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News Releases

November 15, 2018

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT LAUNCHES NEW “HELPING HANDS” PROGRAM

SANTA ANA, Calif. – John Wayne Airport (JWA) understands that traveling through an airport can be a difficult experience for individuals with hidden disabilities. The Airport today announced a new “Helping Hands” program designed to lend a hand to travelers, families and caregivers by providing assistance and support to ease their experience while traveling through the Airport. “Helping Hands” is a free service available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“Our team at JWA understands that all guests are unique and may require different levels of support specific to their needs,” said Barry Rondinella, Airport Director. “Our friendly staff are specially trained to assist travelers and their families with sensitivity and understanding to provide a superior guest service while helping them navigate the Airport.”

Barry Rondinella, John Wayne Airport Director; OC Autism Mascot Austin; Julie Chau Diep, OC Autism Founder and Executive Director; Max Behura; and Nathaniel Behura, Autism Advocate.

Pictured (left to right): Barry Rondinella, John Wayne Airport Director; OC Autism Mascot “Austin;”
Julie Chau Diep, OC Autism Founder and Executive Director;
Max Behura; and Nathaniel Behura, Autism Advocate.

Guests utilizing “Helping Hands” can receive assistance with the following:

  • Facilitating calls to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and arranging for TSA Cares support, as well as assistance with airlines.
  • Guidance during the arrival, check-in, security and boarding processes.
  • Arranging tours to help prepare guests before travel.
  • An optional bracelet to inform Airport employees that a little more time may be needed to prepare for check-in and security screening, and extra care may be required while traveling through the Airport.

Before arrival, guests are encouraged to inform staff of their special assistance needs by calling 949-252-5200 or emailing info@ocair.com. At the Airport, guests may dial “0” from any white Courtesy phone located throughout the Terminal.

To learn more about “Helping Hands” or to schedule a tour, please visit www.ocair.com/communityrelations/helpinghands or call 949-252-5200.

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 10 million passengers annually and reaches more than 20 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.