WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP) - Wednesday is World Autism Awareness Day, and Bradley International Airport (BDL) is being recognized as the first airport in the United States to become ‘Autism Double-Checked’ certified. CT woman charged for reckless driving, interfering with officer on I-9 5 The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) states that BDL has received the highest level of autism-readiness through Autism Double-Checked to help accommodate those on the autism spectrum. This certification provides the assurance for travelers that staff at BDL are specially trained to help individuals on the autism spectrum by providing targeted support and minimizing stress throughout their journey. This offers individuals with autism comfort and reassurance that the airport is ready to understand their needs and respond to travel challenges. BDL team members completed training courses to receive the certification, where they learned how traveling can cause stress for those on the autism spectrum due to unfamiliar environments, fear of the unknown, and an individual’s unique sensory needs. The training also educated staff members on how to understand what someone with autism may be experiencing in an airport setting, how to best assist them and any of their companions, and what type of resources can be offered if needed. Connecticut Airport AuthorityConnecticut Airport AuthorityConnecticut Airport Authority Bradley International Airport's certification comes as the airport is preparing to host its fourth Autism Flies event in April in partnership with Autism Double-Checked and Breeze Airways. This program provides families with children on the autism spectrum the opportunity to practice the full airport experience. The date has not yet been finalized for the event. Breeze Airways and BermudAir, which both operate at BDL, are also Autism Double-Checked certified. “We are proud of this certification and for becoming the first Autism Double-Checked certified airport in the country, which will hopefully become a standard for all airports moving forward,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “The dedication of our colleagues to achieve this certification bolsters our commitment to ensure that travel through Bradley International Airport is easy and convenient for all passengers.” “Navigating an airport is not only an essential step in many journeys, but also one of the most challenging parts of a trip for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Alan Day, Founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked. “With this certification, BDL is setting an example for other airports on how to improve the travel experience for all travelers. We applaud the team members for undertaking this important training and the airport management team for guiding the process.” Local News Headlines Springfield man charged with trafficking cocaine in North Adams These Massachusetts schools awarded grants for locally grown food Healey budget would force Trial Court hiring freeze Springfield police seek help locating missing 58-year-old man WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less