2 kids in chairs and 1 adult- how do you work it?

[mommyandmore]

Ok, so I promised my nephew that we would take him to Disneyland with us this June. But I didn't think about how the logisitics would work until a few days later. I will be the only adult there. My nephew is 9 but the size of an average 6 or 7 year old- weighs 50 pounds. He has quadriplic cerebral palsy- he uses a regular wheelchair and he also has an adaptive stroller- we could take either. He can walk a few steps with support under arms and can crawl/hop on his knees like a whirlwind but that won't help much at the park itself! My son is an average sized 4 year old. He has hemiplegia and is legally blind. There is no way he could walk all of Disneyland- plus I worry a lot about him getting lost since his vision is so poor. He could stand in line and places like that without a stroller.
So, what would you do in this situation? I don't want to spend a lot of money but I do feel obligated to go through on the promise so if I need to buy something I will. Has anyone used those stroller clip things on an adapted stroller and a regular stroller- so they would almost become a side-by-side double stroller. But it sure would be wide because the adaptive stroller is quite large. Or I thought about those running-board things on either his stroller or the wheelchair and my son could stand as we walk between rides- has anyone done that before? I also was thinking that I could buy a Maclaren rally twin stroller- the weight limit is 55 pounds on each side and we are within limits. But I don't know how comfortable that would be for my nephew- especially since there is no footrest and he'll have his heavy AFO's on (can't leave them off because he needs them to stand for transfers to rides and toileting). I even thought of a double jogging stroller but those seem ridiculously expensive plus transfering my nephew out would mean a lot of bending and scooping him out which is not ideal for my back. How do people do it? I know there are single moms with multiple kids in chairs or even just with a young child plus one in a chair- what do they do?
On another note- my nephew is non-verbal and uses a Dynavox (speech device). Do I bring that on rides with us? I can't imagine leaving it on his chair because the thing costs a LOT of money but it is also pretty heavy- I'm not sure it would be safe on faster rides? Of course, both boys are total dare-devils and will want to go on all the coasters they can. I've had them both before at amusement parks and things but there have always been extra people about (grandparents, other cousins, etc) who helped push and watched "stuff"- I didn't even think about what an issue it would be.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Wow! Bless you for trying to work this out so the boys can have a good time! You certainly have your hands full!

I don't have experience with wheelchair or adapted strollers so I can't really offer any advice there. But it sounds to me like you could really use another adult along to help manage both boys. Is that at all possible? Besides being able to push the chairs, I would worry about the seating on some of the rides. Many only fit 2 across (Space Mountain, Big Thunder come to mind). Would one boy be able to ride by himself while you ride with the other? I would also worry about the Dynavox being stolen or tampered with while you're on a ride. My friend's daughter uses one and I know how much they cost. You may be able to bring it on rides if you have some kind of a case to fit it into with a strap so you can hold it over your shoulder. Otherwise, I'm not sure it would be safe on some of the wilder rides.

Sorry I couldn't offer more help, but I do admire you for your efforts!

 

[flynnmnstr]

I have two DS 5 & 2. They both have single Maclaren strollers but one is a Techno and the other a quest. The stroller clips made it impossible to push and they didn't line up correctly.

We are going in August and I am going to be on my own with them for a couple of days until my DH is finished with his conference. DS 5 is in the AS and therefore has low tone and needs his stroller for endurance and security. My DS 2 is a maniac and also has some sensory issues so he needs his stroller for containment and to calm down. The 5 yr old is big for his age and therefore won't fit in the double Maclaren-- so definitely test it out with them before you buy it. Even though the weight limit is 55lbs the seats tend to be narrow for older kids. You might want to get one of those double jogging strollers that have a front swivel wheel and drive yourself to the parks every day. They tend to be a bit wider and more comfortable for bigger kids.

