Pittsburgh International Airport is hosting a public event in which individuals with autism, caregivers for those with autism, and other interested stakeholders are invited to give input on a planned sensory room in the Airside Terminal.
Individuals with autism may experience difficulty processing sensory information such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, brightness and movement in crowded and/or unfamiliar places. These difficulties can make ordinary situations like traveling through the airport feel overwhelming. The purpose of the room is to provide a calm and inclusive space for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities before or after a flight.
Participants at the airport event will be asked to provide insight and ideas on the room design and features. The format of the event will allow people to get together in small groups and share ideas with airport staff. Interested stakeholders who are not able to attend the event will be able to provide input on the airport’s website at https://flypittsburgh.com/sensoryroom for a period of one week following the event. The input gathered will be taken into consideration as airport staff, architects and designers plan the sensory room, which is expected to open by the end of 2018.
The public event will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, 777 Aten Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108. Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance at https://flypittsburgh.com/sensoryroom .
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to increasing air service, improving customer service and inspiring growth in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2017 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at flypittsburgh.com/AR17.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 9 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Over the past three years, the airport has doubled its nonstop destinations to include 74 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure has again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2017. In addition, TripAdvisor ranked Pittsburgh International Airport a Travelers’ Choice Favorite for Shopping in 2016.
PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON SENSORY ROOM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
