6 year old with Ocular Albinism/Nystagmus

[sunnyjb]

Hi ~

We will be staying at POR in September. This is our first "official" Disney vacation. Our 6 year old has Ocular Albinism and Nystagmus, his visual acuity is 20/120 and 20/200. There are no corrective lenses for this, he does have "red" sunglasses to help him in the outdoors for sun and glare. I have read some of the other posts from visually impaired. What will I need to do at each park? Guest relations? Preferred seating for shows, because he cannot see far. Can CM's help him on and off rides? (DH will be there too but just in case) Sometimes he tries to move so fast and cannot navigate well, I'm worried he will fall. Our family will be...me, DH, DS1 (8) DS2 (6) DS3 (4 1/2) and DS4 (9 months). I plan on bringing a double stroller. Will the family be asked to split up during shows? I have an appt. with his CBVI teacher next month and will ask for tips. Any info is greatly appreciated. I want the entire family to get the most out of this vacation.

Thanks
Sunny
SAHM to four beautiful boys (8, 6, 4 1/2 and 4 months)

 

[carj]

Hello! I would suggest bring whatever distance low vision device that he uses at school. I would talk to his VI teacher and see where she would recommend that he sit. (Is it better to be level with the stage, higher, lower?)
One of my student's uses her mother's digital camera to zoom in on the action during live performances. That may be an option for you as well.

One potential problem that I can see with Disney is the transition from dark to light. I would make sure that he has plenty of time to adjust to the light, even with the glasses. I would also watch him where there are surface changes or unmarked dropoffs or curbs. Does he get O&M instruction? If so, that person would be a great resource as well for safe travel questions.

I bet that he will have an amazing time!

 

[mechurchlady]

The GAC is for the disabled person and up to 5 guests. There are 6 people in your party so you will be fine. Read FAQs for info on GAC and vision related information.

Go to guest services and tell them exactly what your son will need and his limitations are. At shows you would show the Cast Member (CM) the GAC and your party would be able to sit near the front of the show if that is what he needs.

 

[SueM in MN]

What will I need to do at each park? Guest relations? Preferred seating for shows, because he cannot see far.

If you have not looked at the disABILITIES FAQs thread, check out the GAC (Guest Assistance Card) information in that thread.
You request a GAC at Guest Relations and the GAC issued in one park would be valid at all the theme parks. The information on the GAC is not real specific, so you may need to explain your child's needs to CMs at each attraction.
One thing to be aware of is that sometimes you may be with people with wheelchairs because there are some attractions where there is some wheelchair seating in the front row (Fantasmic, Indiana Jones Stunt Show). There are other shows where the wheelchair seating is in the back row, so be prepared that in some situations your party may be with people using wheelchairs and in other situations you won't be.

Can CM's help him on and off rides? (DH will be there too but just in case) Sometimes he tries to move so fast and cannot navigate well, I'm worried he will fall.Our family will be...me, DH, DS1 (8) DS2 (6) DS3 (4 1/2) and DS4 (9 months). I plan on bringing a double stroller.

No, CMs can't physically assist with getting on and off rides. They can offer a steadying hand, but not more than that.
If you think he will need more assistance with getting off an on than you can give with your other children, you might want to check into the possibility of bringing another adult with you to help your DS.
You could also request the GAC to use wheelchair entrances - which would mean you would be routed to miss things like stairs. In post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a link to a past thread about boarding rides, especially those with moving walkways.

Will the family be asked to split up during shows? I have an appt. with his CBVI teacher next month and will ask for tips. Any info is greatly appreciated. I want the entire family to get the most out of this vacation.

Thanks
Sunny
SAHM to four beautiful boys (8, 6, 4 1/2 and 4 months)

In most cases you won't be split up.
With the 2 younger children, there may be some attractions they are too small for. If that is the case, the 'too small' children are not allowed in the line and only the members of your party who will be riding will be allowed into the line.

 

[Independence1776]

Hi! I have normal vision but am extremely light sensitive for an unknown reason. I wear a hat and two pairs of sunglasses whenever I'm outside. While I don't know how photophobic your son is, I may have some advice.

he does have "red" sunglasses to help him in the outdoors for sun and glare.

Given that this is southern FL, the sun is extremely bright year-round. Glare on pavement and off buildings is therefore worse. You may want to get him a hat or visor (not white to prevent more glare) to block out as much sun as possible.

Sit him facing away from any windows or doors. The contrast can be too much, especially when doors opens. He won't be able to do anything about it.

Do you know sighted guide techniques, just in case he wants to close his eyes if it's too bright? They might be helpful.

It's late and I need to get to bed. If I think of anything else, I'll post again.

 

[sunnyjb]

Thank you all for your replies!

Sunny