Ready for Takeoff is a documentary short by New York Institute of Technology student filmmakers, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Viscardi-JetBlue flight, where students with severe physical disabilities are given the chance to experience a trip on a commercial airplane.

The film, which will be shown on JetBlue flights beginning in November 2019, was made in collaboration with high school seniors attending the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, which offers medically fragile children with severe physical disabilities a traditional education experience, during their media technology class.

Through educational programming, students at both schools were exposed to professional film production as a pathway to college and careers, experiencing mentorship and guidance from New York Tech faculty and industry professionals on all aspects of filmmaking, including design, writing, filming, editing, interviewing, post-production, and open-captioning.

Ready for Takeoff is a community partnership between New York Tech, The Viscardi Center, and JetBlue.

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About the Film

Ready for Takeoff features students from the inaugural Viscardi-JetBlue flight four years ago. The students, now graduating seniors, continue their journey on this year’s fifth commemorative flight...as they get ready to embark on their own higher education and career paths.

Made by students, Ready for Takeoff promotes public awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in relation to passenger travel, mobility, and flight, and other issues including college attendance and completion rates, employability, and professional advancement opportunities.

Ready for Takeoff will be screened on JetBlue seatbacks in November 2019 and will additionally be featured on various communication outlets in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) starting October 2019. Plans for additional screenings are currently in process. Additional formats will include further stories and creative directions by student participants. Check this site for information and follow us on social media via #readyfortakeoff.

For inquiries about screening the film, please contact readyfortakeoff@nyit.edu