NOVI, Mich. – Those in the special needs community had a chance to take flight Thursday during iFly’s All Abilities Night in Novi.
The indoor skydiving company launched the All Abilities program to allow those with physical or cognitive disabilities to fly.
Andy Heins, a shift supervisor at iFly, is the coordinator for the All Abilities program.
“I was born with Spina bifida,” said Heins. “I have basically no feeling from the waist down. I have prosthetic legs as well, so I started this program to teach people just like me that we can fly.”
Fliers like Emily Lynch, who uses a wheelchair, soared in the wind tunnel with the help of an instructor.
“She just couldn’t get enough of it,” said Emily’s dad Jim Lynch. “She was all smiles all night long. She enjoyed flying, the instructors were great with her. It was a great experience from start to finish.”
Heins hopes to continue growing the program that has become increasingly popular.
“I think we have about 35 fliers tonight that’s a pretty big crowd, and I’m proud of it,” said Heins.
iFly in Novi hosts All Abilities Night four times a year. Sign up in advance as spaces fill up.