Traveling can be challenging no matter how far you’re going or what method you’re taking. Airports can be particularly overwhelming for children with disabilities, especially children with sensory sensitivities. The crowds, the noise, and the unfamiliar surroundings can cause stress and anxiety.
There are a number of ways you can prepare your child with disabilities for traveling, particularly via airplane!
Mini-Schedules
Mini-schedules can be used to break down each step in the airport travel process into smaller schedules. Within each mini-schedule, focus on the steps of the process and ensure there is a highly desired item or action at the end if the child completes the mini-schedule.
In the case of the airport, you could have a mini-schedule for the check-in process that could include the following:
- Wait in line at the check-in desk
- Confirm travel documents with the gate agent
- Weigh and drop off luggage with the gate agent
- Take your boarding pass and proceed to security
- Reward!
Mini-schedules should be fully customized to help your child navigate each part of the travel process and minimize potential challenges.
Social Stories
Social stories are another great resource families can use to help prepare their child for what will occur when they travel before the day arrives.
A social story explains a particular situation from your child’s point of view, outlining what they might see, hear, smell, and experience as they go through the situation. If you’re preparing a social story to travel on an airplane, think of what new experiences and unusual things your child might encounter throughout the process.
Read the social story to or with them in the days and weeks leading up to the travel date so they have an understanding ahead of time of what might occur.
Pittsburgh Airport Travel Resources
For individuals traveling through the Pittsburgh International Airport, the staff and volunteers who work there offer a range of resources for families!
TSA Cares offers support to individuals with disabilities and their families who are traveling and may need additional resources to navigate through the airport safely and comfortably.
Read more about Watson students’ visit to the Pittsburgh International Airport where they participated in a travel training and met with TSA Cares to learn about the resources and travel accommodations available to them.