Be ye forewarned that I am biased on the new “Sensory-Friendly Space” at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). I think it is wonderful and hope other airports will do the same.
Why am I so biased? Because I have a nephew who is autistic.
In May 2017, Jason Rudge—heavy equipment operator at PIT—wrote a letter to Christina Cassotis, CEO of PIT. Jason and his wife, Sharon, have a son, Presley, who suffers with autism. Presley’s school has a sensory room where Presley can adjust quietly and calmly. It works so well that Jason and Sharon thought it would be a great idea to have such a place at the airport.
Jason’s letter says a lot about Jason and Sharon—they care.
CEO Cassotis knew the Rudges and their son. She listened, liked the idea, and—with the enthusiastic help of employees and others—the room is now complete and in use. The “room”—which is the size of a small home—is named Presley’s Place.
That says a lot about CEO Cassotis. With all of the details and demands of running a major airport, she took the time and effort to make a big change for the better.
People who suffer from autism can visit Presley’s Place, which includes part of a genuine airline passenger cabin. This gives them a chance to learn ahead of time what it will be like on the day of the flight.
But that’s not all—the possibilities seem endless.
Presley’s Place might be used to introduce non-flyers to airports. Many of us know people who are scared to fly. Presley’s place might change their minds.
Children’s groups might visit Presley’s place and learn at a young age that airports are fascinating and fun.
I hope the idea catches on big time at other airports.
To see a great video of all these people, go to: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mdlgdcudhoif6yl/AAAiwb-onhm18w36N21OJ-BJa?dl=0&preview=Presleys_Place_highlightreel.mp4
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