can't see the way the queue is going

[dvczerfs]

aw. sorry for your wife. I'll bet she can't see the 3D effects either. hubby nebo's left eye is useless. he has a little blurry vision in his right. but you need 2 eyes to see 3D. he sits through Philharmagic for my sake, and Muppets cause he just finds it cheery anyway.

funny you mentioned that. the first time was muppets, I was watching her clean her 3d glasses and clean her glasses. sad.....
she still goes into and loves mickeys phil. wears the glasses but see everything "flat".
the hardest things she deals with is little kids, no fault of theres but they tend to run and cut in front of you and if im not on her left, and she moves, I almost was carried out by security one year in dtd because a lady stood in front of my wife giving her crap about knocking her unattended little billy over. her husband was going to beat me up.
eating, sometime food will fall off her fork and land on her shirt. ill just wait to make eye contact and give my shirt a quick brush and she knows what it means. try closing one eye and eat. coaster type ride which she always loved, she will shut her eyes on the "looping" parts. going in circles flips her out.

 

[scooby9932]

I lost my vision overnight due to taking a prescribed medicine for migraines back in August 2011. Several surgeries later, my vision is back to where I can see with the help of glasses, but light to dark & vice versa are still a problem for me. When I needed help in dark spaces, I began using a red flashlight that I had for stargazing (it lights up the general area, but is not intrusive & does not cause that light "burn" you get from other colored lights). However, I also have mobility issues, so I needed to have something more to free up my hands.

If your husband is willing to use a cane to help steady himself (I'm only 44, so I know how hard using health aids can be), there are many that fold up & even have leather holsters that you can attach to your backpack or bag. There is a red safety light I bought for my cane - it comes on automatically in the dark and/or when the cane touches down.

Here is the link: http://www.maxiaids.com/products/1769/Automatic-Safety-Flash-Light.html

I hope you're able to get some accommodation. It seems that they have tried so hard to accommodate certain needs, others have fallen by the wayside. I suggest you write to Disney and explain your concerns. If we all do that, we might see some positive change.

Good luck!

 

[smidgy]

thanks for the link scooby!

 

[SueM in MN]

A warning - the other thread about services for guests with visual disabilities was closed mostly because of complaints that one type of disabilities (guests using wheelchairs) got all services and guests with vision related disabilities got none.

Comparing services and complaining about one type of disability getting "more" is not productive and usually leads to bad feelings and closed threads.
Perceptions about services guests think other guests are getting are often not true. The grass almost always looks greener from the other side of the street.

 

[SueM in MN]

So e resources

Link to the official Disney page about DAS:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

Link to the Official Disney page about services for blind and visually impaired guests:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/visual-disability-services/

Link to official Disney page about Service Dogs (the term "Service Dogs" includes "Guide Dogs"):
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/service-animals/

This is a link to the National Federation of the Blind page about a trip the officers of their Travel and Tourism Division took to WDW
http://www.nfbtravel.org/Tour_Walt_Disney_World.html
The video at the bottom on that page talks about services for guests who are blind or visually impaired. It specifically is about technology devices that are available (audio descriptive device).

A blog from a man who is blind talking about his experience with the device:
http://blog.serotek.com/2012/02/disney-standard.html

Hints on navigating WDW from the National Association of a Blind Students:
http://nabslink.org/student-slate/student-slate-june-2013/experience-magic

A link to Special Mouse Podcast about
Tips for WDW and the DCL for Guests with Visual Impairment

DIS site blog about resolution of visual impairment class action lawsuit against Disney
http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2013/02/11/disney-finally-resolves-visual-impairment-class-action/

ADA page about lodging (hotels) and the blind:
http://www.ada.gov/lodblind.pdf

A hotel executive organization's 'take' on meeting ADA requirements:
https://hotelexecutive.com/business...-toward-accommodating-blind-low-vision-guests

Vision aware information about services for blind and visually impaired:
http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=11&SectionID=129&DocumentID=3223

 

[smidgy]

sueM. I appreciate all the hard work you do. and I appreciate all the links you posted.

unfortunately, none of them address the issue I posted. which isn't your fault. you posted the accomodations disney currently has. and I thank you for that.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Smidgy is his main issue switching from light to dark? or is that his main concern?

I'm just thinking back to an episode of Mythbusters where they were doing a pirate special and talking about eyepatches. They proved that by having that one eye already adjusted to the dark they could navigate an obstacle course better than using the eye that had just been seeing in light. So as round about as that may come across...could your husband get some close fitting really dark sunglasses? Maybe like what they use after eye surgeries? I'm not sure what his vision issues are outside the dark line but it could maybe help if he put them on for a little bit before the lines so that he could get like...a head start on adjusting to darkness?

 

[ttintagel]

aw. sorry for your wife. I'll bet she can't see the 3D effects either. hubby nebo's left eye is useless. he has a little blurry vision in his right. but you need 2 eyes to see 3D. he sits through Philharmagic for my sake, and Muppets cause he just finds it cheery anyway.

That's me, too - I can't see the 3-D effects (eyes don't line up properly because of post-op nerve damage), but I still enjoy the shows.

