EPISODE · Sep 15, 2025 · 1H 3M
Wings for All: Flying with Heart-A Conversation with United Captain Tait Wasser
from Special Chronicles Podcast · host Special Chronicles Network
In this heartwarming episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by United Airlines Captain Tait Wasser to reflect on the powerful impact of The Arc’s Wings for All event held on August 16, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Captain Tait shares what it was like to participate in this inclusive airport rehearsal program designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. From behind-the-scenes moments to one young passenger’s transformative journey from fear to flying — this episode showcases how partnerships like United’s Bridge Disability Business Resource Group are helping make air travel more inclusive. Together, we dive into what inclusion means in the skies, the training and empathy required to support all travelers, and how we can all play a role in making the world more accessible. 🛫 You’ll hear: What Wings for All is and why it matters How Captain Tait learned to better support travelers with IDD Favorite memories and emotional moments from the ORD event Why inclusion in air travel — and beyond — is everyone’s responsibility 💡 Be inspired. Take action. Make inclusion real. Episode 789 ShowNotes & Links Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event Watch below on Instagram (or click here) Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📧Email: Send us a message here 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG 📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission. About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these accomplishments, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE
What this episode covers
In this heartwarming episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by United Airlines Captain Tait Wasser to reflect on the powerful impact of The Arc’s Wings for All event held on August 16, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Captain Tait shares what it was like to participate in this inclusive airport rehearsal program designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. From behind-the-scenes moments to one young passenger’s transformative journey from fear to flying — this episode showcases how partnerships like United’s Bridge Disability Business Resource Group are helping make air travel more inclusive. Together, we dive into what inclusion means in the skies, the training and empathy required to support all travelers, and how we can all play a role in making the world more accessible. 🛫 You’ll hear: What Wings for All is and why it matters How Captain Tait learned to better support travelers with IDD Favorite memories and emotional moments from the ORD event Why inclusion in air travel — and beyond — is everyone’s responsibility 💡 Be inspired. Take action. Make inclusion real. Episode 789 ShowNotes & Links Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event Watch below on Instagram (or click here) Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📧Email: Send us a message here 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG 📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission. About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these accomplishments, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE
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Wings for All: Flying with Heart-A Conversation with United Captain Tait Wasser
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