I am going to rent a double for the time I am alone. I plan on taking the bus to the park I am visiting and then taking a taxi home so the boys don't have to stand and wait around when they are tired.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that getting another adult to come with might be best in the long run. I don't know about attaching one of those standing things to the special needs stroller, but I'm quite sure you could not attach it to a wheelchair. A regular stroller and the special needs stroller probably could be attached together with stroller clips, but (as flynnmnstr posted) I don't think they will work unless it is 2 strollers that are the same. You'd have to try it to see if it would work at all, and as was already noted, it would be pretty wide.

I would leave the Dynavox in the hotel room. It is too expensive to leave with the strollers (even if you are using the strollers as wheelchairs and bringing them into line).
I know this is his communication device because my youngest DD is also non-verbal and uses a communication device.
But, we found it was just too difficult to bring her device with us to the parks for the amount of use it got. If you are outdoors, the screen is very hard to see in the light and we spent a lot of time getting it in and out. Also, hers has to be mounted onto her wheelchair, which meant unmounting it each time she got out of the wheelchair.

If he's got a Dynamyte (version with a screen about 8 inches diagonally across), that's over 5 pounds and the full size Dynavox (12 inch diagonal screen) is about 7 pounds. That's a lot of weight to carry around. Some of the rides have a place underneath the seat to put purses, etc, but bringing it would mean you have to get 2 kids with special needs onto each ride and also get the Dynavox stowed to store it away.

He probably has something that he uses for backup when his Dynavox is not available. We bought some lightweight picture albums and put paper communication boards in the pages. We had general pages (hungry, tired, thirsty, etc), plus some that were just for Disney (different rides, etc). That worked better for us and that way the communication device had enough power to use when we got back to the resort and she wanted to talk to us.

 

[Forevryoung]

I will do everything I can to solve your communication "issue" with not having access to the Dynavox in the parks-

I'm a speech language pathology masters student specializing in augmentative communication- I have access to a ton of "stuff" and while I dont have much time, you are talking about something that is a few months away. I know the dynavox system rather well and know the software (as well as the mercury, gemini... high tech, light tech... anyone else need augmentative communication info?? )

If you and your nephew would like, I would be glad to help you guys and make something just for the parks. Access to appropriate communication is my "thing" and a Disney trip is right up my ally.

PM me

 

[mamaminnie]

I know you said you were going to Disneyland, but I can tell you at Disney World you can hire a babysitter from fairy godmothers to help you in the parks. Maybe there is a service like this for DL?

It's not the greatest idea, and most of the responsibility will fall on you, but it would provide you with an extra pair of adult hands.

 

[Juliah]

Perhaps you could contact someone in the PT or nursing department at a college near Disneyland and ask them if they might help you find a student who would be willing to help you for the day in exchange for park admission and meals and maybe a small payment. Surely that would be less expensive than buying a different stroller, and a PT student should have some experience with lifting. Or maybe you could find someone through a local church.

 

[loadsapixiedust]

I really applaud you for trying to find a way to do this trip and make it special for both kids, but it's not going to be easy. Our DS has quadriplegic cp and also is a Dynavox user, so I know what you are taking on.

I think the best solution would be another pair of hands. Is there a friend, caregiver, family member who could possibly accompany you to assist? Most disabled kids have a circle of willing helpers, it's worth asking around. That would solve all the logistics of pushing wheelchair/stroller, minding Dynavox, sitting next to someone on rides.

We have not taken DS's Dynavox to WDW. For one it mounts onto his wheelchair and he uses a switch mounted on his tray, so that's 3 things to remove and store every time he wants to ride. Secondly, I have heard some stories of airport security being funny with unfamiliar electronic items, I'd hate for it to be tampered with and get broken. It is also over the limit for hand luggage (we are travelling from the UK) and no way does something that valuable get packed in a suitcase.

What I have done is make a special low tech system for WDW, a flip folder of symbol sets which can be hung over the chair and brought out whenever he needs it. I keep spares and blank sheets so we can customise as we go or replace any damaged sheets. We are lucky our son has pretty good non-verbal communication, but he needs the chart for things like choosing rides, making a choice from the menu or talking to characters. You have plenty time to make something similar.

