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PITTSTON TWP. — An airport “rehearsal” program designed specifically for individuals with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) took wing Saturday at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

“Wings for All” was co-hosted by the airport, The Arc of NEPA, SkyWest, Delta Air Lines and Delta Global Services.

Free to families and open to all individuals with autism or I/DD, “Wings for All” was founded by The Arc in 2014 with the goal of alleviating the stress of air travel with practice, and to educate airport and airline personnel and Transportation Security Administration officials on ways to improve the experience for passengers of all ages with autism spectrum disorders and I/DD.

Families are given the opportunity to practice all steps involved in air travel, including entering the airport, obtaining a boarding card, going through TSA security, and boarding a real plane that will taxi, but not take off.

The attached photos by Bill Tarutis illustrate Saturday’s activities.

An autistic family boards a Delta Airlines CRJ-200 50-seat plane during the ‘Wings for All’ experience for autistic passengers at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Saturday evening.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_TTL092219WingsForAll_2.jpg.optimal.jpgAn autistic family boards a Delta Airlines CRJ-200 50-seat plane during the ‘Wings for All’ experience for autistic passengers at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Saturday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Lisa Sousa, of Springbrook Township, right, and her son Antonio, 7, walk through a jetway before boarding a Delta Airlines CRJ-200 plane during the ‘Wings for All’ experience for autistic passengers at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Saturday evening.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_TTL092219WingsForAll_1.jpg.optimal.jpgLisa Sousa, of Springbrook Township, right, and her son Antonio, 7, walk through a jetway before boarding a Delta Airlines CRJ-200 plane during the ‘Wings for All’ experience for autistic passengers at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Saturday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader