A family took part in the Autism Aviators program on Sunday. (Twitter/Alicia Draus)

Autism Aviators Program at the Airport Helps Travel More Accessible

Autism Nova Scotia teamed up with the Halifax Airport Authority in Canada to create a program called Autism Aviators that held on Sunday (5/26). The goal of the program is to help those on the autism spectrum to have more accessible travel.

For someone with autism, a small hiccup in travel can make the whole process more intimidating especially when the airport is busy. Therefore, to improve the situation the program hosts a mock travel day every two years. The program allows autism travelers with their families to experience all the steps at the airport—from checking in to security check and even boarding a plane.

The customer service manager Kelly Martin said that this is one way for the airport to give back to the community. They want to help a group of people that might not be able to travel can be familiar with the airport and all the processes going on at the place. On the other hand, the airport also has an education program for front-line staff to make them become familiar with the Autism Aviators logo so that they are going to be more patient and understand that there is a need there.

One of the parents who participated in the mock travel day with her son also admitted that the Autism Aviators day is a great tool to learn more about travel for anyone with autism. Her son enjoyed his time during the program and called the day ‘epic’.

Even though the program only held every two years, but the Halifax Airport Authority is willing to arrange private tours anytime someone with autism has an upcoming flight. However, without the part to board an actual plane.

The Autism Aviators program has expanded to other airports in the Maritimes since the first time began at Halifax Airport and expected to expand further in the future.