© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Companies to hold 'practice boarding' event at Bradley airport for passengers with autism

Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
Ryan Caron King
/
WNPR
Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

For some people with autism, traveling on a plane can be difficult. The process of going through a busy airport and then flying can be stressful and overstimulating.

This week, a Connecticut-based organization is looking to make that process a little easier for children with autism and their parents.

On Wednesday, the company Autism Double-Checked and Breeze Airways are holding a practice boarding event at Bradley International Airport. Those attending will get to practice the entire airport experience — except for flying.

Alan Day, the CEO of Autism Double-Checked, said it's the third time they've held the event.

“Some people with autism can have real difficulties with new situations,” Day said. “So here’s a chance for them to come along once, twice, three times — as many times as it takes — and become familiar with the situation, so that when they actually have to fly, they’re able to do it with a greater degree of comfort.”

Day said that the travel industry is largely unprepared for passengers with autism. His aim is to make traveling more accessible for them.

Autism Double-Checked offers online trainings for staff, for example, and “flier’s guides” for passengers.

Dusty Christensen is an investigative reporter based in western Massachusetts. He currently teaches news writing and reporting at UMass Amherst.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content