{"id":9114,"date":"2018-04-18T14:53:16","date_gmt":"2018-04-18T18:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=9114"},"modified":"2018-04-25T11:20:50","modified_gmt":"2018-04-25T15:20:50","slug":"wings-for-autism-opens-new-horizons-in-3rd-year-at-atl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wings-for-autism-opens-new-horizons-in-3rd-year-at-atl\/","title":{"rendered":"Wings for Autism opens new horizons in 3rd year at ATL"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ATL’s third annual Wings for Autism on April 11 attracted some 150 autistic individuals and their families.
As part of the day’s events, participants boarded and toured a Delta flight.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Shane Blatt<\/b>
\n Senior Public Relations Manager<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

Some 150 autistic individuals and their family members experienced the hustle and bustle of air travel \u2013 without being 30,000 feet up \u2013 at the third annual Wings for Autism at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).<\/p>\n

Wings for Autism, a national initiative of The Arc, is an airport dress rehearsal program designed to introduce \u2013 and acclimate \u2013 autistic individuals to the everyday sights and sounds of airports.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognize the world\u2019s busiest airport can be a bit intimidating for some of our passengers, so we welcome this opportunity to offer a realistic, but relaxed, experience,\u201d Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. told a packed room at a press conference April 11 on Concourse T.<\/p>\n

Council was joined by Georgia Sen. Nan Orrock, Arc Georgia State Director Stacey Ramirez, Delta pilot Erich Ries and a host of other Airport personnel at the event, which coincided with National Autism Awareness Month.<\/p>\n

Orrock said over the past four years, state legislators have directed an additional $21.8 million toward autism services and support. With federal and other funds, it totals nearly $72.8 million, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not enough, is it?\u201d Orrock asked. \u201cThe needs are pervasive. The needs are deep. The needs are going to continue to grow, so your voices need to continue to grow \u2026 we need your voices at the state Capitol.\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of the day\u2019s activities, participants, who ranged in age from 3 to 30 years old, navigated the Airport, underwent security screening, and even boarded and toured a Delta plane.<\/p>\n

The Arc works with airports nationwide to host local Wings for Autism events as part of an effort to build awareness and training opportunities, not just for individuals with autism, but for airport, airline and TSA personnel as well.<\/p>\n

To date, 13,000 individuals with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as more than 4,500 families, have participated in the program nationwide. Including ATL, 47 Airports have hosted Wings for Autism events.<\/p>\n

Next year\u2019s event will be called Wings for All as part of an effort to include others with disabilities, said ATL Guest Relations Manager Carol Gaddis.<\/p>\n

\u201cHartsfield-Jackson constantly looks for ways to make the travel experience accessible to everyone,\u201d said Gaddis, the event\u2019s coordinator. \u201cWings for All simply reflects that commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n

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