Adult with Disability not knowing how to walk in a crowd

[cgcw]

We have my BIL living with us who has Down Syndrome. My BIL is an adult and all the years prior to living with us, he was never exposed to much of the everyday activities that people do. These skills are very much lacking for him. We are in the process of trying to plan a family trip to WDW.

Today we went to our local mall and it was no where near as crowded as WDW can be. My BIL does not know how to walk in a crowd, much less stay with us. He tends to either walk very slow or to turn around and away from people or just stop. When we were leaving a restaurant today, he saw a woman with a stroller coming, so he climbed into a booth to let her through. When we were walking, my husband & I held hands at the back of him while he tried to follow my two sons through the crowd. Either we'd be going very, very slow or he would stop all together. He doesn't walk at a normal pace. He can...just not in a crowded place.

Having gone through this today, I'm rather concerned the we'll having problems at WDW. That's why I came here - for suggestions. I read the GAC section, but I don't think he qualifies for that because he can walk, he just doesn't know how to walk with people around. This isn't a skill he's going to master in a short period of time. And, it will be frustrating for all of us if we have to have arguments throughout WDW to get him to move along with us. It will be stressful to say the least.

Leaving him home with other family isn't an option, as no one else in their family will help us with him - much less take him for any extended period of time. Besides, we'd like him to enjoy WDW!

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks.

Cindy

 

[rn4val]

Will he let you or your husband hold his hand? I bet he just doesn't know what to do. I don't know how old your children are but he could hold their hand too.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

I would honestly recommend a wheelchair. You can use it like an adult stroller. That's how we keep my grandma with our group at WDW. She doesn't have any problem other than she walks slow and likes to people watch, lol.

But seriously, the regular wheelchair you push around can be parked with the strollers no problem and people will tend to give you a wider berth. This way he won't feel too crowded and will keep pace with the rest of your family. In smaller areas of the park (tomorrowland, for example) you can park the wheelchair and let your BIL walk around with you for awhile then pick it up after a few rides. He may be reluctant to ride at first, but just give it a shot.

 

[livndisney]

We have my BIL living with us who has Down Syndrome. My BIL is an adult and all the years prior to living with us, he was never exposed to much of the everyday activities that people do. These skills are very much lacking for him. We are in the process of trying to plan a family trip to WDW.

Today we went to our local mall and it was no where near as crowded as WDW can be. My BIL does not know how to walk in a crowd, much less stay with us. He tends to either walk very slow or to turn around and away from people or just stop. When we were leaving a restaurant today, he saw a woman with a stroller coming, so he climbed into a booth to let her through. When we were walking, my husband & I held hands at the back of him while he tried to follow my two sons through the crowd. Either we'd be going very, very slow or he would stop all together. He doesn't walk at a normal pace. He can...just not in a crowded place.

Having gone through this today, I'm rather concerned the we'll having problems at WDW. That's why I came here - for suggestions. I read the GAC section, but I don't think he qualifies for that because he can walk, he just doesn't know how to walk with people around. This isn't a skill he's going to master in a short period of time. And, it will be frustrating for all of us if we have to have arguments throughout WDW to get him to move along with us. It will be stressful to say the least.

Leaving him home with other family isn't an option, as no one else in their family will help us with him - much less take him for any extended period of time. Besides, we'd like him to enjoy WDW!

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks.

Cindy

I don't know how a GAC would help as it does nothing for moving through crowds. Would he stay in a wheelchair? He would have a "safe" place, you can keep him at your pace and in an un crowded area he could push the chair (if you feel comfortable with him doing that).

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the suggestion of a wheelchair.
If he does not walk much, he is not going to have the stamina to walk the 6-9 miles that guests typically walk in a day at WDW.

So a wheelchair would provide him a safe zone, decrease the stimulation a bit and take care of the problem about not knowing now to behave in a crowd.
As was already mentioned, you could park the wheelchair with the strollers in an area for him to walk in some lines for attractions or just to walk around the area.

I agree with livndisney that a GAC won't help much with the walking situation because most of the problem is going to be outside of attractions where a GAC won't help you. In lines will actually be easier because the lines are contained between corridors or chains that mark the way to go and keep traffic either in front of or behind you.

I would also suggest a touring plan like touring plans.com because those kinds of plans can help you to avoid crowds by knowing where the quietist part of the least busy park is.

