Jennifer Pfaltzgraff

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. If you would like to be added to the wait list email Jennifer.

Welcome to Wings for Autism® a program of The Arc of the US™.

Triangle Disability & Autism Services is proud to partner with Breeze Airlines, RDU International Airport and The Arc to host this amazing FREE event Tuesday August 4, 2026.

Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler. The Arc’s Wings for Autism® program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. 

People with disabilities and autism often experience barriers to participating in air travel. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming and full of unexpected and overstimulating variables, such as bright lights, noises, TSA security screening, and crowds. Too often, there is a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff—leading to confusion on how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process. Combined, these barriers lead to hesitation and fear, inhibiting participation in air travel. As a result, people can miss out on new experiences and connecting with family members and friends that live far away.

Wings alleviates some of the stress that people with autism and other IDDs and their families experience when traveling by air by providing families with the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different stimuli in the airport.

During a Wings Event: Participant Activities

• Sign-In to receive t-shirt and swag bag*!
• Check-in to receive boarding passes
• Pass through the TSA security checkpoint
• Wait in the boarding area
• Board an aircraft (that does not take off)

*Each participant will receive a complimentary t-shirt and backpack (everyone needs luggage at the airport!) *If registered after July 17, t-shirt size is not guaranteed.

Timeline:

• 4:00 Arrival
• 4:30: Families check in at the counter
• 5:00: families proceed to the gate
• 5:30: Boarding starts
• Event ends around 6:00

All individuals 18 and over must have a REAL ID with photo (or other approved documentation (as noted on this website) to pass through TSA Security. If you are unsure if your ID is REAL ID compliant, visit this site to verify.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you MAY BE required to pay a $45 fee online prior to attending the event in order to pass through TSA. You will receive more information about this in our confirmation email. We are working with the TSA to waive this fee. 

Due to limited space, 1 individual with a disability is allowed to attend with 1 adult support person accompanying them to the event. All individuals attending this event must be pre-registered online, please do not bring individuals with you to the event who have not been registered as they will not be allowed past security. Participant and support person will remain together for the entire event. 

Wings for Autism® was created by Charles River Center, an affiliated chapter of The Arc, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority. 

Interested in more regular hours? Take a look at these shifts that are available across the Triangle:

• Varying times, and different days of the week
• You must agree to all of the shifts listed per person.
• If you are interested, email Jennifer with the number(s) of the shift(s)  you are interested in learning more about.
• This is first come, first served so don’t wait!

The Every Voice Choir is seeking a volunteer pianist to accompany the choir during weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays and occasional performances. The choir consists of approximately 35 adult singers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. Strong accompaniment skills preferred.

Goals:

• To provide instrumental accompaniment of The Every Voice Choir during weekly rehearsals and occasional performances.
• To empower the singers as a group and as individuals through collaboration with The Every Voice Choir Director.
• To educate the community about the abilities of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through choir performances, fostering the development of positive public attitudes toward people with IDD in your role as accompanist.

Schedule:

Hours: Tuesdays, 6:00pm- 7:00pm

Location: Covenant Christian Church, 2911 SW Parkway, Cary NC 27513

Performances: About 6-8 times per year, usually on evenings and weekends. 

Triangle Disability & Autism Services provides training (Communications & Interaction Strategies) for how to work with individuals with IDD and autism.

Contact:

Michelle Foy, Director of Community Programs

(919) 816-7388 or by email

The Board of Directors of Triangle Disability & Autism Services has voted to end the organization’s affiliation as a chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and as a chapter of The Arc of the United States.

We value and cherish our history as NC’s first local chapter of The Arc, formed over 70 years ago. We recognize our Triangle communities have experienced a great deal of confusion and turmoil in trying to make sense of the separation between TDAS and the state chapter, which is also headquartered in Raleigh. This has been a challenge, certainly for TDAS’ Executive Director and administrative staff, but most regrettably for the individuals and families who haven’t had clarity in their most vulnerable moments. Changing our name from The Arc of the Triangle in June 2024 was the first step in providing that clarity, and we believe that ending our affiliation with The Arc will further solidify our distinct identity and prove beneficial for Triangle families as they seek out a partner in support for their loved ones.

