Adult with Cognative Problems

[ShelliRenee]

My mother (who is a Disney nut like me) recently had a stroke which has limited her ability to communicate. She was lucky that the stroke did not cause her any other problems. However, if there are lots of conversations happening around her, her ability to communicate becomes worse and she gets frustrated. I have read on the Disney website and on the DISboards all about the DAS. Most of the literature on cognitive abilities seems to be intended for children. This makes me worried that we will not be able to get a DAS for her. I called Disney and was told that it is something I will have to wait and see until I get to the parks. So, my question is, will she have problems getting a DAS?

On a side note, Mom does have another problem which requires a scooter and limits her ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. I know that does not qualifier her for DAS.

 

[SueM in MN]

My mother (who is a Disney nut like me) recently had a stroke which has limited her ability to communicate. She was lucky that the stroke did not cause her any other problems. However, if there are lots of conversations happening around her, her ability to communicate becomes worse and she gets frustrated. I have read on the Disney website and on the DISboards all about the DAS. Most of the literature on cognitive abilities seems to be intended for children. This makes me worried that we will not be able to get a DAS for her. I called Disney and was told that it is something I will have to wait and see until I get to the parks. So, my question is, will she have problems getting a DAS?

On a side note, Mom does have another problem which requires a scooter and limits her ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. I know that does not qualifier her for DAS.

Getting a DAS is not based on age, but on needs related to a disability. There are many Dis posters, including my family, who have gotten DAS for an adult.

Disney is not going to give you a guarantee if you call because you really need to go to Guest Relations at a park and explain the needs. So, when you get there, either she or you need to explain the needs she has related to waiting in the lines. If she wants to explain it herself, but doesn't feel comfortable talking, she can have something written up ahead of time to explain her needs.

 

[lanejudy]

My mother (who is a Disney nut like me) recently had a stroke which has limited her ability to communicate. She was lucky that the stroke did not cause her any other problems. However, if there are lots of conversations happening around her, her ability to communicate becomes worse and she gets frustrated. I have read on the Disney website and on the DISboards all about the DAS. Most of the literature on cognitive abilities seems to be intended for children. This makes me worried that we will not be able to get a DAS for her. I called Disney and was told that it is something I will have to wait and see until I get to the parks. So, my question is, will she have problems getting a DAS?

On a side note, Mom does have another problem which requires a scooter and limits her ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. I know that does not qualifier her for DAS.

If your mother's cognitive and communication challenges impact her ability to wait in a line, then she/you will need to explain exactly that to Guest Relations when requesting the DAS. Explain her needs and how it affects her ability to be in line. If there is no impact on her waiting in line, then she will not qualify for a DAS.

You are correct that the standing/walking issues are addressed with the scooter and no DAS is necessary since the vast majority of lines at WDW are accessible. There are a few where she'll need to transfer to a ride wheelchair to go through the line as ECVs are not allowed in line. CMs will instruct you at the appropriate rides.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Schmeck]

My mother (who is a Disney nut like me) recently had a stroke which has limited her ability to communicate. She was lucky that the stroke did not cause her any other problems. However, if there are lots of conversations happening around her, her ability to communicate becomes worse and she gets frustrated. I have read on the Disney website and on the DISboards all about the DAS. Most of the literature on cognitive abilities seems to be intended for children. This makes me worried that we will not be able to get a DAS for her. I called Disney and was told that it is something I will have to wait and see until I get to the parks. So, my question is, will she have problems getting a DAS?

On a side note, Mom does have another problem which requires a scooter and limits her ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. I know that does not qualifier her for DAS.

Not sure how a DAS is going to help her? You say she gets frustrated - how does that relate to not being able to wait in a queue? We all get frustrated in queues. There will be constant conversation around her in many places at WDW that do not accept the DAS - food courts, counter service restaurants, crowded table service restaurants, queues for buses, etc. She could even hear many conversations in the 5-10 minute wait in the FP queue. I suggest bringing noise cancelling headphones to give her some peace - they would help in a lot of situations, not just an attraction queue.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Noise canceling headphones do not block conversations. You need no use blocking headphones.