Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
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Autism Aviators a Flying Success
Autism Aviators was a success this year at Halifax Stanfield!
The airport was full of excitement and smiles on November 23 for the fourth rendition of this important annual event, held in partnership between Autism Nova Scotia and the Halifax International Airport Authority and supported by Porter Airlines.
“We are so proud of all our participants this year and so grateful to our partners at Halifax Stanfield for making this event a wonderful success,” said Amanda Alexander, Executive Director, Autism Nova Scotia.
The program welcomed 75 Aviators this year with the aim of increasing airport accessibility for autistic individuals, their families and travel companions. Air travel can be stressful for many, and Autism Aviators seeks to reduce that stress for its participants by introducing them to the ins-and-outs of the airport experience.
From timely arrival at check-in, to security, navigating to the right gate, boarding the plane and going through pre-flight procedures, Autism Aviators runs through the whole gamut of airport travel so that participants know just what to expect and how best to prepare for future flights.
Leah Poirier, Manager, Chapter Support with Autism Nova Scotia, said it was wonderful to see so many Aviators this year.
“I think this was the biggest group that we have had in attendance and the most successful event ever. We welcomed autistics, families and their travel companions. There was a diverse group of people participating,” she said, adding the ages ranged from preschoolers to adults.
Jill Cormier, Inclusion and Family Support Supervisor with Autism Nova Scotia, said it was very exciting when families arrived at the airport on Saturday.
The team welcomed participants at the information table and verified their registration before providing each Aviator with their own cinch bag. Families went through check-in to receive their boarding passes, made their way through security and then headed to the Porter Airlines gate.
“The airport and airline staff were great and helped families navigate and supported those throughout the airport. They also had service dogs available for those who needed a little bit of additional support,” Cormier said.
Poirier said the volunteers were very helpful and friendly, adding the event was extremely well organized and that everyone from Halifax Stanfield was understanding, accepting and supportive.
“They encouraged participants and families to be themselves and do what felt right for them,” she said.
Once the walkthrough was complete, the Aviators and their companions made their way to the observation deck for a well-earned after party. Food and beverages were served, speeches were made, photos were taken, and the Aviators were presented with their very own certificates for completing the program.
“What an exciting day! I’m so glad we could all be here together to see Autism Aviators take flight again this year,” Alexander said in her address.
“Everyone at Autism Nova Scotia works hard to advocate for inclusion and acceptance for people across the province. Coming to the airport, checking in, going through security, and boarding a plane can be stressful for many people. With Autism Aviators, you can learn what to expect and prepare for air travel,” she said.
Melissa Castonguay, Aviator Parent Testimony
Castonguay and her 8-year-old daughter Lily participated in this year’s event.
“I was impressed by everyone’s kindness, welcoming attitudes, and compassionate approaches,” Castonguay said. “The opportunity to experience the airport and airplane and ask questions was the perfect first introduction to air travel for Lily.”
They decided to attend Autism Aviators because they weren’t sure how Lily would tolerate airplane travel and crowded airports due to her sensory sensitivities. The family was nervous it would be too loud, too crowded, too overwhelming and too inaccessible for Lily. The expense of buying a ticket without knowing if their child could tolerate it has been too big a gamble for air travel in the past.
“We feel much more confident now that flying is an option for us as a family! We are looking forward to seeing where we might go next!”
Castonguay had three suggestions for how airports could be more accessible for autistic individuals and their companions:
- Refundable tickets if your autistic traveller cannot travel on the day intended for whatever reason
- For all airport and airline staff to have training on accessibility and neurodiversity
- For there to be special access through security to ease anxieties and reduce stress
Castonguay said Lily had a wonderful time at Autism Aviators. “She was so happy to be able to see, touch, and look at everything, and ask all the questions she wanted to!”
She said any family planning to travel with their autistic loved ones should have the opportunity to experience Autism Aviators.
“We are so grateful for the chance to experience the processes and environment of air travel prior to the real deal so we are all better prepared. We are hoping to reschedule a trip soon and are very hopeful it will be positive for everyone now that we know exactly what to expect!”
Click here for more information about Autism Aviators.
For the news release about this year’s event, click here.
