There are 40 million Americans who have a so-called “invisible” intellectual and/or developmental disability, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many of these families raising a child with a developmental disability report struggling to engage in their communities. In fact, it has been reported that 70% of families impacted by autism saying they feel socially isolated from their communities (The National Autistic Society, 2016).
Chicago-based InfiniTeach, in partnership with Houston Airports, is working to change this. Access Houston Airports is a new, free mobile app that aims to welcome and support families raising a child with a developmental disability. The app, available on iOS and Android, contains information and resources to help make flying possible for all families.
“The new Access Houston Airports mobile app will enable more people to take advantage of all that IAH and HOU have to offer travelers,” stated Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The mobile app is embedded with research-based strategies proven to help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.The app helps a family prepare for their travels, reducing pre-visit anxiety, and it supports an individual in communicating and transitioning throughout their airport experience, increasing independence and reducing challenging behaviors.
The app is built using principles of Universal Design to ensure it is accessible to all. The app incorporates all native accessibility functionality, including screen reader capabilities, dynamic text sizing, and audio descriptions and offers multiple text options, including a dyslexia-friendly font called OpenDyslexic3.
Available for free on iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/access-houston-airports/id1479593679
Available for free on Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.infiniteach.accessibility.houstonairportsystem&hl=en_US
About InfiniTeach
Thirty years ago, 1 in 2,500 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, that number is 1 in 59, and growing. At InfiniTeach, we're developing innovative technology to help these individuals, and their families, better access their communities. Our mobile apps support inclusive schools, inclusive communities, and inclusive employment. Since 2014, over 200,000 parents and educators have downloaded our apps to create customized, inclusive experiences for individuals with autism.
About Houston Airport System
Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD), and the Houston Spaceport, the Houston Airport System served more than 58 million passengers in 2018. Houston Airports form one of North America's largest public airport systems and position Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the South Central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America. Houston is proud to be the only city in the Western Hemisphere with two Skytrax rated 4-star airports. Learn more at fly2houston.com.
Video:
Fairbanks International Airport Baggage Transport Conveyor Enhanced With Mod Drive™ System
Airports face a host of unique industry challenges, such as meeting efficiency regulations and seeking out the best maintenance practices to reduce costs and keep operations flowing. In today’s current economic climate, any potential cost savings can go a long way.
In 2019, Alaska’s Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) sought to modernize its equipment and operations. They were dissatisfied with the performance of the gearmotors on their baggage transport conveyors and began searching for new suppliers. Regal approached FAI with a solution that could improve equipment performance and simplify maintenance, with the added benefit of energy cost savings: the Hub City® MOD Drive™ system.
This white paper discusses the hardware deployed, the test results and the annualized expectations for ROI.