Join UP!, a Ukrainian tour operator, has initiated a program offering free air travel for families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aiming to make travel more accessible for them. The company announced that these complimentary flights are available from any departure country when booking through Ukrainian travel agents.
The initiative follows extensive research by Join UP! into the needs of children with autism, adapting services to ensure safe and comfortable journeys. A test trip was organized involving 20 children and their families, accompanied by training sessions for crew members to understand the behavior of these special passengers better. The training covered handling all potential needs during travel and relaxation, as well as effective communication strategies with individuals on the spectrum.
The launch of free flights for children with ASD marks another step towards encouraging families with autism to travel more frequently. Currently, only 13% of such families engage in regular travel, making initiatives like this crucial in fostering inclusive tourism experiences.
