The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hosted a simulated run-through of the airport experience at Newark Liberty International Airport this past weekend, aimed at assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism, and their families in navigating the air travel process. The event, Wings for All, helped familiarize participants with the airport experience, which can often be intimidating for individuals with IDD, and continued the Port Authority’s longstanding commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity for all travelers.
The event at Terminal A on Saturday, Dec. 7, included 160 registered participants, as well as dozens of volunteers who participated in a pseudo-rehearsal of the airport experience, including a simulated security screening, a terminal walkthrough, and the boarding process. The event was organized in partnership with The Arc of Essex County and The Arc of New Jersey. Volunteers and staff from the Port Authority, United Airlines, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also participated.
Families participating in the event also had the opportunity to explore Terminal A’s sensory room, a calming space designed for neurodivergent travelers who need a respite from the often-stressful airport environment. Developed in consultation with experts from the Anderson Center for Autism, the room is equipped with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and tactile-based activity stations. The room is also integrated into the TSA Cares program, which offers expedited security screening for travelers with disabilities and special needs.
The Wings for All program, founded by The Arc in 2014, offers a realistic air travel experience that helps passengers and airport personnel better understand the needs of those with disabilities. The event also served as a training tool for airport and airline staff, allowing them to enhance their ability to assist individuals with IDD and autism during real-world travel experiences.
“Our ongoing collaboration with The Arc is essential in helping us better understand and meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We are committed to making travel through our airports as smooth and accessible as possible for everyone, and this partnership is a critical part of that effort. We look forward to participating in programs and initiatives that help make our facilities more inclusive for all passengers.”
“I know firsthand how important it is to create an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to everyone, especially families like mine who are traveling with an individual with IDD,” said Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford. “This event helps ensure that we are doing everything we can to make air travel a positive experience for all families, regardless of their needs.”
“Providing safe accessible spaces for travelers at our facilities such as our airports is at the heart of what we do,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We are privileged to host events like Wings for All, which provide an invaluable opportunity for families and children with autism and other disabilities to familiarize themselves with the airport environment, while also allowing airport staff to develop the necessary skills to serve all passengers with care and understanding.”
In addition to the simulation, participants were able to interact with volunteers and staff, providing valuable feedback to the agencies involved on how to further improve services for individuals with disabilities. Other Port Authority initiatives to foster inclusivity and accessibility across all its transportation facilities include the creation of a second sensory room at Terminal A, relief areas for service animals, airport participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program, and a nearly 30-year partnership with The Seeing Eye program, which trains puppies for future roles as guide dogs and trains airport staff to aid travelers.
“For many, visiting the airport is a routine step in their journey,” said Linda C. Lucas, CEO of The Arc of Essex County. “For children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, however, the intense lights, loud sounds, and bustling crowds can make the airport an intimidating and stressful place. This is why The Arc of Essex County is so pleased to once again host Wings for All alongside our incredible partners, including The Arc of New Jersey, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, United Airlines, and Newark Liberty International Airport. This hands-on airport experience simulation will equip our families with the preparation needed for crucial future travels, whether for vacations or family visits. We received so much gratitude and appreciation last year, and could not be more thrilled to once again offer this meaningful experience to families.”
“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 US Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) 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 the planning for this event.”
“Wings for All is a transformative program that empowers families and individuals to experience the airport and airplane environment firsthand,” said Michael Kunz, CEO of Munich Airport NJ LLC, the operator of Newark Liberty’s Terminal A. “It helps ease anxieties, build confidence, and create a sense of security—ultimately unlocking a world of possibilities for children and their families.”
“At United, it’s important that we support customers of all abilities throughout each step of their travel journey,” said David Kinzelman, United Airlines’ chief customer officer. “Participating in programs like Wings for All benefits every traveler and better equips our team to accommodate all of our customers.”
“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 travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Travelers can call 72 hours prior to traveling at 855-787-2227 with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA truly appreciates the great partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”