Also, when leaving a park after a parade or fireworks, people tend to try to leave as quickly as possible. We wait until the crowds thin out. It usually only takes 10-15 extra minutes, but we can walk out with very few people rather than be in a slow moving mob of people we would be in if we left right away.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[KPeveler]

Just replying that I too think a wheelchair may be the best option for him. WDW is very crowded and there is more sensory input there than almost anywhere else in the world! A wheelchair can go in lines (almost all lines are mainstreamed) and this will allow you to always know where he is.

Most people who walk a normal amount find WDW almost too much walking. A person who does not walk much would likely not have the stamina to be able to do the 6-10 miles a day required to tour the parks.

Check into a wheelchair rental for him, either off-site (look for companies in the FAQs) or rent one when you get to the parks. I suggest renting one off-site (more comfortable and generally better quality)

 

[Bete]

You can rent one or buy one. If you buy one you can get a lightweight travel wheelchair that weighs about 15 pounds and can hold a weight of 300 pounds. The cost is between $99 to $150 depending on what kind you buy. Some come with a safety belt and I would get this type for extra protection. You don't know how he'll react at times in the wheelchair and you don't want him to try and get out while you are pushing him. It sounds like you have enough people in your group to push without anyone getting tired.

In a wheelchair, you can actually go on some rides with it. Other rides, you park in the attraction and walk a little bit.

Convince him he's special doing a wheelchair. Try to make him think it's a ride just for him if he has trouble adjusting to the idea. Maybe, your kids can ride in it for fun to help your BIL adjust to the idea.

I would suggest going to a local zoo and trying this out. See how he takes to it in a wheelchair. It will be a good test for you, too with pushing it. You can rent wheelchairs at the zoo. If it works then you can buy one. It's not clear whether you are driving or flying to Disney, but if you are doing an airplane a wheelchair can help in that instance, too. Airports are not small. If you are flying get your BIL use to the idea of the security procedures. You don't want any drama taking place at the airport.

You may want to consider some other issues like will he have a fear of going on some rides. If you have an amusement park nearby you may want to practice there before going to Disney. You make it sound as if he's been very sheltered; so, this could be an issue for him. There's a free Disney vacation video you can get that shows some of the rides. U-tube has video of some rides. You may have to consider sitting out some rides if he gets afraid of them. This is where a GAC may help. You can do what's called a baby swap on rides; so, you can take turns watching him. You don't wait in lines as long this way. Use fastpass as much as possible; so, he doesn't have to be in lines too long.

Make sure you have identification on him that will identify him and his condition even if it seems somewhat obvious. If you have a cell phone make sure that phone number and your name is on him, too. If he's in a wheelchair all the time, you should not lose him, but be safe. Someone has to keep an eye on him at all times like with restrooms and so forth. There are family restrooms you can use through the parks and I would highly recommend them in your case.

I would alternate your activities with rides, shows, parades and eating. Don't just do rides at least not on the first day. Let him ease into all of it. Don't get him on overload. This will be stressful for him I believe. Don't make him feel bad if he chooses not to do something. Warn your kids not to make any bad comments if he's having troubles with rides or whatever.

I think this will be an adjustment for all of you. My husband and I take my Alzheimer's mother there and we are very careful not to spend long hours at the park. Don't overdo it.

There a special post that talks about alot of things that may help you, here.

 

[cgcw]

Thank you for the replies. I knew I could find great suggestions here.

A wheelchair is a great idea -- I'm sure my BIL would jump right into it without hesitation.

Prior to living with us, my BIL did nothing but work on a secluded farm. All these experiences are new to him. I'm positive he'd love the characters and the shows and some of the rides as well. Not sure about the thrill rides - but he can make that decision when he sees things like BTMRR.

We have had him wander away more than once so we are very cautious to always keep an eye on him and never to leave him alone. I didn't realize that a GAC could be used like a baby swap. I'm certain there will be some rides that he won't want to do because he won't be able to see them from the outside (like RnRC).

Thanks again for all the ideas. We're just in the planning stages. We haven't decided about driving or flying yet but the suggestion about prepping him for airport security is something I didn't think about until reading it here. I'm not sure if it's common with people with DS, but when he wants to be stubborn, he can make a scene and doesn't care how loud and/or how many people are staring at us. That's one scene I would like to avoid at airport security.

Thanks again -- I'm sure I'll be back needing some more help.

