For many families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, navigating a busy airport and boarding an airplane can feel overwhelming. On Saturday, October 17, The Arc of Essex County helped make the prospect of air travel a little less intimidating through a Wings for All event at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Fifty families registered for the event, which offered children and adults with IDD and their loved ones the opportunity to experience the steps involved in air travel in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Designed as a realistic rehearsal for a future flight, Wings for All gives families the chance to practice everything from checking in and receiving boarding passes to navigating airport security, making their way through the terminal, waiting at the gate, and boarding an actual United Airlines aircraft. Although the plane never leaves the ground, the experience allows participants to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and procedures of air travel without the added pressure of catching a flight.

For parents and caregivers, the event provided an opportunity to identify potential challenges, ask questions, and better understand how to prepare their loved ones for future trips. For individuals with IDD, it can be an important step toward building confidence and comfort in an unfamiliar environment. Families also had the opportunity to visit the Sensory Rooms located both before and after the security line.

This year’s event marked the third Wings for All experience organized by The Arc of Essex County and its partners at Newark Airport, following successful events in December 2023 and December 2024. The Arc of Essex County extends its sincere gratitude to the many partners who made this special day possible, including Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and The Arc of New Jersey. Their collaboration, generosity, and commitment to accessibility help open doors to new experiences for individuals with IDD and their families.

Click here to learn more about Wings for All.