Daytona Beach Airport Offers Autism and Disability Families a Trial Run

A Unique Airport Experience for Individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities

For many air travelers, the process of checking in, going through security, and boarding a plane is routine. However, for some individuals with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), this experience can be overwhelming and stressful. On Saturday, September 6, the Daytona Beach International Airport offered a different kind of journey—one designed to make flying more accessible and less intimidating for those who may have never boarded an airplane before.

The event, called Wings for All, was organized by The Arc of Volusia, a local chapter of a national organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Around 100 participants, including individuals with autism, IDD, and their families, took part in the event, which allowed them to simulate the entire airport experience from start to finish.

According to airport spokeswoman Joanne Magley, the event was a success. “We had a fantastic event,” she said. The Arc of Volusia CEO Laurie Davis also praised the experience, noting that it provided participants with a valuable opportunity to become more comfortable with the process of air travel.

What Is Wings for All?

Wings for All is a program launched by The Arc in 2014, with events hosted annually across the country. The initiative aims to help families build confidence in traveling by air. For many participants, this was their first time experiencing the airport environment in such a structured and supportive way.

The event allows families to practice key steps of air travel, such as checking in, going through security, and boarding an aircraft. It also helps participants understand how they might react to different stimuli in the airport, such as loud noises or crowded spaces.

“This event alleviates some of the stress that people with autism and other IDDs and their families experience when traveling by air,” according to The Arc. “It gives families the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different situations.”

Benefits Beyond the Participants

The event isn’t just beneficial for the participants—it also offers valuable learning opportunities for airport staff, airline employees, and TSA professionals. By observing and interacting with participants in a controlled setting, these professionals can improve their disability competency and develop better strategies for accommodating all passengers.

During this year’s event, participants went through a nearly complete airport experience. They checked in at the Breeze Airways ticket counter, passed through security, and moved to the gate area. Then, they boarded the plane, where they received a special welcome from the captain and spent about 20 minutes interacting with the crew.

Although the flight didn’t take off, the experience was still meaningful for many. “A lot of our folks that are apprehensive about flying were able to go through the whole process, from start to finish,” Davis said. “We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Looking Ahead

With the success of this year’s event, Davis is hopeful that The Arc of Volusia can bring Wings for All back to the Daytona Beach International Airport next year. The event is free for families and open to all individuals with autism or IDD, though pre-registration is required.

For more information about the event or The Arc of Volusia, visit arcvolusia.org or call 386-274-4736.