As a mother of a young son with autism and having first-hand experience in the aviation industry helping passengers, Rebecca designed flight cards to make information more accessible to help people of all ages and with various disabilities feel at ease about their journey. These cards are endorsed by the National Autistic Society and Rebecca won the National Autism Parent Carer award and was the runner up in the Lifetime Achievement award and the People’s Autism Hero award.

What has inspired you to found “Learning Rose”?R: My background as cabin crew for British Airways was one of the driving forces as I know first-hand, just how challenging the aviation environment can be. The noise, the lights, the constant movement of people, buggies etc can all be too much but there is hope.
Since my son received his diagnosis of autism at the age of 3 (now 15 years old), it’s given me the passion to produce an accessible material that can help many people. I was determined to get the “seal of approval” from the National Autistic Society as I was scared that people would not take my work seriously, as to them I was just a mum and not a woman who knew of the difficulties the airline business could throw up which is why I have produced the very best aids possible in both a card and as an app.

Can you tell us more about Flight Cards? How can these cards benefit people with disabilities?R: Flight Cards:
- The cards/app are designed to be multifunctional and multidisability and can assist people of all ages.
- Passengers with hearing impediments or deafness use the cards/app.
- Nervous or first time flyers understand the routine of the flight and service.
- Passengers with learning, physical and hidden disabilities use the cards/app, as many passengers like to understand the routine and schedule of the flight.
- All cards are endorsed "in partnership with The National Autistic Society".
- The cards/app cuts out a lot of uncertainty for passengers with autism and other disabilities as the routine is explained clearly using words and pictures.
- General passengers have a better understanding about a passenger with additional needs and they in turn use the cards/app.
- The cards demonstrate commitment, independence and compliance for the airport / airline in terms of inclusion and disability.

What kind of accessibility improvements are needed in air travel?R: On the whole, I think the aviation industry is really trying their best to provide an environment that is more disability friendly as the Sunflower Lanyards are now readily available for those passengers that wish to wear them and I am aware of staff training to help bridge this gap. I do think that more “quiet” and “sensory” zones could be made available along with a greater understanding of just how long it takes to fill an aircraft with passengers, which in its own right, produces queues for the boarding of an aircraft and they don’t always take into consideration the needs of the passenger with additional needs.

Would you like to share some parenting advice/tips that you found helpful while raising your son?R: My biggest tip to parents and carers is to invest in an A4 hardback notebook. This book shall eventually become your ‘Bible” as the information it holds is invaluable. Line the pages with the following headings across the top:-
DATE  TIME  TEL NO. AND NAME  CONVERSATION  A.O.B
Date = today's date.
Time = the time you phoned the person needed to speak with.
Tel. No = the telephone number that you dialled along with the name of the person that you spoke to. This column is important for many reasons.
 - You have a direct name.
 - You have a direct number to call rather than going through switchboards.
 -  If you are calling someone back, the sheer fact you have the persons name, (along with date and time) make them realise you need that person directly and there is generally less chance of being put on hold whilst they try and find someone to deal with your question.
 - As you travel along this path, you will encounter lots of different people, all of which specialise in different areas. You’ll also probably come across people with the same Christian name – so by having this information written down, it will help you with which person is which.
Conversation – write briefly what the conversation was about. E.g. Sensory issues, transport, medical issues, filling out official paperwork etc
A.O.B.- This is where I write down any other information I can find. Email addresses, websites, names and phone numbers of charities and societies that may be able to help etc.

What fun activities do you love to do as a family?R: We enjoy going on nature trails, bug hunts, walks in the park or on the beach and trampolining to name a few. He recently achieved his level 1 certificate in snorkelling and in time hopes to learn how to dive. I’m very blessed to have a son who is very loving and to be told at least 3 times a day that he loves me, is great and he is a hugger!

What is your message for other parents of children with disabilities?R: NEVER give up! NOBODY knows your child like you do and you are your child's best advocate and in a nutshell, if you don’t “fight” for your child, nobody else will – sad but true.
Keep all the necessary notes in the A4 book I mentioned earlier as it really will become a lifeline of information.
Give yourself realisitic timescales to get jobs achieved and most importantly CELEBRATE EVERY success your child does. It doesn’t matter if it’s one step forward – the fact is, it is ONE STEP FORWARD! I do little cupcake parties or have a dance with my son and occasionally we have tickle sessions which results in so much laughter and happiness it’s close to being infectious. Finally, tell them regularly how proud you are of them and seal it with a kiss or I love you….or better still both.