1. Deborah Wallace, The Arc of Texas dwallace@thearcoftexas.org
Wings for All® Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness for Airport, Airline and TSA Personnel
Trainer Notes:
This training is designed for the airport, airline and TSA personnel that will volunteer at your Wings for Autism event.
You will need internet access to show the video described below.
The training is designed to last about 60 minutes. You are welcome to make changes to these slides.
Slide 1 has a place (red text) for you to add information about your chapter. Feel free to add your logo to the slides.
Slides 3-5 have a space for specific information about your event. Please let Karen Wolf-Branigin of The Arc or ) know the date of your training so she can provide you with an updated ppt program that contains this information. This data will be obtained by The Arc from the family registration form on The Arc website.
In addition to this ppt presentation you have a handout to distribute (Wings for Autism™ Autism Awareness for Airport, Airline and TSA Personnel – available in the Coordinator Guide) and a 19 minute video to show. The link to the video is
If the airport, airline or TSA asks permission to invite additional staff (those who will be at the event but would benefit from the training) you are welcome to invite them.
If any airport, airline or TSA personnel working the event are unable to attend your training you are permitted to share the slides and handout via .
Please decline any requests to video or audiotape the program. The training is designed to be delivered in –person by Chapter(s) of The Arc and not re-broadcast without your participation.
Questions? Just contact Karen and have a wonderful training.
Deborah Wallace, The Arc of Texas
Wings for All was created by Charles River Center, an affiliated chapter of The Arc, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority. For additional information about bringing Wings to an airport near you, please

2. Thank You for Joining the Wings Team
Families are so grateful for your interest and support in helping them have the same travel experience as everyone else.
The Arc is delighted to have formed such a important partnership with you.

3. Customers at this Event
122 individuals total are expected at this event including people with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings and other relatives (41 participants)
32% have flown in the past
50% have a future trip scheduled
2 people will be using some type of stroller, wheelchair or other medical equipment
7 people have allergies (nuts, citrus, casein, gluten, soy and dairy)
A number of families have indicated the participant is non-verbal.
A number of families have indicated the participant has sensory, auditory processing and/or anxiety issues.

4. Customers at this Event
Of families that have previously traveled by air:
5% had no challenges
27% had few challenges
68% had many challenges
Of families that have not traveled by air:
100% anticipate problems

5. Customers at this Event
Families that have traveled by air reported these challenges:
38% the security and screening process
85% waiting in line or at the terminal
46% participating in an unfamiliar experience
38% being in a confined space
46% noise and vibrations on the aircraft
30% airport noise/crowds
15% other (putting on/wearing seatbelt; sitting for a long period of time)

6. Questions and Answers What questions do you have about the: Video
Upcoming Wings for All event
Discussion: What experience or advice would you like to share with your colleagues?
Please send your questions or information you would like to share to We can discuss your questions online or the day of the event.
Trainer Notes:
Present the 19 minute video available at
Engage participants in a discussion by asking them for questions about the video and upcoming Wings for Autism event
Following you’re Q & A engage the group in a discussion asking them to share their past experiences or advice in serving customers with disabilities and their families.

7. Take Away Messages Every person with a disability is different.
Companions are the experts.
Some people may need more time.
Use a soothing voice and give simple one-step directions.
Interact with individuals on the autism spectrum as you would with anyone else.

8. Take Away Messages
Speak with the companions if the person does not respond.
Don’t feel bad if things don’t go as planned.
Families are so grateful for your interest and support in helping them have the same travel experience as everyone else.
Thank you for your extraordinary partnership!