Latest news with #DPNA
New Paper
20-05-2025
- New Paper
Mum of autistic twins shares pro tip: Don't be afraid to travel, just plan ahead
Travelling with a child who has special needs can be daunting - even more so when the journey involves a completely new environment, a plane ride or unpredictable crowds. So it's no surprise that many parents quietly shelve the idea of taking their children with special needs on holiday. But for Madam Nor Hafizah Abdul Ghani, a 52-year-old mother of five whose 14-year-old twins are on the autism spectrum, that has never stopped her from showing them the world. In fact, she says, it became the reason she made travelling a family habit - whether by land or air. "Although my twins were diagnosed with autism, I believe they're just like any other children - they just need more help," Madam Hafizah, a beauty business founder, told Berita Harian. "They deserve the chance to see the world, too. I don't want to be selfish and go on holiday without them just because they're autistic." So far, she has travelled with her twins overseas six times by plane and 15 times by road. However, she admitted that it took serious planning. Preparations often began as early as six months before the trip. That included choosing the most suitable flight times, crafting an itinerary that's not too packed, and factoring in her sons' preferences and sensitivities. She also prepared visual aids like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help her communicate with the twins, Yousef Asir Zulkefli and Yousef Asif Zulkefli, both of whom are minimally verbal. PECS cards prepared by Madam Hafizah to help her twins communicate during their trip to Japan. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) uses picture cards to support individuals with speech or communication difficulties. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN "I took them to Changi Airport before the trip and explained the process so they could anticipate what would happen," she said. She also counted down the days with her twins months in advance, to help them prepare mentally, as autistic children often struggle with spontaneity. On their most recent family trip to Japan in December 2024, she also informed the airline in advance using the Disabled Passengers with Intellectual Disabilities or Developmental Needs Assistance (DPNA) code - a special request code for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. With the code activated in her booking, the airline arranged for priority boarding, airport assistance and a smooth, stress-free journey. "I want the cabin crew and passengers to know I'm flying with children with special needs - in case they cry or need help. And with the DPNA code, the service was amazing, beyond what I expected," she praised. From the moment they passed through customs to collecting their luggage, everything moved quickly. Airport staff even escorted them like "bodyguards", she joked, to help them avoid long queues and stressful delays. In addition, Madam Hafizah emphasised the importance of children with special needs wearing lanyards that clearly indicate their condition. Her twins wear the green sunflower lanyard, known as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which serves as a discreet yet recognisable signal that they have non-visible disabilities. Attached to the lanyard is their identification card from the Developmental Disabilities Registry (DDR), administered by SG Enable. Twins Yousef Asir Zulkefli (left) and Yousef Asif Zulkefli (right) exploring Japan with their mother. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN "I'm not ashamed. It's not about labelling my children. It's about their safety," she said She also packed noise-cancelling headphones to help the twins regulate sensory input, especially loud or unpredictable sounds, which can trigger meltdowns. Even with all the prep, she admitted it's not easy. But she's confident that the effort was worth it - not just for her twins, but for the whole family. "It strengthens our bond. It teaches my other three children how to care for their siblings and it shows them that inclusion starts at home," she said. To parents who are nervous about travelling, she offers this advice: "Don't be shy. Don't feel like you can't do it. Take it step by step. The important thing is to keep an open mind - treat the trip as a way to better understand your child." Tips for travelling with a child with special needs:
CairoScene
25-04-2025
- CairoScene
Dubai Airport Launches Family Campaign for Autism Acceptance Month
DXB's new campaign invites parents of children with autism to share their travel stories and trips this April. Apr 24, 2025 In a new campaign for Autism Awareness Month, Dubai Airports (DXB) has invited UAE-based parents of autistic children to share their real-life experiences, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections. This campaign aligns with a wider commitment to accessibility at DXB that includes the autism-inclusive training of over 45,000 staff and its certification as an Autism Centre. The campaign spotlights three parents respected within the UAE Autism community: Yasmine Carey, Hassan Dennaoui (Big Hass), and Ambreen Suhaib. They encourage other parents of autistic children to make full use of the amenities offered by DXB, and offer checklists and advice for a comfortable travel experience for all. DBX's autism-friendly services include the DPNA code which alerts employees to provide personalised support, the Travel Safari Programme which allows families to walk through the journey in advance. Sunflower Lanyards, which are available from information desks in Terminal 3 and from Guest Experience Ambassadors (GXA), discreetly signal hidden disabilities to trained airport staff and provide access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route marked by sunflower signs. In Terminal 2, the assisted travel lounge also offers a quiet, sensory-friendly space. Parents can join the conversation throughout April by sharing their tips and stories on social media using #AutismFriendlyTravel and tagging @DXB.
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Just be kind': Parents of children with autism share travel tips amid Dubai Airport initiative
From packing a dedicated kit with sensory toys, an iPad and snacks, to getting the DPNA code – which alerts employees to provide personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities in advance – families of children with autism have shared key tips for traveling. For Yasmin Carey, planning ahead is everything. 'My top tip is to contact the airline in advance and ask for the DPNA code to be added to your booking — this alerts employees to provide personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities,' said the mother of Ellis. She also creates a visual travel schedule and chooses flight times that suit her child's routine, referring to the airport website and going through the travel planner for details on the inclusive journey and useful tips. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Yasmin brings along noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and sunglasses to help Ellis manage sensory overload. 'What might look like a meltdown is often just a way of coping. We're not asking for special treatment — just a little understanding,' she explained. Radio host and dad Hassan Dennaoui, known as 'Big Hass,' also shared his preparation tips by posting a video of his travels with his son, who has autism. The preparation always starts ahead of time. 'I recommend walking children through the entire journey ahead of time, making a countdown, and building excitement together,' he shared. For Hassan, contacting Dubai Airports about the Travel Safari programme allowed his son to conduct travel rehearsals ahead of their actual trip, supporting familiarisation and readiness. On travel day, he emphasised the importance of taking plenty of time and not rushing. He suggested creating a checklist of essentials tailored to the child's specific needs, including favorite foods, comfort items, entertainment devices, backup chargers, and spare clothes. Big Hass also highlighted the value of the Sunflower Lanyard for smoother airport navigation. " People on the autism spectrum have no malice or hate inside them. Once you try to understand autism, you'll understand the hearts of people on the spectrum, and that's the most beautiful thing," he shared. Another parent of a child with autism, Ambreen Suhaib, starts her journey with her child by packing a dedicated kit with sensory toys, an iPad, snacks, noise-cancelling headphones, and a spare change of clothes. 'I recommend picking up the Sunflower Lanyard on arrival — even if your child won't wear it, you can wear it yourself and still receive support,' she advised. As Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a Certified Autism Center, it provides a range of services to make travel more autism-friendly, including the Sunflower Lanyard: a discreet way to signal hidden disabilities that provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding. The lanyard is available from information desks in Terminal 3 and from Guest Experience Ambassadors (GXA) in all terminals. Ambreen also suggested checking the airport map in advance, dividing responsibilities if traveling with family, and letting employees know if you prefer to board first or last. She recommended looking for the sunflower sign in queues for immigration and police, which leads to the priority route. 'Autism isn't always visible. You may not see it, but it's there. Stimming — things like rocking, clapping, or making sounds—is how our children self-regulate in overwhelming places like airports. Meltdowns aren't bad behavior — they're signs of distress. Please don't stare. Be kind.'
