Sky Harbor program teaches TSA to help passengers with dementia. It's the 1st of its kind in U.S.

Sky Harbor program teaches TSA to help passengers with dementia. It's the 1st of its kind in U.S. 
91.5 KJZZ Phoenix; by Kathy Ritchie; 6/17/25  
For the first time anywhere in the U.S., Transportation Security Administration officers at Sky Harbor Airport are learning how to help travelers living with dementia. "So during this simulation, we're going to be wearing sunglasses, headphones, and both pairs of gloves," said Calli Carlson with Hospice of the Valley during a recent training session. "It's going to be about an 8-minute experience.  So those headphones are going to tell you what to do with your blue bag. Do the best that you can." She’s leading the agents in a simulation so they experience what it's like to have dementia. "So this interactive Dementia Moments training is one of the first trainings that has been provided to TSA agents." This simulation uses special glasses that impair vision, headphones to mimic audio distortion and gloves which affect dexterity.
Editor's Note: Bravo! Do you provide any similar type of training for your employees and volunteers? Surely, you can adapt this to simulate your own contexts and interactions with persons coping with dementia. Be sure to include your non-clinical leaders who decide factors that impact your teams and volunteers who provide direct care. Ongoing, for more information explore the Alzheimer's Association with their easy-to-remember address, www.alz.org.