TSA officers at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) partnered with airport staff to help children with disabilities experience what goes on at an airport so they could be ready to fly when the big day comes.
The sights, sounds and stress of airports can be overwhelming for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The hectic atmosphere often overstimulates people whose heightened senses cause them to experience the world differently than typical travelers.
So when Wichita TSA officers partnered with American Airlines and the Wichita Airport Authority to help families practice going through the security checkpoint and getting on a plane, it empowered the kids and gave them confidence that they could do something most of them have never done before.
The children went through the process just as they would have if they were actually flying. They checked in at the ticket counter, received boarding passes, went through security and boarded a plane.
Checkpoint TSA Officers Jennifer Bowman and Jarret Buchanan screened the children and their bags. The dry run included placing personal property through the X-ray and going through the walk-through metal detector. After screening, the kids went to the gate and boarded the aircraft.
“This event really benefited special needs children by familiarizing them with the airport and the process that one goes through while flying out,” said Loren Rockey, Assistant Federal Screening Director for Screening. “It reduced anxiety, alleviated fears and built confidence.”
Rockey said the walk-through helped the children know what to expect, from checking in to security checks to boarding. “This preparation helps make actual travel smoother and more enjoyable the children and their families. I’m proud of our team and the effort they put forth to make this such a successful event.”
Run-through sessions like this not only help kids with disabilities prepare for flying, but are rewarding for TSA officers as well.
“The event presented an opportunity for TSA to assist the community and create an open environment to meet their needs,” said TSA Manager Ryan Vu. “Seeing the kids smile and learn how to navigate through security is a true honor and demonstrates our commitment to public service.”
The children and their families were appreciative, as was one of the travel agents who helped coordinate the day’s activities and complimented TSA Wichita.
“Thank you so much for your efforts and attention for making our very first Navigate ICT such a success,” said Cheryl Bischoff of Here I go Travel.
“Some of our guest families were actually in tears over the opportunity to participate. You’ve made a difference in building their confidence to fly.”
Program Specialist Tracey Herman and TSA Manager Jayne Casteel also assisted the children as they went through the tour.
By Mike Frandsen, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs