Wings for All
Wings for All is an airport “rehearsal” specially designed for people with disabilities, their families, and aviation professionals. The event is designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a loved one on the autism spectrum experience when traveling by air. The program provides families with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through security, and board a plane. This event will return to PTI on Saturday, April 1st.
The event allows participants with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities and their family members to practice navigating the air travel experience from parking, and check-in at the ticket counter to boarding an aircraft and taxiing out to the runway.
“We are so excited to participate in this wonderful program,” said Kevin Baker, Executive Director at PTI. “The airport strives to improve access and make travel easy for all of our customers, including those – especially those – who may need a little extra help.” The Wings for All event is held in partnership with Delta Air Lines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), The Arc Organizations of the Triad, and several other organizations.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program https://youtu.be/qWPqg3PJ0D4
This month the airport is also beginning participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for a passenger to voluntarily share that shows they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in public spaces.
Nationally, 1 in 5 people live with a disability. But while some of us experience a visible disability, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational, or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, and auditory, and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain, and sleep disorders.
Hidden disabilities lanyards, pins, ribbons, and armbands are available from the Information Booths at PTI. You can also request one to be sent to you before your travels by contacting 336-665-5600 or emailing info@gsoair.org.
CAMSY Kits https://www.camsekit.org/
The Airport Authority has also purchased CAMSEY Kits for all the air carriers, police, fire, TSA, and Information Booths. CAMSE is short for Cam’s Sensory Equipment Kit.
The kits were created by Kelsey Schapker, in celebration of her son Camden, who is on the autism spectrum. The kits allow law enforcement, firefighters, airports, and other organizations to bring comfort to special needs children and adults in the event of a crisis, emergency, or stressful situation.
“We want all PTI employees to be sure that they are prepared to address the needs of all of our passengers,” Baker said. “We are providing them with training and experiences that will help them do just that.”