The Port of Seattle, The Arc of King County (The Arc), United Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the McDonald’s at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hosted nearly 70 individuals and their family members or guardians for the second Wings for All event this year on Saturday, October 17. After a six-year hiatus, Wings for All is back, providing those with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to practice the airport experience during a dedicated period of time at SEA with additional support throughout the process.
A mix of SEA volunteers, including two SEA Pups, and dedicated Port, The Arc, TSA, and United Airlines staff were there to help ease the stress of traveling through an airport. From a check-in table near Ticketing to meals provided by SEA tenant McDonald’s, everyone’s mission for the day was to support the moment and meet the needs of the participants.
"Holding events like this helps us meet our promise at SEA to take care of our travelers like a friend — so your trip feels smoother, kinder, and made for you,” said SEA Airport Managing Director Wendy Reiter. “Talking with Wings for All families shows the value this practice opportunity gives in the confidence to fly. I’d like to thank everyone for their collaboration in making this event happen, and especially those who joined us as participants on Saturday. We hope you know you are in good hands when traveling through SEA.”
The Wings for All program isn’t new to airports, having launched in 2011 at Boston Logan International Airport. SEA first engaged with the local branch of The Arc in 2014, but events have been held across the country in 80 airports to date. Nationally, The Arc of the United States has organized over 250 events under this program, with 20 different airline partners and served over 35,000 individuals and their families.
“The Arc of King County is pleased to partner with United Airlines, the Port of Seattle, and the TSA to host the Wings for All event,” said The Arc of King County Wings for All Program Manager Stacia Irons. “Designed by The Arc of the United States, Wings for All is a national initiative that offers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — along with their family members — a realistic airport simulation. Participants practice the full travel sequence in real time, including check-in, security screening, and boarding. To date, this local program has welcomed 344 families, 403 individuals with IDD, and 844 volunteers and aviation partners across eight events, helping open the world of air travel to individuals with disabilities."
"At McDonald's, we believe everyone deserves the chance to feel comfortable and confident when they travel,” said Bob Comiskey, owner of the McDonald’s at SEA Airport. “We're proud to provide food and swag items for the participants, families, and volunteers at this year's Wings for All event, and to support The Arc of King County in creating an experience that helps individuals with disabilities navigate air travel with a little more ease and a lot more joy.”
About the SEA Access program
SEA Access supports travelers with disabilities, with the goal of making SEA the most accessible airport in the nation. If your organization has an upcoming event and would like to learn more about the program, please email the SEA Access team at [email protected].
About The Arc of King County
The Arc of King County promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan, from prenatal diagnosis through end-of-life care, to live, learn, work, and play in the community of their choice. Its specialized services include information and family support, outreach and advocacy, a supported living program, and housing stability. This year The Arc of King County is celebrating its 90th year of serving our community. For more information, please visit The Arc of King County website or email [email protected].
