Autisim and Disabilaty Passes

[Tinkerbellish]

In WDW are there any way to get one of these such as the one they have in DL? In DL you go through the exit to go to the front becaue for my brother he can not wait, and that part of this condition so we could not go into mainstream line, so is there a way we can go to the front?

 

[funhouse8]

I'm not sure how this worked but my sil had gotten a note from her doctor and turned it in at guest relations for a special pass so they didn't have to wait on any lines. This worked out great for her with the waiting but had trouble getting him out of every gift shop without buying him something. Keep in mind most rides end in a gift shop and this caused her alot of trouble.

 

[Amaris]

From what I understand, the pass only gives you an alternate place to wait, it does not excuse you from lines. I wish It did! My DD has horrid problems waiting and then tantrums to ride the ride again when she is done. At Busch Gardens they let us go in the exits and let her ride everything twice. That way we could prepare her the second ride letting her know that ride was the last time... MUCH easier!

 

[SueM in MN]

What you are asking about is called a Guest Assistance Card (we abbreviate it as GAC on the DIS Boards) and they do have GACs at WDW. You can request one at Guest Services in any of the parks. For invisible disabilities, many people do bring a doctor's note indicating what problems there will be with waiting in line.
Things are a little different at WDW than at DL, because DL was built so long ago that accessiblity or people with conditions like autism were not considered. So, they do a lot more special wheelchair entrances at DL, since that's the only way they can do it. The Special Assistance Pass at DL often allows people with conditions like autism to use the separate wheelchair entrance.
Most of the rides at WDW don't have a special wheelchair entrance - people in wheelchairs or with mobility disabilities usually wait in the regular line.
There are different messages on the GAC, depending on the needs of the person it is issued to. There are not any GACs that will allow you to go to the front of the line, but for people who just can't wait in line with everyone else, they do have other alternatives, like waiting somewhere else that is more appropriate.
If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board, you will find a lot more information.
Don't worry, WDW doesn't want anyone with autism havinga meltdown in line and they will have some help for you.

 

[Tinkerbellish]

Thank you guys SO SO SO much. My brother can not wait in lines what so ever. It looks like our trip is gettting farther away if we even go. Would you need a note, or would an IEP or something to that be ok?

 

[SueM in MN]

Would you need a note, or
would an IEP or something to that be ok?

They can't actually require a doctor's note. It's just that it helps some people with explaining what they need and feeling confident about asking for accomidation. An IEP would do just fine.
Good luck on being able to go.

 

[Tinkerbellish]

THANK YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH! You are one awesome lady! We aren't going for sure yet, but I *sense* it's coming closer.

 

[Disbug]

and we used a GAC for our daughter who has CP. The card is only good for up to 6 members of your party. There are different stamps that are on your card, depending on your needs:

1) "Allow stroller to enter attraction as a wheelchair."

2) "Allow use of Fast Pass line when available."


3) "Allow disabled guest to wait out of the sun" (for people with sun sensitivity issues.)

This card is available at all Guest Relations counters at each of the theme parks and is good for ALL the themeparks. You only need get this once and it is good for the duration of your stay.

The CM at Guest Relations would NOT accept or read a note from our neurologist prior to issuing our GAC. She said it was a new policy to not read any notes, prescriptions, etc...

Hope this offers some more help on the subject! Have a nice time!

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by Disbug
The CM at Guest Relations would NOT accept or read a note from our neurologist prior to issuing our GAC. She said it was a new policy to not read any notes, prescriptions, etc...

Hope this offers some more help on the subject! Have a nice time!

That's pretty much always been their unofficial policy and I'm glad to hear that they are making it official.
The CMs are not medical people and a lot of the letters are written in "medicalese", so can't really be understood by a lay person anyway. I've heard people reading really long, involved medical histories to the CMs, when all the CM needs to know is that Grandma can't be in the sun for more than a few minutes at a time or that little Timmy has autism. According to the ADA, they can't require or ask for any letters. I just mentioned it because some people feel more confident about asking if they have something in writing that helps them state their needs, especially if they have a hidden disability.
Here's a link to a site that has more information about GACs in general and recommendations for touring with people with autism in specific.

 

[EthansMom]

Tinkerbellish,

You may also want to consider going to WDW in the "off-season" when lines will be shorter, waits at restaurants will be minimal, and crowds will be much smaller.

DH and I went the third week of January 3 years ago and lines and crowds were nonexistant! I highly recommend the period between January 2 and President's weekend for its low crowds.

Best of Luck,

EthansMom