The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has teamed with several airport partners and The Arc of Northern Virginia to simulate a typical airport travel experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who might otherwise not attempt flying without this practice.
More than 50 families are registered to attend Wings for All events scheduled for Nov. 1 at Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Nov. 8 at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). United Airlines has partnered with MWAA for the IAD event; American Airlines will be the partner airline at DCA.
Participants will check in at an airline ticket counter, go through security screening, proceed to a gate and board a real aircraft. After a simulated flight, they will return to the terminal and pick up luggage in baggage-claim area. Airport officials hope the Wings for All program experience helps provide the confidence needed to travel through the airport on a future trip, according to a news release.
