Port Authority for NY and NJ hosts training event for disabled individuals

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hosted a training at Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing a simulation of the air travel experience.

The event, Wings for All, was coordinated by The Arc of Essex County and The Arc of New Jersey with the goal of providing individuals and their families with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the air travel experience, which can be intimidating for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The training on December 02 2023,  included 159 registered families as well as dozens of volunteers who participated in a simulated security screening, movement through the terminal and the boarding process of an aircraft. Airport staff from the Port Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) participated in the training for passengers. The agencies also used the opportunity to train staff on how to better assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to ensure their safety and comfort. The Arc founded Wings for All in 2014 with the goal to alleviate the stress of air travel with practice, and to educate airport and airline personnel and TSA on ways to improve the experience for passengers of all ages with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Participants moved through Terminal A’s newly opened sensory room, a 1,000-square-foot space designed in consultation with leading autism experts from the Anderson Centre for Autism, which had certified the space and provided training to terminal staff. The room offers those with IDD and their families a calming space away from the bustle of the airport, featuring soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a tactical-based activity area. These travellers can also take advantage of an expedited security process through a partnership with the TSA Cares programme that uses the room as part of the security screening.

“Our long-time partnership with The Arc is vital for all of us to understand and better address the needs of those with autism or IDD,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Our goal is to make traveling through our facilities easier for everyone.  We are excited to continue collaborating with these organisations and investing in programs and amenities to achieve that goal.”  

“Traveling can be challenging and intimidating, especially for families like mine that are traveling with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford. “It is important that we work to alleviate any stress that comes with air travel. We are grateful for this partnership, and for the volunteers who make this programme possible. These experiences are also valuable in assisting the collective airport team to learn how to better serve our diverse community.”

“Keeping our airports safe and accessible for everyone is our priority,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We are honoured to host these events and work with our partners to provide a level of comfort for families and children with autism and other disabilities. This event not only provides an opportunity for them to experience the processes associated with air travel, but also enables airport staff to better serve these families and children.”

“For most people going to the airport is just a typical part of their travel plans. But for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the bright lights, loud noises and large crowds can make an airport a frightening and overwhelming experience,” said Linda C. Lucas, CEO of The Arc of Essex County. “That’s why The Arc of Essex County and The Arc of New Jersey are thrilled to host Wings for All. This real-life simulation of an airport experience will help our families be better prepared for those all-important future trips for vacations and to visit family.”

“An event like Wings for All would not be possible without the incredible support of our outstanding community partners,” said Thomas Baffuto, executive director of The Arc of New Jersey. “The Arc of Essex County and The Arc of New Jersey want to thank United Airlines, Newark Liberty International Airport/The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration for all they have done to make Wings for All a success. Their commitment to helping people with IDD have positive travel experiences is evident in the enthusiasm and generosity they have shown in planning the event.”

“Wings for All is a life-altering programME,” said Michael Kunz, CEO of Munich Airport NJ LLC, the operator of Newark Liberty’s Terminal A. “By helping families and individuals understand and experience the airport and airplane environments first hand, the programme creates familiarity with the process, reduces fear, increases confidence, provides peace of mind, and in short, it opens up the world for these kids and their families.”

“At United, we strive to make the flying experience inclusive and comfortable for customers of all abilities whether they’re flying from our busiest hubs like Newark Liberty or smaller stations across the country,” said Linda Jojo, executive vice president and chief customer officer of United Airlines. “Events like Wings for All provide us the opportunity to learn first hand how to create those experiences for our customers with IDD and their families.”

“Our TSA officers always look forward to this annual event because they know how beneficial it is to help families and individuals to get comfortable and familiar with the security screening experience and the sights and sounds of a checkpoint,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey. “We encourage participants to consider using TSA Cares, TSA’s helpline that provides travellers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.”