Wishing you all the best with your planning.

 

[Forevryoung]

What I have done is make a special low tech system for WDW, a flip folder of symbol sets which can be hung over the chair and brought out whenever he needs it. I keep spares and blank sheets so we can customise as we go or replace any damaged sheets. We are lucky our son has pretty good non-verbal communication, but he needs the chart for things like choosing rides, making a choice from the menu or talking to characters. You have plenty time to make something similar.

In my post above, this is exactly what I said I would help you and your nephew put together if you would like my help... something just for Disney (You may want to bring the Dynavox for the hotel and non-park moments depending on how you are traveling and how dependent he is on it...)

 

[MarieS]

I am a single mom with two kids in wheelchairs. While there are some places I will take them alone, like the doctor's office, I wouldn't consider going somewhere like DL without two adults. I am use to pushing two wh.chairs, but it would be very difficult to push two at DL with the crowds and all the manoeuvering. This would also be a problem with waiting in lines or pushing two kids up an incline. Another thing to consider is would the three of you be able to ride together on rides? I know that some rides only seat two.
I don't mean to sound pessimistic and I think it's great that you want to take both kids, but I would really recommend another person going with you.

My oldest son uses an augmentative device, but we didn't take it with us to WDW because it's expensive and too bulky. We used pictures, and yes/no questions instead.

 

[MarieS]

What I have done is make a special low tech system for WDW, a flip folder of symbol sets which can be hung over the chair and brought out whenever he needs it. I keep spares and blank sheets so we can customise as we go or replace any damaged sheets. We are lucky our son has pretty good non-verbal communication, but he needs the chart for things like choosing rides, making a choice from the menu or talking to characters. You have plenty time to make something similar.

Wishing you all the best with your planning.

Would you happen to have a picture of your son's flip book? This sounds like a good idea. We have been using an inexpensive, small photo album, but I really like your idea. Seems easier to access. I am always looking for ideas for my boys.

 

[SueM in MN]

If anyone wants to share pictures, I can put together something (like maybe make another sticky) with hints/helps like this.

 

[mommyandmore]

Thanks everyone for your help! I have convinced a friend of mine to come along with her 4 year old daughter (typically developing)- that way she and my son can switch off riding in a stroller. Plus my friend knows my nephew and will be able to help with transfers and things if I need it so that will help a lot.
I have to talk to his mom about the Dynavox. I can't imagine not bringing it in the park because he is used to basically having it every second of the day-he won't even go to sleep at night unless it is on a little table by his bed. And in the car, they loop the strap around behind his carseat and he sits with it on his lap. Maybe if I helped him practice with a low-tech system? He does have a few signs like bathroom, yes, no, dog, mom, dad, eat, sleep- so in a pinch we would be ok but that means only I can understand him. Oh, I think I could still dig up my son's old Go Talk that has space for 20 or so pictures on it and it has voice output. It's super light and cheap so I wouldn't worry about losing it. I'll think on it some more and see what I come up with.
Thansk again everyone!
Oh, pictures of examples of boards that kids have used at Disney would be an awesome resource!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Excellent! I'm so glad you found a friend to come along with you! Hope you all have a wonderful time.

 

[MarieS]

Glad to hear you have someone to go with you. I think you'll have a great time!

 

[SueM in MN]

And in the car, they loop the strap around behind his carseat and he sits with it on his lap. Maybe if I helped him practice with a low-tech system? He does have a few signs like bathroom, yes, no, dog, mom, dad, eat, sleep- so in a pinch we would be ok but that means only I can understand him. Oh, I think I could still dig up my son's old Go Talk that has space for 20 or so pictures on it and it has voice output. It's super light and cheap so I wouldn't worry about losing it. I'll think on it some more and see what I come up with.
Thansk again everyone!
Oh, pictures of examples of boards that kids have used at Disney would be an awesome resource!

