United Airlines is expanding its unique Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program into Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark, aiming to hire 10 additional SOSA employees across its seven U.S. hubs. This move is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to providing job opportunities for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Former San Francisco 49er and legendary NFL player, Jerry Rice, participated in the recruitment process at United’s San Francisco hub to experience the responsibilities that current SOSA employees undertake.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of lots of winning teams and world-class organizations, and it’s a real honor to be part of a program like this that proves greatness comes from giving everyone a shot,” said Jerry Rice.

The SOSA program not only provides meaningful work but also includes full employee benefits. Duties for SOSAs encompass assisting customers in navigating the airport, including pointing out check-in kiosks and bag check locations, while extending their assistance post-security by helping customers find their way through terminals and utilizing customer service tools.

Toby Enqvist, United’s Chief Operations Officer and board member for the Special Olympics, stated, “I’m so proud of our SOSA team and look forward to growing at three more of our hubs.”

Zehra Sayin, from the Special Olympics, emphasized, “The continued expansion of United’s SOSA program is a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like in action.”

United initially launched the SOSA initiative in Chicago during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2019, swiftly broadening the program’s reach to other major hubs like Houston, Denver, and Washington D.C.

United’s Commitment to Accessibility

United Airlines has persistently aimed to foster an environment that is welcoming for all, pursuing initiatives such as:

• The industry’s first digital sizing tool for wheelchairs.
• Adding Braille to aircraft interiors for a better navigation experience for visually impaired travelers.

In 2025, Toby Enqvist was appointed to the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to inclusion and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities on a global scale.