Stay Safe. We Think Safe to. Summer 2014

Transcription

1 Stay Safe We Think Safe to Summer 2014

2 Welcome back to the We Think Safe to Stay Safe Ezine. Summer is here and school is almost over! Some of you will be going on holiday. Maybe you will be going camping somewhere close to home, or to the beach. Some of you may even be going to another country. As many people go on an aeroplane when they go on holiday or to see family living away from home, we thought it would be helpful for you to know what it will be like at the airport and when you are on an aeroplane. In this edition of the Ezine, you can read Jill s story about going on holiday by aeroplane. Then you can read the steps about the things that you have to do at the airport to get on your flight. Finally, you can take the quiz to test your knowledge about the things that often happen when you are at the airport. We hope that you are enjoying reading the Ezines. If you can think of any ways that they could be better you can tell us by ing christine@autismni.org. You can also find out about the Skills for Staying Safe programme for 8-12 year olds living in greater Belfast, which starts in August for 2 weeks. We look forward to hearing from you soon! 1

3 Going to Disneyland: Jill s Story Last summer I went on an aeroplane to America because we were going to Disneyland. I was a little nervous, but that is okay. I was safe and happy with my mum, dad, and little sister on the aeroplane. First, we drove to the airport and parked our car in a big car park. As we walked to the airport terminal I stayed safe by holding onto my mum s hand and didn t let go of it. I had my special headphones to block noise if it got too loud. When inside, we went to a big ticket counter to show our passports and to get our boarding passes for the aeroplane. Before we left for the airport, we packed our suitcases with our clothes and some of the things that we would need for our holiday. At the counter my dad gave all our suitcases to the staff to put onto the aeroplane. That was okay, because we got them back when we landed at the airport in America. I was allowed to keep my backpack with me at all times. I packed it with some of my special things so that I would enjoy the journey. Tip Some ways to stay calm are: Listen to music and close your eyes Take deep breaths Focus on counting to 100 Think about things that make you happy Talk about the thing that is worrying you with your parents I brought 3 of my books, my PSP, and my favourite cuddly toy. I played with them and held them when I had to be patient and wait. Next, we needed to stand in line to go through a big x-ray machine. I kept my body safe and calm while I stood in line. When it was my turn to go, I took of my shoes off, let go of mum s hand, and walked through the x-ray machine, which looks like a doorway! I saw mum the whole time and dad was waiting for me at other side. He helped me get my shoes and bag back. After we were all though the x-ray machine and had our things back we walked around some of the shops and had a snack. 2

4 Then, when the big sign said our flight was ready to board we waited at the gate until it was our turn to get on the aeroplane. When the stewardess called us we walked down a big hallway onto the aeroplane. It was very exciting. On the aeroplane I sat next to my dad, and my mum sat in another row with my sister. I put my seatbelt on and played with some stuff from my backpack. The pilot and the stewardess spoke on a loud speaker to everyone about aeroplane rules. I knew I could put my headphones on if it was too loud. I didn t understand some of the things that they were saying, but It was okay because Dad was sitting next to me and explained it. Then the aeroplane took off high into the sky! I put my headphones on as the engines were loud. I looked out the window and it was very exciting. I was a little nervous, but that was okay. I remembered that I was safe and that when we landed we would almost be at Disneyland! During the flight I played with my things, read my books, and got a drink and snack from the stewardess. When the aeroplane landed, the stewardess told us when we could get in line to get off. I was very patient and I held my dad s hand tightly when we lined up. We got off the aeroplane and walked through a tunnel again. We walked to the escalator where lots of people were waiting to get their suitcases. When we got our suitcases we then got in a taxi to our hotel at Disneyland! When at the airport and on the aeroplane I did my best and kept my body safe. I used my inside voice the whole time on the aeroplane when I felt nervous. My mum, dad and little sister were very proud of me and we all had a treat at the hotel for all my good work. 3

5 At the Airport If you are going on holiday to somewhere outside of the north or south of Ireland you will most likely be going by aeroplane. If so, there are 2 main airports that you normally would fly from. They are The George Best Belfast City Airport, and The Belfast International Airport. Look at the map below and try to work out where you live from them. Belfast International Airport George Best Belfast City Airport What will it be like at the airport? Below are the some of the things that will happen from when you first get to the airport until you board the aeroplane Step 1: Go to the check-in desk, give them your bags and collect your tickets. Step 2: Go to security and follow the directions of the signs and the staff. Step 3: Put your things through the x-ray machine, then go through the doorway when called by the airport staff. 4

6 Step 4: Wait in the seated area. You could play a handheld games console, read, draw or watch a movie. Toilets will be close by. Step 6: Wait patiently at your flights gate. You will be told when you can board by a steward or stewardess. Step 5: Look at the TV screens or the big board for your flight details. You may also hear an announcement over the speakers. Step 7: Board the aeroplane and go to your seat. Listen to the safety instructions. Step 8: Relax, watch a movie, play a game, read And enjoy your flight. 5

7 Are you ready to test your knowledge? Below are 8 questions. You can find the answers by reading Jill s Story on pages 2 and 3, and the step by step guide to the airport on pages 4 and 5. Question 1: What are the two main airports in Northern Ireland called? Question 2: When might headphones be useful? Question 3: How can you stay safe when walking through the airport? Question 4: What does the x-ray machine look like? Question 5: How will you know when it s time to board the aeroplane? Question 6: What are some of the things the steward or stewardess might tell you to do? Question 7: Who will make a safety demonstration before the aeroplane takes off? Question 8: What things can you do on the aeroplane? Some Useful Websites If you are going to be flying somewhere soon, you could look at the airport s websites to prepare. Belfast City Airport Belfast International Airport Why don t you go on the new We Think Safe to Stay Safe website at Take some time to look around and have a go at some of the games. 6