Interim Customer Service Manager Ella Ghica (right) was presented the Community Awareness Award from Wings For All by Congressman Pete Olson (third from left)
Wings for All event at Bush Airport
Wings for All event at Bush Airport
For the third year, Houston Airports teamed up with the advocate groups, The Arc of Greater Houston, The Arc of Fort Bend County and The Arc of Texas, United Airlines , the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Doug Flutie Foundation to offer the Wings for All® program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“Traveling can be a challenge for anyone, and the goal of the Wings for All program is to get the families familar with airport process so they will know what to expect," said Interim Bush Intercontinental Airport Customer Services Manager Ella Ghica. "This is such an important event that takes a lot of hard work from a variety of airport partners, and we are so proud to be able to continue to offer the program."
The event offered a number of families the opportunity to participate in an airport “rehearsal” specially designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and aviation professionals. Families were given the opportunity to participate in the entire airport experience by practicing entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security, and boarding an airplane. 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.
Ghica has been influential in the planning and behind-the-scenes work of the program at Bush Airport. For her efforts, The Arc of Fort Bend County recently presented Ghica with the Community Awareness Award which honors her work in the community to raise awareness for autism, a disorder that effects a range of communication and social skills. Representatives with United Airlines and the TSA were also honored.
Wings for All® was originally developed by the Charles River Center, a local chapter of The Arc in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Port Authority. In 2016, more than 500 families from all over the country took part in these events.
Learn more about The Arc and its programs at this link.