After a successful first year, the YYC Navigators Program at Calgary’s International airport took flight again Saturday.
The program focuses on people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families when travelling by helping them become more familiar with airport processes and the air travel experience before they book a trip or actually take off.
This year’s program included 78 families that went through the entire airport process from curb to gate.
When families arrived, they checked in with their airline, went through the pre-board security process, boarded the aircraft and went through all flight safety announcements.
They finished their trip with a visit from the Canada Border Services Agency who stamped their mock passports.
Air Canada, the Society for Treatment for Autism (STA) and other autism support organizations are advocates of the program.
“Flying becomes a more viable option for these families. It’s import to us and our many partners that air travel is enjoyable and accessible to all,” Garth Atkinson, president and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, said.
Experts say people with autism have a tendency to dislike new or unfamiliar situations and may have abnormal reactions to sensory simulation or other communication insufficiencies. This has led to many families choosing not to travel by air.
The pilot launch of the YYC Navigators Program was held in 2015 to make the air travel experience more attainable and it has since expanded because of its success.
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authority of Canada.
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