For the 10^th Year, Autism in Flight Prepares Students to Take Flight
Excellent Media Opportunity

Autism in Flight is once again preparing for takeoff! The one-of-a-kind program that gives Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) students with autism and their families the opportunity to participate in a hands-on simulated flight will once again “take to the skies” on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the District’s partnership with JetBlue, Broward County Commission and Broward County Aviation Department in offering students this positive and informative experience that will have participants buckling their seat belts for a mock-flight to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. The event takes place at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, in the baggage claim area of Terminal 3.

Around 50 BCPS students will participate, representing the following schools: Coconut Creek Elementary School, Coral Park Elementary School, Dania Elementary School, Fox Trail Elementary School, Horizon Elementary School, Liberty Elementary School, Mirror Lake Elementary School, Norcrest Elementary School and Park Springs Elementary School. 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 for a simulated takeoff and landing.

Since its inception in May 2013, Autism in Flight has provided hundreds of BCPS students with this unique learning experience. The program is particularly valuable for children with autism who often experience difficulties communicating and hypersensitivity to large crowds and loud noises. Autism in Flight also helps airline, airport and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) staff gain a better understanding 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 a proud “A” rated District, serving as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. As Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, BCPS educates more than 247,000 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across 239 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 174 different countries and speaking 157 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on “X” @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, on Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, on YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos and download the free BCPS mobile app at browardschools.com/MobileApp.