San Francisco International Airport will host a Ready Set Fly event on Saturday, September 26th

Airport partners with The Arc San Francisco and JetBlue for educational program

SAN FRANCISCO, 2015-9-25 — /Travel PR News/ — The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will host a Ready Set Fly event on Saturday, September 26th to provide a real-world experience of air travel to individuals and families with autism and developmental disabilities.  The event, developed in partnership with The Arc San Francisco, will provide guidance and specialized support and to families as they participate in an air travel practice that includes ticketing, security and boarding of an Airbus A-321 aircraft provided by JetBlue specifically for the event.

Under development for over a year, Ready Set Fly is unique among airport programs supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities because of the extensive educational component and the focus on clinical and behavioral strategies to ensure success.  SFO has previously partnered with The Arc San Francisco to provide training and education for airport staff with the goal of providing improved support and assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families.

“We are proud to partner with The Arc San Francisco and JetBlue to bring this educational program to SFO,” said Airport Director John L. Martin.  “Our goal is to provide an exceptional airport, in service to our communities, and we continue to develop programs to achieve this vision, including in-house disability awareness training and a prototype mobile application to help visually-impaired guests navigate the airport independently.  The Ready Set Fly program is further evidence of our commitment to make the airport experience easier and more accessible for all travelers.”

“The onboard experience helps participants get a real feel for a trip by air—and all families deserve the opportunity to fly,” said The Arc San Francisco CEO Dr. Glenn Motola.  “Just as important is an understanding of how to prepare, and that’s what our pre-boarding workshops provide.  From assessing your child’s tolerances and triggers to understanding airport rules, regulations and supports, families who are prepared will have a much more relaxing, comfortable trip – and that’s our goal.”

“Taking a family vacation with a child with autism can be stressful and for many families it is often an impossible dream.  Through our Blue Horizons for Autism platform, we partner with programs such as Ready Set Fly to provide families and individuals affected by autism with the opportunity to navigate and practice the air travel experience in a realistic, relaxed environment, said Kate Wetzel, JetBlue Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility.  “Our crewmembers have really stepped up and volunteer countless hours of their personal time to provide these unique field trips to families affected by autism.”

Over 100 people are anticipated to attend the half-day event, which begins with a workshop in which participants will learn helpful specialists’ tips for traveling with disabilities, from accessing special assistance at the airport to clinical strategies for air travel success.  Attendees will then move through the ticket counter and security checkpoint process, making their way to a departure gate to board a JetBlue Airbus A321 aircraft, where participants will buckle up with engines running and get a real feel for air travel…without ever leaving the ground.

Media are invited to cover the event; details are as follows:

WHERE:

San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal, Departure Level.  Workshop training session will be held near the SFO Medical Clinic, located adjacent to the International A-concourse security checkpoint.

WHEN:

• Saturday, September 26, 2015
• Media are welcome to arrive at 11:30am
• Workshop training session begins at 12:00pm

RSVP & CONTACT:

Please RSVP to Doug Yakel, Public Information Officer at doug.yakel@flysfo.com or (650) 821-4000.

PARKING:

Please park in the International Garage “A” and bring your ticket for validation.  If you require curb side parking, please call in advance.  Space is limited and offered on a first come basis.

About The Arc San Francisco
The Arc San Francisco is a lifelong learning and achievement center for over 700 individuals with developmental disabilities in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties.  For over 60 years, The Arc has been widely recognized for its innovation in education and career programs as well as independent living services, health advocacy and a broad range of arts and recreation opportunities.

The Arc supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities to meet the challenges of adulthood while achieving personal goals and lifelong success.  Our affiliations with over 200 business, education and health partners enable us to provide successful internships and employment opportunities while offering a more diverse, enriching life experience for those we serve.

For more information, visit http://www.thearcsf.org.

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 90 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 875 daily flights. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.

S-F-O

About San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 39 international cities on 33 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 77 cities in the U.S. on 14 domestic airlines. SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/flysfo and www.facebook.com/flysfo.

CONTACT: Doug Yakel
Public Information Officer
Communications & Marketing
San Francisco International Airport
650.821.4000
Doug.Yakel@flysfo.com

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