Children with Special Needs Get Tour of MIA During Autism Awareness Month

A special event at Miami International Airport on Wednesday gave a group of children with special needs an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, offering them the opportunity to explore airport operations and become more comfortable with air travel. The event was a collaboration between the airport and American Airlines, aimed at helping these children feel more at ease when flying.

A Unique Learning Experience

Around 50 people, including children and their families, participated in the event, which was designed to provide hands-on learning about the airport and its procedures. Clinical Outreach Specialist Pamela Perez-Melms emphasized the importance of familiarizing children with the travel process. “Having the opportunity to get familiar with the airport and with flights is going to be such a great opportunity for them,” she told NBC6 News. Travel can often feel overwhelming for many people, but for children with special needs, the process can be even more challenging. Crowds, long wait times, and unfamiliar procedures can create a sense of chaos, making it difficult for some families to travel. Perez-Melms explained that many families may feel excluded from the flying experience due to the lack of accommodations for their children.

Training and Preparation for Easier Travel

To ensure a smoother travel experience in the future, the group was guided through essential airport processes. Participants practiced checking in at the airport, receiving their boarding passes, and navigating security. This hands-on practice was designed to help them become more familiar with each step of the journey and reduce the anxiety often associated with flying.

For Jill Alley, who regularly travels with her 12-year-old daughter, Kaloni, this event was an invaluable opportunity. Kaloni, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, often faces challenges during travel due to her delays in development. Alley shared that their family is in a much better place now, thanks to the therapies and services Kaloni receives. “She’s very delayed; her progress is very slow, but we are in a very good place with the therapies and the services we’re receiving,” Alley said.

Raising Awareness for Special Needs Travel

As the group made their way past the security checkpoint and boarded an American Airlines airplane, it became clear how important it is for flight staff to understand the unique needs of children with special needs. Alley pointed out that more training and awareness are necessary for flight attendants and other crew members. “We need to create more awareness and more training for flight attendants and flight crew for special needs,” she added. This event highlights the efforts to make air travel more inclusive and accessible for children with special needs, providing them with the tools and confidence to travel more comfortably in the future. The collaboration between Miami International Airport and American Airlines serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and support in all aspects of travel.