What disabilities must you have for a first floor HA?

[sajetto]

My DF's cousin is coming to our wedding next year and has a mental disablity. She is terrified of heights and I know she would start to circle the room and panic if she saw a balcony. She is also overweight and has difficulty entering and exiting tubs so I thought one of those roll in showers would be best for her so that she doesn't have to step over anything.

My question is, do you have to have a specific physical disability to be guaranteed a first floor HA room? TIA

[DebbieB]

I don't believe they require proof of a disability or an explanation.

[sajetto]

Oh good, I wasn't sure. I just wanted to be certain that I could get her on the first floor. We went to the zoo with her one time and checked into a hotel, when she realized we were on the second floor it was a disaster and took nearly an hour to calm her down after we had already been moved downstairs. I just really don't want anyone to have to handle a repeat of that event. Thanks again!

[LisaS]

I believe that when the time comes to make this reservation, you will need to speak to someone in "special services" rather than MS. If you book it through MS, your request for a ground floor HA room would not necessarily be guaranteed. Take a look at this post for more info: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=970071

Edited to add: In re-reading the post I referred to, it sounds like you do still want to go through MS and then they are supposed to involve special services on your behalf. So you might want to discuss that with MS when you call to make the reservation.

I hope everything works out for you.