Patrick and his family participated in SOAR last year. (Children’s Hospital picture)
On Saturday, September 24, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) will host its sixth SOAR (Starting Our Adventure Right) event, in conjunction with The Kelly O’Leary Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, and air carrier sponsor, Delta Air Lines.
TSA and TSA Cares provide supporting contributions.
The event will take place from 1-4 p.m.
Entering its sixth event, the SOAR program provides individuals on the Autism Spectrum airport experience through first-hand familiarization and encouragement.
This acceptance-through-education opportunity is not only professionally designed to provide comfort to those involved, but is also a chance to raise understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other related developmental disabilities among airport community personnel and employees.
Individuals with ASD and up to three family members will experience a fully guided tour and walk-through of airport travel processes from beginning to end. This includes check-in, security, departure gate, aircraft on-boarding, and return to bag claim. Volunteer health, airport, airline, and security personnel will be present throughout for mutual support and education. Interested participants must register at cvgairport.com/SOAR.
“Our vision is to make travel through CVG an unforgettably positive experience for all of our travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This program provides comfort to autistic travelers, as well as their families and our own employees. It is an invaluable chance to make travel a positive and easy experience for everyone, as it rightly should be. We’re happy to partner with The Kelly O’Leary Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Delta Air Lines and TSA.”
“The families and children that we work with at The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TKOC) are greatly appreciative of this program,” said Dr. Jennifer Smith, TKOC, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Due to SOAR, some families can now fly for the first time for a family vacation.”
To learn about one family’s experience last year, see Cincinnati Children’s story here.
Participation is limited. Additional details to be provided via email upon successful registration. Contact CVG at inf0@cvgairport.com with further questions.
