‘Wings for Autism’ at Tampa International Airport gives stress-free journey

TAMPA, Fla. — The Wings for Autism occasion at Tampa International Airport remodeled the journey expertise for 100 households with kids on the autism spectrum, offering a supportive surroundings to navigate the airport course of with out stress.

The occasion, organized by the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, Tampa International Airport, and Southwest Airlines, offered households with a seamless expertise from check-in to departure.

Families have been capable of present their TSA tickets, undergo safety, board, and proceed to their locations. The purpose is to ease the strain on mother and father whereas their youngsters expertise the thrill of air journey.

“Unfortunately, you know, it’s not easy for others to I, you know, not to judge, but there’s people who don’t like it, or just say, you know, hey, you know, please, you know, have your child Calm down, sit down and things like that,” mentioned Chris Nagle, a mom who introduced her son David to the occasion right this moment. “So it is good that he will get to see the method. So when he does do it, ultimately he’ll know, okay, hey, that is the best way it’s, and I’ve to sit down down.”

“They’re excited, you know, to just proactively have that opportunity to give their child the extra support to kind of like I said that dress rehearsal, to go through stage by stage, so they know what to anticipate when they’re actually ready to take that trip,” said Beth Tasis, executive director of the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation.

Wings for Autism has done this event at several airports across the country. But it’s the first time they’ve done it at Tampa International Airport.

The event reached capacity quickly due to its high demand.