It sounds like he has the Dynamyte (the smaller device - and if he does, you want to be careful talking about it at the airport if you are flying.)
That would be a little easier than they larger one.
When we did take my DD's Dynavox (she had the big one) with us, one thing we did do to help keep it from 'wandering off' was a computer lock. The Dynavox she had didn't have a place for a lock to fit on it, but we bought a Kensington brand lock that had a part we glued onto the Dynavox that the lock fit into. We attached the cable around a part of her wheelchair that was sturdy where it could not be removed without unlocking. That way, we could leave her wheelchair for rides and know that no one could remove her Dynavox from it.
(If he had his wheelchair rather than the stroller, there are some rides where he could stay in the wheelchair and ride a wheelchair accessible ride car. For th others, wheelchairs are left at the boaridng area>)

 

[mommyandmore]

Oh good info- thanks. He actually has the MT4- the bigger version of the dynavox. He needs the bigger pcitures with his fine motor limitations. We will definitely be taking his wheelchair because transfers are much easier with the chair and he can help out a lot- with the stroller, he sits back and at an angle so transfers are harder. He has a tray that he usually uses with the dynavox but it is not quick to take it on or off so we may be pushing the wheelchair place he goes to about finding a place to mount his swing away mount- he has it but they can't find a good spot on the chair for it. With that and the security of a lock, I think I would feel ok leaving it when we go on rides. Still have to talk to his mom and see what she thinks though

 

[Forevryoung]

Oh good info- thanks. He actually has the MT4- the bigger version of the dynavox. He needs the bigger pcitures with his fine motor limitations. We will definitely be taking his wheelchair because transfers are much easier with the chair and he can help out a lot- with the stroller, he sits back and at an angle so transfers are harder. He has a tray that he usually uses with the dynavox but it is not quick to take it on or off so we may be pushing the wheelchair place he goes to about finding a place to mount his swing away mount- he has it but they can't find a good spot on the chair for it. With that and the security of a lock, I think I would feel ok leaving it when we go on rides. Still have to talk to his mom and see what she thinks though

I think the MT4 is approximately the same size as the DynaMo (huge/heavy in my opinion). I dont have my notes home but I think the MT4 can not use digital images- you might want a light tech system in addition to the high tech one so that you can get info from him about disney specific things- I know no voice output but there are definitely things about characters and rides that he should have access to.

A swing away mount would be easier than taking the tray on and off for transfers.

If it is decided that the dynavox is too risky, there are voice output systems that are cheaper and simpler (non-dynamic display) that could be considered. You could probably get one from the school district/lending program if needed as well (depends who got the device in the first place). It's another option to consider.

 

[SueM in MN]

The MT4 is actually the smaller device (the older version of it was the Dynamyte). If that's what it is, it's about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 10 inches by about 7 inches. It would be easier to bring that size.
My DD had the Dynavox 2C (actually 2 versions before the MTl; and then we got a tablet computer with Dynavox software). I think that the MT and DT (the bigger one in the same series) can use GIF format digital pictures.

Some swing away mounts leave the device in a place where it it is vulnerable to getting hit into. I know my DD's swing away mount did that, so that's something else to check out.

 

[Forevryoung]

The MT4 is actually the smaller device (the older version of it was the Dynamyte). If that's what it is, it's about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 10 inches by about 7 inches. It would be easier to bring that size.
My DD had the Dynavox 2C (actually 2 versions before the MTl; and then we got a tablet computer with Dynavox software). I think that the MT and DT (the bigger one in the same series) can use GIF format digital pictures.

Some swing away mounts leave the device in a place where it it is vulnerable to getting hit into. I know my DD's swing away mount did that, so that's something else to check out.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm gonna go look it up- should know it

Thats dumb about the swing away mounts but I don't think designers (adults with no experience with disabilities) really notice