Show Notes
Send us Fan Mail Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants through the full airport process—terminal check-in, TSA screening, gate procedures, jet bridge, and boarding—so travelers can desensitize and build confidence. She discusses autistic-inclusive travel needs beyond basic accessibility, including managing sound, lighting, smells, and access to reset spaces like sensory-friendly rooms, as well as tools like TSA Cares (pre-registration for guided assistance and alternative screening options) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for voluntary identification. C heryl shares that the certification landscape has expanded to include certified airports, airlines, destinations, and entire cities, noting Dubai as the first certified airport. She describes serving all ages, providing preparation materials, recommending nonstop flights for first-time flyers when possible, and offering door-to-door travel planning while balancing the need for extra time with avoiding long gate waits. Cheryl highlights growth of the events to include other needs (blind/low vision, mobility issues, wheelchairs, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy) and shares an example of a child successfully riding an escalator for the first time during an event. She promotes her new site and social channels (navigateevents.org; Navigate Events on Facebook and Instagram) for event registration updates, and says expanding to new communities requires sponsorship to keep events free and enough participants to demonstrate demand, citing interest in Kansas City ahead of FIFA 2026. She closes by emphasizing travel as vital for family connection, jobs, medical care, and life experiences, and invites communities to contact her to bring events locally. Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide Meet Cheryl Bischoff & Here I Go Travel: Making Travel Accessible Becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional + The Airport Practice Event Dubai, Certified Airports & the Rise of Autism-Friendly Travel Systems What Truly Makes Travel Autism-Inclusive: Sensory Needs & Reset Spaces Building Trust with Families: TSA Cares and Other Hidden Supports Beyond Autism: Practice Events for Many Disabilities & Mobility Needs Supporting Autistic Adults & Hidden Disabilities: The Sunflower Program From Practice to Real Travel Days: Preparation, Timing, and Nonstop Tips What the Industry Still Needs: Sensory Rooms, Training, and Keeping Families Together Wins That Matter: Escalators, Confidence, and First-Time Flyers How to Find Navigate Events + Expanding Nationwide (Sponsors & Participants Needed) Final Takeaway & Closing: Travel as Connection, Opportunity, and Inclusion https://NavigateEvents.org https://youtu.be/Jcr2avKrep4 https://youtu.be/mfsP40HNNH4 INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild Mantor Music BMI
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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