Syracuse, New York – November 3, 2024- The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) proudly hosted 22 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families as part of an airport rehearsal program today, Sunday, November 3rd, at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). Examples of IDD include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, and other diagnoses. The annual Wings for All® event is a program of The Arc of the United States and represents a partnership between the SRAA, Arc of Onondaga, United Airlines, Republic Airways dba United Express, and Onondaga County Public Libraries. The event aims to alleviate some of the stress individuals with IDD and their families may experience when traveling by air.

Today’s rehearsal provided individuals with IDD familiarity with the travel process and families the opportunity to learn how their loved ones may react to the wide-ranging stimuli found in the airport environment. At the same time, members of the airport community such as airport authority, airline, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees were able to interact with people with IDD and learn how they can better support them. Interactions such as these help produce a better understanding of how to provide services to accommodate the unique needs of travelers with IDD.

“At United it’s important that we support customers of all abilities throughout each step of their travel journey,” said David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer. “Participating in programs like Wings for All benefits every traveler and better equips our team to accommodate all of our customers.”

“We are grateful to the Syracuse Airport, United Airlines, and all who have made Wings for All possible,” said Ellen Gutmaker, Executive Director of Arc of Onondaga. “For families of individuals with autism, traveling by air to visit family members and enjoy vacations is more accessible and attainable, thanks to this partnership.”

“As we strive to provide a best-in-class airport experience for travelers of all abilities, Wings for All® has proven to be an invaluable tool in assisting families of individuals with IDD,” said SRAA Customer Experience Manager Matt Szwejbka. “Many of these families may have permanently written off the joy and wonder of air travel as something they simply could not participate in. This event helps these families regain the confidence needed to bring air travel back into their lives, which we believe is an essential part of living a well-rounded and fulfilling life!”

The entire airport process was rehearsed today by approximately 22 individuals with IDD and their families, including parking and walking to the terminal, checking in for their flight, passing through the TSA security checkpoint, navigating the terminal to their gate, and boarding an aircraft provided by Republic Airways dba United Express. While the engines didn’t power up, passengers on today’s rehearsal flight were treated to the airline’s snack and beverage service and had the opportunity to ask questions of the pilot and cabin crew. Volunteers from the airport’s Pets Easing Travelers (PET) Program were on hand greeting passengers both participating in the event as well as regularly scheduled travelers. Representatives from Onondaga County Public Libraries handed out free books and stickers to participants as well.

“Travel can create some of life’s most treasured memories, but flying can be daunting for people with disabilities, denying them those special moments,” said Kerry Mauger, Director of Special Projects at The Arc of the United States “With Wings for All, we are opening up the wonder of flight to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By making the airport experience welcoming and familiar, we are empowering people with IDD to visit new places, see loved ones, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The opportunity to travel is a joy meant for all.”

Wings for All® is a national program of The Arc of the United States. Over 30,000 individuals have attended Wings for All® events at airports across the country, providing over 11,000 families the opportunity to participate in the rehearsal program.

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