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Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel

Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants through the full airport process—terminal check-in, TSA screening, gate procedures, jet bridge, and boarding—so travelers can desensitize and build confidence.

She discusses autistic-inclusive travel needs beyond basic accessibility, including managing sound, lighting, smells, and access to reset spaces like sensory-friendly rooms, as well as tools like TSA Cares (pre-registration for guided assistance and alternative screening options) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for voluntary identification. C

heryl shares that the certification landscape has expanded to include certified airports, airlines, destinations, and entire cities, noting Dubai as the first certified airport.

She describes serving all ages, providing preparation materials, recommending nonstop flights for first-time flyers when possible, and offering door-to-door travel planning while balancing the need for extra time with avoiding long gate waits.

Cheryl highlights growth of the events to include other needs (blind/low vision, mobility issues, wheelchairs, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy) and shares an example of a child successfully riding an escalator for the first time during an event.

She promotes her new site and social channels (navigateevents.org; Navigate Events on Facebook and Instagram) for event registration updates, and says expanding to new communities requires sponsorship to keep events free and enough participants to demonstrate demand, citing interest in Kansas City ahead of FIFA 2026.

She closes by emphasizing travel as vital for family connection, jobs, medical care, and life experiences, and invites communities to contact her to bring events locally.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide
Meet Cheryl Bischoff & Here I Go Travel: Making Travel Accessible
Becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional + The Airport Practice Event
Dubai, Certified Airports & the Rise of Autism-Friendly Travel Systems
What Truly Makes Travel Autism-Inclusive: Sensory Needs & Reset Spaces
Building Trust with Families: TSA Cares and Other Hidden Supports
Beyond Autism: Practice Events for Many Disabilities & Mobility Needs
Supporting Autistic Adults & Hidden Disabilities: The Sunflower Program
From Practice to Real Travel Days: Preparation, Timing, and Nonstop Tips
What the Industry Still Needs: Sensory Rooms, Training, and Keeping Families Together
Wins That Matter: Escalators, Confidence, and First-Time Flyers
How to Find Navigate Events + Expanding Nationwide (Sponsors & Participants Needed)
Final Takeaway & Closing: Travel as Connection, Opportunity, and Inclusion

https://NavigateEvents.org

https://youtu.be/Jcr2avKrep4

https://youtu.be/mfsP40HNNH4

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI



The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. 

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.



https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2117852/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a>Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel 
Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants through the full airport process—terminal check-in, TSA screening, gate procedures, jet bridge, and boarding—so travelers can desensitize and build confidence. 
She discusses autistic-inclusive travel needs beyond basic accessibility, including managing sound, lighting, smells, and access to reset spaces like sensory-friendly rooms, as well as tools like TSA Cares (pre-registration for guided assistance and alternative screening options) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for voluntary identification. C 
heryl shares that the certification landscape has expanded to include certified airports, airlines, destinations, and entire cities, noting Dubai as the first certified airport. 
She describes serving all ages, providing preparation materials, recommending nonstop flights for first-time flyers when possible, and offering door-to-door travel planning while balancing the need for extra time with avoiding long gate waits. 
Cheryl highlights growth of the events to include other needs (blind/low vision, mobility issues, wheelchairs, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy) and shares an example of a child successfully riding an escalator for the first time during an event. 
She promotes her new site and social channels (navigateevents.org; Navigate Events on Facebook and Instagram) for event registration updates, and says expanding to new communities requires sponsorship to keep events free and enough participants to demonstrate demand, citing interest in Kansas City ahead of FIFA 2026. 
She closes by emphasizing travel as vital for family connection, jobs, medical care, and life experiences, and invites communities to contact her to bring events locally.
Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism &amp; Mental Health Worldwide 
Meet Cheryl Bischoff &amp; Here I Go Travel: Making Travel Accessible 
Becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional + The Airport Practice Event 
Dubai, Certified Airports &amp; the Rise of Autism-Friendly Travel Systems 
What Truly Makes Travel Autism-Inclusive: Sensory Needs &amp; Reset Spaces 
Building Trust with Families: TSA Cares and Other Hidden Supports 
Beyond Autism: Practice Events for Many Disabilities &amp; Mobility Needs 
Supporting Autistic Adults &amp; Hidden Disabilities: The Sunflower Program 
From Practice to Real Travel Days: Preparation, Timing, and Nonstop Tips 
What the Industry Still Needs: Sensory Rooms, Training, and Keeping Families Together 
Wins That Matter: Escalators, Confidence, and First-Time Flyers 
How to Find Navigate Events + Expanding Nationwide (Sponsors &amp; Participants Needed) 
Final Takeaway &amp; Closing: Travel as Connection, Opportunity, and Inclusion
https://NavigateEvents.org 
https://youtu.be/Jcr2avKrep4 
https://youtu.be/mfsP40HNNH4
INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild 
Mantor Music BMI
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Cheryl Bischoff: Making Travel Journeys Autism Friendly

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e350eced-9d94-4e0f-9fc5-b47100fef77d/transcript