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Autism in Flight is Cleared for Take-Off After Being Grounded for Two Years
Autism in Flight is Cleared for Take-Off After Being Grounded for Two Years
Excellent Media Opportunity
Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Autism in Flight is once again preparing for take-off. For the eighth year, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), jetBlue, Broward County Commission and Broward County Aviation have partnered to give students with autism and their families the opportunity to participate in a simulated flight experience at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The event takes place on Thursday, November 3, 2022, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in the baggage claim area of Terminal 3.
This year, approximately 50 students, representing seven BCPS elementary schools, will arrive at the airport ready to board a mock flight en route to New York City. The participating elementary schools are Coral Park Elementary, Dania Elementary, Mirror Lake Elementary, Norcrest Elementary, Silver Lakes Elementary, Tradewinds Elementary and Wilton Manors Elementary. After weeks of classroom instruction focused on airport travel, the students and their families will obtain their boarding passes, go through the security checkpoint and head to the gate to board the jetBlue aircraft to participate in the simulated takeoff and landing.
Since Autism in Flight began in May 2013, more than 250 BCPS students have participated in the unique event aimed at reducing the anxiety of travel for children with autism who often experience hypersensitivity to large crowds and loud noises, as well as difficulties in communicating. Autism in Flight also helps airline, airport and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) staff gain better awareness of individuals with autism.
Autism in Flight is coordinated in collaboration with the TSA, Broward Sheriff’s Office and Delaware North.
Media are invited to cover this event.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 256,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 90 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.