BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Navigating through an airport can be quite a challenge for a child, especially if that child is autistic. Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief will once again join Broward County Public Schools, JetBlue Airways and the Broward County Aviation Department in the Third Annual Autism in Flight Program at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport on Wednesday, May 20^th, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the JetBlue, Terminal 3, baggage claim area, Carousel 8.  Media must RSVP to Tamara Young, JetBlue Airways to obtain a gate pass.

The Autism in Flight Program simulation exercise allows for the full airport and travel experience in a relaxed setting that prepares participants for future travel.   Fifty children and their families will check-in, go through TSA security, walk through the terminal to their gate, board a JetBlue plane and experience a mock "take-off."

The Autism in Flight Program began at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in 2013 after Commissioner Sharief was contacted by a family in her district with an autistic child and learned of the potential challenges they faced when using airports.

"This award winning program is a learning experience for everyone involved in the process.  If these children and their families know what to expect, they'll be prepared and more at ease; the same goes for airport employees and airline personnel," said Commissioner Sharief. 

Silver Lakes Elementary School in Miramar, Park Springs Elementary School in Coral Springs, Everglades Elementary School in Weston, Dania Beach Elementary School in Dania Beach, and Coconut Palm Elementary School in Miramar will each send ten students and a teacher to participate in the program.  Each student will be accompanied by a parent.

Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief, Broward School Board Member Patricia Good, Broward Superintendent of Schools Robert Runcie, Broward Aviation Director Kent George, and JetBlue General Manager Jason Annunziata will be among the featured speakers.