Cindy

 

[SueM in MN]

You may have to consider sitting out some rides if he gets afraid of them. This is where a GAC may help. You can do what's called a baby swap on rides; so, you can take turns watching him.

you might not be allowed to use a Guest Assistance Card for this. The card is actually for attractions the person on the card will be going on.
Some CMs may not be as strict about it as others, but they are actually not supposed to let it be used unless the person with a disability is riding.

You can do a Rider Swap with more than babies and it is not available on all attractions (if you are asking to do it, Rider Swap is the correct name).
The easiest way to go on rides he would not like without him would be to use Fastpass - that way there is no explaining or hope s CM let's you do it.
Even though he is not planning to ride, you can still use his park ticket to get a Fastpass. The first group would use Fastpasses to go on while one or more people wait out the ride with him. When the first group gets back, someone who has ridden stays with him while the others ride. Someone from the first group can use his Fastpass to ride for a second time.
This gets especially nice if your group is only 4 people; that way someone would always be with him and no one has to ride alone.

 

[SueM in MN]

The disABILITIES FAQs thread has a section about air travel that might be helpful to you. There are some links to videos that TSA made to help children understand the security process.

Also, post 3 of that thread has a lot of information, including a link to a video that might be helpful to you. There are many good videos on YouTube, but this one is especially nice because it is interactive and simulates a walk thru each park. When the narrator comes to an attraction, he stops and talks about it a little. Then, the viewer had a choice to 'go in' or 'walk by'. If you go in, you are switched to another video that shows what the queue us like, boarding and also a bit of the ride - for some short ones, it shows the whole ride.

When done 'riding' the video goes back to where you were walking in that park.

A couple things to be aware of - Haunted Mansion and Winnie the Pooh have new interactive queues, so the experience there won't be quite the same.
Also, it shows Toontown, which has been demolished to make room for the new additions to Fantasyland.

There are some attractions where they could not film inside, either because of the nature of the attraction ( video would not work) or because they were not allowed to.
But, in general, it is a very good video and would probably be fun for him, as well as helpful for preparation.

 

[memakwed]

No need for arguments. You know your situation going into the trip. Make the best of it and plan for a slower pace. In fact underplan to accomodate for your families situation.

Your BIL has a visible disability so while people get edgy when others stop short in front of them I think people will in general understand. Also people can and will walk around you so don't worry so much.

Disney is very stimulating and overwhelming to the senses and that could cause his to stop in his tracks from the get go. I would advise getting maps ahead of time and show them to him daily. This will help familiarize him to what he will see and hopefully can cut down on dead stops from stimulation of the unknown beacuse it will be known.

Go in value season when crowds are less. A disney crowd is a crowd but at least your not elbow to elbow in value season and any little bit can help in your situation.

Keep taking him to the mall weekly and set little destination landmarks like a garbage can and help him to get there without stopping. As he gets the just of it make the distinations further apart and then apply the concept to walking at disney.

Just a few suggestions to help in your planning process.

 

[kerstfan1]

dont know when your trip is but i would suggest some kind of school for him to learn all things u do everyday

 

[cove61]

I can only advise what other have already said.

My wee sister has downs, and when we took her to Disney Land Paris she had a great time. I had similar issues, she is a very slow walker (although we later found out this was also made worse as she has a hard bony growth on her feet which actually hurt).

I would say a wheel chair would be the best bet, or ask him to hold onto your arm as you walk, explain how important it is. I would also make sure he has some contact information on him in case he was to wander off, its easy done especially in crowds.

My sister loved meeting the characters, to start with she was very shy, but after missing out several times she soon worked out how to attracted a character. Pluto was so nice to her and it really made her holiday. She like some of the rides like dumbo ect we tried one coaster but she didnt like it so we looked ofr characters or shows while my kids and hubby went on. Hope you all have fun xx

 

[cove61]

opps forgot to also say maybe a gac would be of use, as my sister found it difficult to get onto some of the moving rides, in Paris the card i had slowed the movement right down so both myself and my sister were able to get on. As I have not yet been to Florida i am not sure if they will do the same thing. But if they do it makes life so much easier. Also we flew with my sister, it was her first ever flight, i stayed back with her and let her watch the others going through security and explained what was happing, she was bit nervous but coped well. I had to laugh in the plane as she was next to the window, she leant away from the window the whole journey, i think she thought she might fall out of the window. Anyway she loved it. We did think about taking her with us this time to Florida, but as it is our first time we thought it better to try and test it out this time and take her next time we come.

