Khyiah T Byrd International Foundation

05/27/2026

Our Executive Director, Shakema McClean, co-facilitated the Employment Access for All: An Interactive Dialogue on Disability and Employment at the McKimmon Center on May 18, 2026.

A powerful conversation on accessibility, inclusion, and creating equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities. ♿💙

With partners, we look forward to hosting more in the future. Please consider following and attending.😀

05/27/2026

Greetings friends
We are sharing some highlights from a webinar we attended on airplane travels. We hope you enjoy it.

If your travel plans are within the next 6 months

✅Below are some links that we believe might be helpful to you and your families as you plan to travel with your autistic loved one.
✅Attached is the PowerPoint presentation used for our virtual meeting for you to review.
✅If you would like to contact Lori Hecht-Thomson, who is the Guest Experience Supervisor at RDU, here is her email address and phone number to reach her. I know that she will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

[email protected]
919-840-7455

✈️RDU Traveling with Disabilities
https://www.rdu.com/travel-info/traveling-with-disabilities/?utm_source=Autism+Society+of+North+Carolina%2C+Inc.&utm_campaign=cc038d4ee2-Focus+Feb+2026_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b2a6dba2cf-459641369

✈️Video Guide to Flying with Autistic Kids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smVHY9kO7Xg

We highly recommend contacting your airlines so they can document your record indicating that your family wishes to pre-board. This information can also be added on your travel day, but beforehand would be ideal!

✈️TSA Cares is an excellent service that can support your checkpoint experience in the US. (1-855-787-2227). A video is included in the link below!

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support

✈️The online request for TSA Cares Assistance is a great, recommended option.
TSA Cares encourages passengers to complete these forms more than 72 hours in advance.

https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

✈️Guest Experience - Gabby's Familiarization Tour Video
https://www.tiktok.com//video/7377574611971525930

The title mentions American Airlines, but Melany, one of our Ambassadors in our Guest Experience Department, conducted the tour!

✈️Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

https://hdsunflower.com/

✈️Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWPqg3PJ0D4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbC-r3G-ByU

✈️ASNC Social Narrative for traveling on a plane

https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/wp-content/uploads/Fly-on-a-plane_2023-1.pdf?utm_source=Autism+Society+of+North+Carolina%2C+Inc.&utm_campaign=cc038d4ee2-Focus+Feb+2026_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b2a6dba2cf-459641369

✈️ASNC's Blog about traveling while using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/sunflower-program-at-rdu-makes-a-difference-for-autistic-travelers/?utm_source=Autism+Society+of+North+Carolina%2C+Inc.&utm_campaign=cc038d4ee2-Focus+Feb+2026_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b2a6dba2cf-459641369

✈️Please keep in mind that the familiarization tour at RDU does not include boarding an airplane or touring the airplane. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in partnership with Delta Air Lines and The Arc annually hosts Wings for All. This is a nationwide program that provides people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with a “dress rehearsal” opportunity to experience and acclimate to airport stimuli.✈️
During the Wings for All event, participants get to:
Check-in to receive boarding passes
Pass through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint
Wait in the boarding area
Board an aircraft (that will taxi but does not take off)

For more information on this program see links below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVue91LY0o0

https://www.cltairport.com/community/clt-events/wings-for-all/

Traveling With Disabilities At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we seek to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for all travelers. If you have a question about traveling with a disability that is not answered below, please contact the Guest Experience team at (919) 840-2123. You c...

05/27/2026

Although we are late to say...

HAPPY MEMORIAL
This day is to remember those who gave their lives in military service, and the families who carry that loss forward. Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms we live with every day, and we carry that responsibility with humility and respect.

In the years following the Civil War, families and communities gathered to honor the fallen by placing flowers on their graves. They came quietly, placing flowers, saying names, honoring lives that had been cut short. What began as a simple act of remembrance became a lasting national tradition.

Today, we pause. We remember. And we honor what was given .

- Juan Andrade, USAA President

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Celebrating my 9th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

04/12/2026

https://www.wral.com/news/education/wake-county-summit-parents-concerned-proposed-130-special-ed-cuts-march-2026/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARH_aFjbGNrBEf9kWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHi06Eb2eVvaiqTHRqBQUqmxy0LozrPH5TEBA6M2PZTrZ4176sXsbLtdGb_vy_aem_WdKJAgzfGE0t8olTFDEURw

Saturday marked the second day of the Wake County Public School System's Family and Community Engagement Summit.

03/24/2026

https://www.wral.com/news/education/wake-county-summit-parents-concerned-proposed-130-special-ed-cuts-march-2026/

12/26/2025

Our second year appreciating every moment spent supporting Crabtree Rotary and the City of Raleigh at Pullen Park.

12/26/2025

From Our Family to Yours, Warmest Wishes for a Joyous Christmas.
Shake Allicantake