Autism Aviation Days Help Children with Autism Experience Air Travel

In an innovative initiative over the past two months, Air Canada and Jazz Aviation LP, in collaboration with the Air Canada Foundation and the Canucks Autism Network, hosted Autism Aviation Days in British Columbia. These events, held at Victoria International Airport in April and Vancouver International Airport in May, provided 180 children with autism and their families the opportunity to learn and practice airport processes, from security screenings to boarding and de-planing, in a supportive environment.

These events aimed to reduce the anxiety associated with air travel for children on the autism spectrum by allowing them to rehearse the entire pre-flight process. Children participated in various activities, including taxiing around the tarmac on an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft. By offering a safe and structured introduction to air travel, Autism Aviation Days sought to build confidence and make future journeys less stressful for both children and their parents.

Rebecca Smillie Nedelec, Director of Community Engagement at Air Canada, emphasized the foundation's commitment to accessibility. "Helping children spread their wings is what we do at the Air Canada Foundation. Partnering with organizations like the Canucks Autism Network allows us to provide unique experiences that help reduce barriers and improve accessibility to air travel for children of all backgrounds."

Families attending these events appreciated the chance to familiarize their children with the airport environment. Mike Paris, father of one of the participants, highlighted the positive impact on his family, stating, "This whole experience, especially the flight portion, made us feel more at ease knowing that he is comfortable sitting and waiting. The Canucks Autism Network and the Air Canada Foundation definitely helped us."

The success of these events has prompted plans to expand Autism Aviation Days throughout 2024. Jenny Carwana, Manager of Accessibility Initiatives and Partnerships at the Canucks Autism Network, remarked, "Autism Aviation Days are crucial for our families to learn that travelling is something possible for them, making the industry more accessible and inclusive."

Additionally, Air Canada has adopted the Sunflower program, a globally recognized initiative to assist customers with non-visible disabilities, including autism. By wearing a Sunflower lanyard, passengers can discreetly signal to airline staff that they may require additional assistance or time.

For more information, families planning to travel with children with autism can contact Air Canada’s specialized medical desk. Sunflower lanyards are available at numerous Canadian airports, including major hubs like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International.