 

[SueM in MN]

opps forgot to also say maybe a gac would be of use, as my sister found it difficult to get onto some of the moving rides, in Paris the card i had slowed the movement right down so both myself and my sister were able to get on. As I have not yet been to Florida i am not sure if they will do the same thing. But if they do it makes life so much easier. Also we flew with my sister, it was her first ever flight, i stayed back with her and let her watch the others going through security and explained what was happing, she was bit nervous but coped well. I had to laugh in the plane as she was next to the window, she leant away from the window the whole journey, i think she thought she might fall out of the window. Anyway she loved it. We did think about taking her with us this time to Florida, but as it is our first time we thought it better to try and test it out this time and take her next time we come.

At WDW, a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) is not needed to brung a wheelchair into lines or attractions. When seeing s mobility device, most CMs will slow moving walkways ( except Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority). If you need it slower or even stopped, you will need to ask.
Guests with mobility devices are routed to the exit for boarding those attractions because the CM at the exit can control the boarding better and that gets the mobility device to the exit. Since most lines are accessible, you usually will wait in the regular line until close to boarding and then use a bypass to board at the exit.

You are correct that someone without a mobility device would need a GAC to board in that area or to bypass stairs.

There is more information about boarding attractions immolate 18-22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[PatMcDuck]

My DS is 21 now, with Down Syndrome and Autism.

We used a companion chair for awhile, now we have a Convaid chair for Sean to use on Disney trips, or outings to the zoo, aquarium, etc. (it is like a large stroller). We used a wheelchair for awhile too. (The wheelchair was not our best option, because Sean tends to lean forward in one, and he misses seeing all the fun things around him at the parks. He also has scoliosis. The Convaid chair has him seated back at an angle.) But for most people, the wheelchjair works great.

My son also wanders off, and does not walk in a straight line, and touches people sometimes. He also tires easily, so the chair is a win-win. We also like the chair because we can hang a bag on it with things we need, like water bottles, spare change of clothes for Sean, etc.

Have fun!!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Here is Sean at Disneyland in his Convaid chair.

 

[SueM in MN]

dont know when your trip is but i would suggest some kind of school for him to learn all things u do everyday

I noticed you are from Holland, so I wanted to point out that the young man is an adult. In the US, the school system teaches children up to the age of 22 years.

It sounds like he has not been out much and needs practice at going to different places. His family is looking for hints on how to help him.

Here is Sean at Disneyland in his Convaid chair.

He looks very comfy.

That was a good point about wheelchairs. The seating in a wheelchair is much more straight up and down and a lot of people do lean forward slightly in a wheelchair.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

Another parent here to a child with Down Syndrome. My son is only 8. I think it's great that you are caring for you BIL. People with Down Syndrome can be challenging, but they are so rewarding!

Like others, I would highly recommend the wheelchair to help your party navigate safely and with more speed (as much as you can pushing a wheelchair) through the crowds. You had mentioned that he can be stubborn. That is quite common with people with Down Syndrome. My son certainly has his moments. I have also worked in a group home for adults with disabilities and we had one lady there who was super stubborn. When she was done walking, she just plopped down and that was it. There was no budging her.

One thing I might add that I didn't see mentioned or possibly overlooked...are the shows that are in dark rooms and have loud noises. My son has some minor sensory issues with things like that. Those coupled with the crowds make him anxious. Since he is a small child we use the GAC to allow us to use his stroller as a wheelchair and he has a safe, comfortable place to sit. If he doesn't like the noise he will usually just pull his canopy over his head and chill out. With that being said, you may want to consider taking your BIL to a movie theater or somewhere that is dark and loud to test that. I have talked to other parents whose child also has similar issues.

Hope you have a great trip. I'm sure he will really enjoy it and despite any frustrations it may cause I hope you are able to witness the true magic through him. Currently for us, Disney is the only theme park we have ever visited where our son can be included in so much of the fun. One of the reasons we love it so much!

 

[Mama Who]

Something we have found with my grandfather (who has Alzheimer's) is that he's more willing to hold hands and walk with one of the kids than with an adult. The teenaged grandchildren are really good about hanging with him when we're out and about and he's content to stay with them. I know Downs and Alzheimers are different in a lot of ways but I wonder if they might not be similar in this one? It might be worth a try if your boys are older.