On March 28, Miami International Airport hosted its largest MIAair (Airport Instruction and Readiness) tour to date for 11 families with special needs children, just ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and the start of National Autism Awareness Month.
Families who attended the tour practiced entering the airport, checking in and receiving boarding passes, going through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, and boarding a plane. At the end of the tour, children receive a MIAair certificate of completion and travel resource materials.
The MIAair program also simultaneously provides a learning experience for airport, airline and TSA workers, in how to better serve travelers with disabilities.
Since its launch at the end of 2015, MIAair has graduated more than 30 special needs travelers. In developing the program, organizers have found that many families altogether avoid air travel out of fear that the airport experience would add emotional distress or disruptions to their plans.
“The goal of the MIAair program is for everyone to experience the magic and wonder of flight, regardless of their disability. Congratulations to our newest graduates and their families, and we look forward to welcoming many more,” stated Miami-Dade Aviation Director Lester Sola.
