Miami International (MIA) is looking to make air travel less overwhelming for passengers with autism-related disorders.
The MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness program, referred to as MIAair, launched Nov. 24; it was developed through a partnership with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilites and the Ear Institute at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.
“We want to ensure that anyone can experience the magic and wonder of flight, regardless of their disability,” says Emilio T. Gonzalez, Miami-Dade aviation director. “Air travel allows us to discover new places and cultures, and the MIAair program helps to make this possible for all South Florida residents with special needs. We are extremely excited to partner with the University of Miami, another global leader in our community, in this service to their patients and all special-needs residents, and we look forward to opening new doors of opportunity for them.”
MIAair participants and their families, accompanied by UM experts and UHealth physicians, were able to experience a simulation of airline check-in, security checkpoint screenings and boarding an actual airplane on Nov. 24. The program also provides resources, such as travel checklists and tips in both Spanish and English, which help guide participants throughout airport procedures.
“CARD decided to partner with Miami International Airport for MIAair because this project provides families of individuals with autism and related disabilities with tools to prepare their loved ones for air travel,” says Diane Adreon, associate director of the CARD program at the University of Miami College of Arts & Sciences. “Today, CARD provides free services to more than 9,000 families in South Florida. This project will expand our reach and touch the lives of many more individuals with autism around the world.”
MIAair is the first program in a U.S. airport to partner with a university and a medical institution to provide travel rehearsals and materials.
“MIA and CARD have done a wonderful job launching MIAair for patients and families living with autism related disorders,” says Fred Telischi, chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at UHealth. “The Ear Institute at UHealth looks forward to further expanding the reach of MIAair to include those with hearing conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. Our combined efforts and resources will ensure that an even greater number of individuals can experience the joy of a family vacation.”
