Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kelowna International Airport

On Sunday, November 19, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will be hosting the first-ever YLW Accessibility Tour for families living with autism. The tour will take families through the entire pre-flight process, including entering the airport, waiting in line, passing through security and boarding a plane.

The Canucks Autism Network’s I CAN Fly program was developed in partnership with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in 2014. Due to anxiety or sensory sensitivities, children with autism can be overwhelmed by the pre-flight experience. This can present a significant challenge for families with autism to successfully and comfortably navigate the airport environment. By providing families with a simulated experience, the program will better prepare children with autism for what to expect at the airport.

In addition to the tour, the I CAN Fly program includes a resource kit that features a step-by-step storybook outlining the airport routine, an interactive checklist allowing travellers to check off each step as it is completed, an airport “road map” for families to follow on their journey, and helpful tips for travel.

The program also aims to educate airport employees and volunteers on how to accommodate individuals with autism and better anticipate challenging situations.

After launching the I CAN Fly program at YVR in 2014, over 300 individuals have benefited from the Accessibility Tour in Vancouver. With the program now in its fourth year, CAN and YLW are extremely excited to be expanding the program to Kelowna.

“The Accessibility Tour is a truly unique resource for children with autism to familiarize themselves with the airport process,” explains Katy Harandi, CAN’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the I CAN Fly program at YLW will open a new world of possibilities for families living with autism in the Kelowna community.

Families with autism that are interested in participating in the I CAN Fly Accessibility Tour at YLW can sign up at canucksautism.ca/events. Participation is exclusive to CAN members. Families can sign up for a CAN membership for $25 per individual with autism per year at canucksautism.ca/join. This event has limited access due to security restrictions. Media wishing to attend must RSVP with name, outlet and title by November 15th to jpatrick@kelowna.ca. All media must present government-issued photo identification provided upon registration.

Special thanks to WestJet and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) for their support in making the program a possibility in Kelowna. For more information about accessibility at YLW, please visit ylw.kelowna.ca.

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