2 GACs for 2 special kids? Plus a doctor's note question...

[dreamsofdisney]

Hello!

We're leaving in less than 2 weeks for our first trip back in almost 5 years.

DS18 has H-F Autism and BPD. He is prone to explosive episodes (yes, even in Disney!) and has a great deal of trouble with waiting in lines standing very close to others. God forbid someone bumps him or even looks at him funny! Of course, the close proximity thing can be an issue for some rides or other attractions, but we've mostly encountered issues in the lines or "holidng pens" before shows. In the past we obtained a GAC to help avoid some of this.

This is our first trip with DD2, a former 1 lb 2 oz preemie. She has a laundry list of issues, including: bilateral spastic ataxic diplegia cerebral palsy (we'll just say "cp" for short!), recent PDD diagnosis, paralyzed vocal cord, apraxia, Retinopaty of Prematurity, and dysphagia, leading her to get most - if not all - of her feeds via g-tube. She is extremely sensitive to the sun, and can barely open her eyes in bright sunlight. We'll have sunglasses (if she'll keep them on) and hats, and a great sunshade on her stroller. She is walking now, but tires very easily and has a very unsteady gait.

My first question is:Can we get two separate GACs for DS and DD? DS may want to ride some "big kid" rides with DH while DD and I stick to the more little kid friendly rides. DS also might try to go on a ride alone (!) but he knows he would probably need the pass if the lines weren't manageable. We're hoping they will allow DD2 to use stroller as wheelchair. Of course, we'll try to use the regular entrance and no utilize the GAC if it's not necessary.

The net question is:
I know that legally they can't ask for proof or a doctor's note, but has any had that happen before? I have, and I'm a little nervous that they will think we're abusing the system. I have a note from DD's doc, but only have an old one from DS, since I didn't think I had to have it. Both of their disABILITIES are hidden for the most part...his especially. He is very good at saving his "stimming" for home, and he's very verbal. You don't see the other "stuff" until it's too late!

TIA!

 

[DisDadDoc]

Yes, you can get two cards, and no they can't ask you for a doctor's note. That being said, I've always brought a copy of my sons IEP, but no one has ever asked for it. The last time I got one, I asked the CM about the policy and he told me that they weren't allowed to ask for a note.

Good luck and have fun! Disney is great for special kids!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes. Each child should definitely have their own GAC.

A doctor's note cannot be asked for and generally is useless. You may want to, as a memory aid, prepare your own note for each child and you can show that to the CM in Guest Relatio0ns. The only thing that should be on it are what the child's needs are, not aa diagnoses.

 

[Reddy]

I got 2 passes for my sons - both non-verbal austic - in case we decided to slit up for a ride or 2

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have not looked at post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I think you will find it helpful to look at it. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature..
I agree with the other posters that it would be very helpful for each child to have their own GAC. They have some different needs and because of their different ages and sizes, it is very likely that you will be splitting up at times.

The CMs are not legally allowed to require a letter - it is the ADA that forbids requiring proof in order to give accommodations. Most of the time, when people try to show a letter, the CMs don’t want to look at it. If it makes you feel better to have one, you can bring it and offer it to the CMs, but don’t be surprised when they don’t want to look.
If you bring a letter or when you are asking for a GAC, you need to be able to explain what the needs are, not a laundry list of diagnosis. For one thing, CMs are not medically trained and don’t know what all the jargon means. But, for another, even knowing what the jargon means does not tell what THAT person needs. My youngest DD has CP and uses a wheelchair because she can’t walk or even stand without full support. Her needs are much different than some of her friends, even though they all have CP. Some can walk, but clumsily. Some need to stay in their wheelchairs. One drives a power wheelchair with her head and a special wheelchair control called a head array. Just telling a CM that a person has CP doesn’t give any information about how their CP affects them and what sorts of assistance is needed.

So, my advice is to keep it simple and to just the things that are pertinent to attractions. Be ready to explain the needs and realize that not all attractions have all the accommodations your children might need.