I was so bummed when they replaced the old Star Tours with a 3-D version. I wish they could have kept one vehicle with the 2-D show!

I'm nervous to hear about all the folks having trouble getting the belt slowed at LM. HM is the only place I've ever had trouble before.

 

[smidgy]

Smidgy is his main issue switching from light to dark? or is that his main concern?

I'm just thinking back to an episode of Mythbusters where they were doing a pirate special and talking about eyepatches. They proved that by having that one eye already adjusted to the dark they could navigate an obstacle course better than using the eye that had just been seeing in light. So as round about as that may come across...could your husband get some close fitting really dark sunglasses? Maybe like what they use after eye surgeries? I'm not sure what his vision issues are outside the dark line but it could maybe help if he put them on for a little bit before the lines so that he could get like...a head start on adjusting to darkness?

thanks for your reply. no, that's not the main issue, just one.
but we used to bring dark glasses for him to wear until we got on the ride, (like HM, for example). as his eyes got worse, we just made sure we went on the dark rides at n ight (we used to grab fps in the AM to use for the dark rides atnight when they allowed this).
he doesn't see a whole lot in the dark rides anymore, but we go at night so he can see a little.

he has early onset macular degeneration (also called MD due to extreme nearsightedness) he had his first retinal detachment at age 19. another years later. but the last couple years it's like his retinas are just disintegrating. his left eye is pretty useless. the other has gotten worse, everything is hazy.
just like when you blow up a balloon to much and it gets real thin? well, in nearsightedness, your eye is too long. his are so long that it's just pulling the retina apart, basically.
I lead him through the parks at night. many of the lines are dark. or what is not dark to you or me, is to him.
I won't bore everyone with the explanation of the problems in the queues again, it's in previous posts.
thanks!

 

[Jellifer]

Hi Smidgy, has your husband ever had oil put into his eye to keep the retina in place? My friend had this done and it has helped her a lot, her retina kept detaching because of her high Rx as well, she is -15.00!

 

[dvczerfs]

thanks for your reply. no, that's not the main issue, just one.
but we used to bring dark glasses for him to wear until we got on the ride, (like HM, for example). as his eyes got worse, we just made sure we went on the dark rides at n ight (we used to grab fps in the AM to use for the dark rides atnight when they allowed this).
he doesn't see a whole lot in the dark rides anymore, but we go at night so he can see a little.

he has early onset macular degeneration (also called MD due to extreme nearsightedness) he had his first retinal detachment at age 19. another years later. but the last couple years it's like his retinas are just disintegrating. his left eye is pretty useless. the other has gotten worse, everything is hazy.
just like when you blow up a balloon to much and it gets real thin? well, in nearsightedness, your eye is too long. his are so long that it's just pulling the retina apart, basically.
I lead him through the parks at night. many of the lines are dark. or what is not dark to you or me, is to him.
I won't bore everyone with the explanation of the problems in the queues again, it's in previous posts.
thanks!

wow, so he has had problems for a long time. md im guessing (im no doctor) happens a lot as we get older. sounds like this had nothing to do with age.
I never paid much attention and took my eyes and sight for granted till my wife started having problems. not anymore. hope things work out for him.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Ah well figured it was worth a shot.

 

[smidgy]

Hi Smidgy, has your husband ever had oil put into his eye to keep the retina in place? My friend had this done and it has helped her a lot, her retina kept detaching because of her high Rx as well, she is -15.00!

No he hasn't. it hasn't detached in years, (or torn) but it is now the macula (the center of the retina) that is kionda going away. when he has had blodd vessles pop through it, they have given him injections of Avastin. (ouch!) but that didn't seem to help. I think they just stop the bleed ing and therby stop the sight from getting worse frome the bleeding.

but the last 4 times we have visited the retinal specialist there was no bleeding. so no injection. but nothing else.
the name of the diseases says it all : Macular DEGENERATION.
I will ask about oil, though. they are working on using stem cells. maybe in a generation or so?
thanks for the suggestion. tell your frined to avoid any stress on the eye, including heavy lifting.

 

[smidgy]

Ah well figured it was worth a shot.

it was a good suggestion. thanks. the dark glasses used to work for that purpose.

 

[smidgy]

I will write everything down I need to say to the CM at GR. I don't see how it would bother anyone or cheat anyone if we entered at the alternate entrance (often the exit) at the same amount of wait time as the standby time.

I f anything, us going through the standby line will definitely skew the listed wait time!

 

[scooby9932]

I will write everything down I need to say to the CM at GR. I don't see how it would bother anyone or cheat anyone if we entered at the alternate entrance (often the exit) at the same amount of wait time as the standby time.

I f anything, us going through the standby line will definitely skew the listed wait time!

It doesn't hurt anyone for you to use whatever accommodation you need that Disney can provide. Some people grouse & complain over any "slight" they perceive, but it's best just to ignore those types. Who needs more negativity in their lives? Everyone deserves to enjoy their favorite place & rides if at all possible. So, I say use the alternate entrance if they'll allow you to do so and do it with no shame, regret, or whatever.