Maintaining our status as an affiliated chapter under these circumstances is not in the best interests of our organization, the people we provide support to, or the greater Triangle community. As we step away from The Arc, our core values remain unchanged. We are rooted in our history as a trusted partner and service provider to the disability community in the Triangle, and our commitment to excellence in our programming and services endures as we begin the next phase of our journey.

TDAS Leadership has been in contact with both The Arc of the US and NC and are following The Arc’s protocols for a smooth disaffiliation, with no disruption to service delivery and supports.

Respectfully,
Triangle Disability & Autism Services Board of Directors and Leadership Team

Maia Keller, President
Laura Alden, Vice President
Nick Keller, CPA, Treasurer
Brian Ridout, Secretary
Allison Baer
David Cove
Robert Faircloth
Michelle Hartman
Kristina Payton
Sushma Punuru
Jennifer Thompson
Kristen Widmer, MD
Alissa Wu

Jennifer Pfaltzgraff, Executive Director
Michael Kirschner, Compliance Director
Marie Dionne, Human Resources Director
Susan Swearingen, Vocational Services Director
Felecia Stokes, Support Services Director
Michelle Foy, Community Programs Director
Natasha Pratt, Day Services Director

We are so excited to bring back Singing Valentines!

Just in time for you to send your friends and loved ones a one of a kind valentine message. The Every Voice Choir putting all their heart into a rendition of 1 of 4 songs that you can choose from.

For a $7 donation, you can celebrate Valentines Day and support our choir!

Triangle Disability & Autism Services is always interested in meeting potential board members. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the IDD and autism community here in the Triangle. Your passion and enthusiasm will be appreciated and your expertise in your field and/or with disabilities and autism will be recognized as a positive addition to our agency.

Download the application and apply today to be considered for next term.

Applications are being considered for the 2026-28 term. Term begins July 1, 2026.

QUESTIONS? Email our current board president!

The following questions will help us to determine you are good fit for our organization. This ensures our volunteer board members are aligned with governance responsibilities of the Board as a whole for strategic planning, resource development, oversight, and accountability. If you agree to these, please apply!

• I will attend a board training session in person before the beginning of my term.
• I will attend all bi-monthly board meetings, the Annual Meeting and any other official meetings of the Board of Directors. I understand excessive absences may result in my removal from the board.
• I agree to serve on a committee and attend committee meetings. (Finance Committee, Development Committee, or Adhoc committees as defined)
• I understand a term is a 2-year commitment beginning July of the year I am voted in.
• I understand the importance of the board leading the way for fundraising and agree to make a financial contribution to Triangle Disability & Autism Services.
• I agree to assist with fundraising by developing or leveraging my contacts with foundation, corporations, and individual donors.
• I agree to become a recurring monthly donor at an amount I set for, at minimum, the duration of my time serving on the board of directors.
• I will attend Triangle Disability & Autism Services events like the Annual Fundraiser, Annual Meeting, holiday parties, etc. throughout my term regularly.
• I will represent Triangle Disability & Autism Services whenever possible in our community, and represent Triangle Disability & Autism Services in more formal ways as requested.
• I will look for opportunities to encourage families to bring their services to TDAS, to encourage community partnerships, donations and volunteering.
• I promise to be an effective advocate in our community and ally for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities [IDD] and autism.
• I promise to use respectful language at all times in regards to the disability community.

Term commitments are 2 years and our calendar year runs July 1 – June 30. 

TDAS is managed by a senior leadership team with decades of combined experience to ensure not only quality services and programs but also a fiscally sound agency. TDAS is a registered 501c3, founded in 1954, and is growing to serve more individuals with IDD and autism every day. Become a part of this amazing non-profit!

Learn more about TDAS here. And reach out to Jennifer Pfaltzgraff, ED or call 919-942-5119 x117 to be connected to a current board member to get your questions answered.