipal Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are thrilled to have been able to bring the inaugural Wings for Autism™ program to Cape Cod!
This unique event, which was initiated in Massachusetts in 2011 by the Charles River Center in Needham and Massport™, is a free program specifically designed to support individuals with autism, creating a travel test run to help ease the stress of airline travel.
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The Wings for Autism™ program provides individuals with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through security and board a plane. Wings for Autism™ also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment.
Although originally conceived for individuals with autism, this experience is equally useful for families that have a member with any type of intellectual or developmental disability that are concerned about the ability of their family member to travel.
By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) individuals with special needs can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.
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During this event, participants experience …
- Entering the airport
- The check-in process and checking bags
- Security screening
- Boarding the plane
- Preparing for take-off
- Taxiing the runway
- Exiting the plane
Practicing these steps helps establish a travel routine—so important for individuals with autism who rely on repetition and structure.
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Questions? Please contact Peggy Boskey at 508-778-5040 x812
or by email at pboskey@CapeAbilities.org