I was thinking of your husband today and remembered that I had read an article back when I first started having issues of my eyes adjusting from light to dark. I know your husband has many more issues than just this one, but there might be a bit of help reading the article. http://www.wikihow.com/See-in-the-Dark
It's the article that reminded me of using the red light for stargazing.

Also, I'm not trying to push anything on you as I'm sure you've done your research into all ways to help with his disease, but I thought I'd just suggest a look into some "natural medicine" help. I am working on my Naturopathic Doctor degree and have found some help through that with my own issues. It's not for everyone, and I totally get that.

There are two things I've heard good reports from and am only suggesting you look into them if you'd like. Again, I know many people are not "into" the natural healing stuff, but I just have to make the suggestion in case it could help you. If it's not your cup of tea, I completely understand. Just know my suggestions come from a place of respect and caring.

1)avoiding processed oils and margarines. Cold pressed olive oil and saturated fats, such as butter and coconut oil, help protect the eyes from peroxidation, which steals electrons from the eyes' lipids. Lipids, or fats, are the primary substance of eye tissue.
(I changed my whole family over to butter & coconut oil & olive oil for all our dietary needs. There are SO many health benefits to this, not just for the eyes.)

2)
A technological application of acupuncture is micro-current stimulation (MCS) therapy. Extremely low currents are placed on acupuncture points near the eyes. This protocol can be done at home by oneself or with the aid of a family member if one is willing to invest in the apparatus. The machines are in the $800 range.

There are more and more medical practitioners from varying fields using this therapy on AMD patients. Each session is less than an hour. Technically, micro-current stimulation (MCS) is an enhanced adaptation of an FDA approved therapy used by surgeons and rehabilitation specialists to promote healing and pain relief. The phrase "useful for general pain relief" is allowed for now. Using it for macular degeneration reversal is considered "off label" use.

The extremely mild currents stimulate the nerves that in turn increase blood circulation and oxygenation. That's the western viewpoint. A more traditional Eastern explanation could be that Chi energy is stimulated, and Chi is the subtle energy that conducts physical life.
(This one I've only read about. It sounds interesting & maybe worth looking into to see if an eye specialist is aware of the treatment.)


Again, I'm not trying to diagnose or treat with these suggestions. It's just an area that I've had some success & am wanting to share information if you're interested. I do wish you the best of luck and send my good wishes to your husband as well.

I see you're going end of April, first of May. We're heading down on May 5 for 10 days ourselves. It's such a great time of year to visit! I hope you have a magical vacation.

 

[smidgy]

aw snoopy! you made my day. what kind words.

I did print out your post so we could look into it. thank you so much for the information.

yes, we are finding more and more how diet affects our bodies. unfortunately, nebo hates veggies (esp dark green ones) which are good for the eyes.

but I give him bukko!!!! credits for this. jan 25 was 3 years we are both smoke free!!! yay! I was a pack a day smoker, he was up to 3 packs a day.

when I pointed out that we were spending hundereds of dollars for these injections (this was before his medicare kicked in).and then spending tons of money on cigarettes which are bad, bad for the eyes. he agreed to quit together. we quit the day after the Chicago Bears, were out of the playoffs that year (he wanted to enjoy the Bears season. lol)
he did it!!!!!! (well, we did) but 3 packs a day. cold turkey! not ONE cig. since!!

 

[Andianna]

Don't really have an answer for you just wanted to wish you well and enjoyment in your trip

 

[smidgy]

thanks andi!

 

[scooby9932]

aw snoopy! you made my day. what kind words.

I did print out your post so we could look into it. thank you so much for the information.

yes, we are finding more and more how diet affects our bodies. unfortunately, nebo hates veggies (esp dark green ones) which are good for the eyes.

but I give him bukko!!!! credits for this. jan 25 was 3 years we are both smoke free!!! yay! I was a pack a day smoker, he was up to 3 packs a day.

when I pointed out that we were spending hundereds of dollars for these injections (this was before his medicare kicked in).and then spending tons of money on cigarettes which are bad, bad for the eyes. he agreed to quit together. we quit the day after the Chicago Bears, were out of the playoffs that year (he wanted to enjoy the Bears season. lol)
he did it!!!!!! (well, we did) but 3 packs a day. cold turkey! not ONE cig. since!!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!! That is just awesome to quit the smoking habit. I know how difficult that can be as my mom quit after a 45 year habit of literally lighting a new cig with the old. Talk about chain smoking! She finally managed after finding out that 2nd hand smoke was hurting her grandbaby (my daughter - 2 then, 25 today). It will definitely help him with his eyes and you both in many ways, least of which is the $ you can save to spend at Disney!

And, hey, if you think he'd like smoothies, I have a trick I use to get my husband (a meat & potatoes guy) to drink his greens. I make a spinach smoothie, but you seriously cannot taste the spinach due to the bananas & berries in it. It has tons of protein and vitamins and fills you up for a couple hours. I tried kale once, but it was noticeable since it's so bitter. If you'd like the recipe, I'll gladly share.