WORCESTER – Massport will hold its second “Wings for Autism” event at Worcester Regional Airport on Saturday, June 3. The program is designed for families with children on the autism spectrum to help ease the stress of flying.
Massport first launched the program in 2011 and hosted over 8,000 children and family members at Boston Logan. Airports across the country have modeled the program over 70 locations.
Families navigate the travel process by practicing the travel steps from airline check in, to security clearance, waiting at the gate, and finally, boarding the plane. The event benefits families who participate and provides a valuable training opportunity for airport, airline and TSA personnel to learn how to accommodate children with special needs.
The program was developed by Massport in partnership with Charles River Center, JetBlue Airways, TSA, Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Logan airline community to offer a dress rehearsal of an authentic travel experience for neurodivergent children and their families.
The event at Worcester Airport on Saturday is from 9 AM to noon. Attendees should bring a valid, government-issued ID and check in at the ticket counter marked “Wings for Autism”. The event is held beyond the security checkpoint.
Image Credit: Terageorge, Worcester Airport Curbfront, CC BY-SA 3.0
