Families practice boarding a plane in ‘Autism Flies' event at Bradley
The airport can be overwhelming for all of us and even more so for those with autism. Kids and adults on the spectrum got a chance to practice going through Bradley International Airport on Tuesday.
This is the fifth time Bradley Airport and Breeze Airways have hosted “Autism Flies,” a free practice event organized by Autism Double-Checked, an organization that aims to make travel more accessible.
“Every passenger is a unique and valuable human being that deserves dignity and respect, that’s what we teach, and that’s what they’re going to get,” Alan Day, co-founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked, said. “For many people with autism, repetition is part of what they need to become accustomed to things.”
Families experienced every step of the airport process, including checking in, talking to airline agents, going through security, and boarding the plane.
“If you follow people through, you’ll see people coming through very nervous and timid,” Day said. “If you see them leaving, they’re exuberant. They’re happy because they’ve gotten comfortable.”
More than 200 passengers signed up for the event. Most parents brought their children, but there were also a few adults on the spectrum.
“A couple friends and I are going to be flying by ourselves and it’s hard navigating the airport,” Liandra Garcia from Middletown said. “We have to practice doing it for ourselves.”
The point of practicing is to become comfortable enough one day to take a real flight, according to Day.
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