MEDIA ALERT – RNO Hosts Air Travel Rehearsal for those with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

RENO, Nev. – TheReno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), JUSTin HOPE Foundation Wings for All® program is set for Saturday, May 19 at the airport.

               Who:           JUSTin HOPE Foundation and Reno-Tahoe International Airport

What:         Travel dress rehearsal for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Where:       Reno-Tahoe International, River Room near baggage claim

When:         6-8 p.m., Saturday, May 19

Wings for All is a national initiative of The Arc, an organization that promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is an airport “rehearsal” specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and aviation professionals. It’s designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with autism experience when traveling by air.

The local JUSTin HOPE Foundation has partnered with The Arc and Reno-Tahoe International Airport to bring this program to RNO.

Wings for All also gives airport, airline, TSA professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment.

Approximately two dozen families from northern Nevada have signed up for this experience, which will take them to Southwest Airlines ticketing to receive their boarding pass, go through security, line up at the gate and board the plane. While the aircraft won’t taxi or take off, participants will board the plane and experience all the sights and sounds of an actual flight.

 Call 844-RNO-INFO (844-766-4636) when you arrive and airport staff will escort you past security.

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority receives no state or local funding. All operating revenues are derived from tenant and concession fees. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the 66th busiest commercial airport in the United States, with more than 4 million passengers per year. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.