Syracuse, New York –The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) hosted 48 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families as part of an expanded airport rehearsal program today, Saturday, November 15th, at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) – the largest turnout yet for the program initially brought to Syracuse in 2019. Examples of IDD include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and other diagnoses. The event exposes individuals with IDD and their families to some of the stress they may experience when traveling by air in a controlled setting. 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, and Republic Airways dba United Express.

Today’s rehearsal, split into two sessions to accommodate the overwhelming demand for the program, provided individuals with IDD and their families exposure to the nuances of the travel process and the opportunity to learn how their loved ones may react to the various 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. Through these interactions, employees throughout the airport ecosystem learned how to better provide services to accommodate the unique needs of travelers with IDD.

“Republic Airways is proud to partner with ARISE, Arc of Onondaga and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport in supporting Wings for All, a program that empowers individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to experience the joy of air travel in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Republic Airways Senior Marketing Manager Doug Ingersoll. “This event is about building confidence, reducing stress, and creating inclusive opportunities for families.”

“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.”

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners who make this annual event possible and for helping us grow it to the unprecedented levels we have observed this year,” said SRAA Customer Experience Manager Matt Szwejbka. “Today, it was truly a privilege to help these 48 families experience what air travel looks like for their loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability. An experience like this builds confidence for these families and empowers them to have air travel as an option in their lives.”

The entire airport process was rehearsed today by 48 individuals with IDD and their families – coming from as far away as the Capital Region, Western New York, and New Jersey – 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, the cabin doors did close, and the plane was pushed back to simulate the start of a flight. Passengers on today’s rehearsal flights were treated to the airline’s snack and beverage service and had the opportunity to ask questions of the pilot and cabin crew as well. 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.

Wings for All® is a national program of The Arc of the United States. Over 34,000 individuals have attended Wings for All® events at airports across the country, providing close to 11,500 families the opportunity to participate in the rehearsal program.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Click here to learn more about accessibility at SYR.

• Click here to learn more about The Arc.

• Click here to learn more about Arc of Onondaga.

• Click here to learn more about accessible travel at United Airlines.

About the SRAA

The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serving Upstate New York, providing a safe, convenient, seamless passenger experience while enhancing economic opportunity, development, and growth in the region. Established on August 17, 2011, the SRAA officially took over operations of the airport from the City of Syracuse on March 1, 2014. The SRAA’s vision is for SYR to be recognized as a best-in-class airport elevating the customer experience and exceeding stakeholder expectations, while using innovative technology and optimizing the economic prosperity of the region we serve.

To receive a copy of this document translated into a language other than English, please use the Recite Me application on the syrairport.org website, or contact the Title VI Coordinator at CivilRights@syrairport.org, or 315-455-3626.