Available NOW - Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities - links on post 10

[SueM in MN]

Coming soon - Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities
I posted this in the thread about the DAS (Disability Access Service) Cards, but thought I would also post it here in case people missed it there.

There will be a WDW version and a Disneyland version.
These are booklets being developed by Disney with information that should be especially helpful for people visiting with cognitive or neurologic disabilities. They will be available as a printed copy at the parks and as an electronic version on the Disney World/Disneyland websites.
(Guests could download or print it from the internet)

Helpful information about attractions will include:
- duration of attraction
- sensory information about attractions (sights, smells, sounds)
- some general touring hints

These sound like they will be an awesome resource
I will share more about this as I get more information.

 

[foxxxy83]

Thank you SO much for this. It will be too late for our trip but will come in handy next time. I will be telling CMs at Guest Services all our medical problems and seeing what they suggest as I have both cognitive and neurological problems and my son has ASD. I also have vision problems which are to do with the neurological side of things. Will post any info on here once have spoken to Guest Services!

 

[chelleharper]

As a parent of a child just recently diagnosed with Autism and as we look at making our first trip to Disney, I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am to hear about this! I hope it provides useful information that will make our trip enjoyable and others as well.

 

[SueM in MN]

As a parent of a child just recently diagnosed with Autism and as we look at making our first trip to Disney, I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am to hear about this! I hope it provides useful information that will make our trip enjoyable and others as well.

From what I have heard about it, I think it will be very useful.

And, since it will be available on the Disney website, guests will be able to use it for preparation ahead of time.

 

[flywithhope]

Love this! Thanks for sharing Sue and being so fabulous in keeping us up to date!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . These sound like they will be an awesome resource . . .

1) Youbetcha.
2) More information is always good.
3) This will help answer a lot of common questions.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

Excellent! This, along with some ride/attraction viewing on youtube, will make things much easier for some members of my family.

 

[SueM in MN]

Excellent! This, along with some ride/attraction viewing on youtube, will make things much easier for some members of my family.

That reminds me - I found a person who is posting really good videos of Disney World attractions. His user name on YouTube is Big Pat Panda. Many of his videos show the entrance, a good part of the queue, boarding and the entire attraction to the exit.

 

[SueM in MN]

This just came out:
New link to DAS FAQs on Disney Parks Blog:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment and accessible experiences for guests.
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which provides access to attractions for guests with disabilities, so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. It will also help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest Assistance Card on Oct. 9. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can request a Disability Access Service Card at Guest Relations. DAS Cardholders will receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who arent able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disneys FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the DAS Card doesnt meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks goal is to accommodate guests who arent able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

How will guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

Does the DAS Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the DAS Cardholders travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.

Where do DAS Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a DAS Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS Cardholder.

How long is a DAS Card valid?
A DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guests ticket entitlement.

Is a DAS Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

Why doesnt Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctors note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disneys Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a DAS Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a DAS Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here is the link to the WDW website page for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/guests-with-disabilities/disabilities-cognitive/

A page with more information, which includes a link to a page with DAS FAQs (the same as in post 9:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/guests-with-disabilities/disabilities-cognitive/

It includes a link to the new guidebook, which looks very complete(41 pages)
It has a wonderful table listing each attraction in one place, with information on things like bumps, surprises, getting wet.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...disabilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide.pdf

The information for Disneyland is also available
Link to DL page for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities, including a page link for DAS FAQs (which is the same information as in post 9)
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities/

And a link to the new Disneyland Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. It also looks very complete - 19 pages, but Disneyland is smaller than WDW. It includes a nice table listing all attractions and things like bumps, surprises, getting wet, etc:
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...nd-Resource-Guests-Cognitive-Disabilities.pdf

 

[SueM in MN]

I spent my morning (10/11/13) looking at exhibitors at a conference called Closing the Gap.
It is an annual convention on bring computer and assitive technology to students with disabilities. I saw a couple of iOS apps there that might be of interest to people who are interested in Social Stories.
(iPhone, iPad, iPod touch)

Autismate, which is a combination communication device/ schedule maker designed for people with autism
http://autismate.com/Home/Comprehensive-App-For-Autism-With-Visual-Supports/

Pictello, which is an app for making stories and can be used for Social stories or simple choice boards.
http://www.assistiveware.com/product/pictello

 

[Disneylvr]

I spent my morning (10/11/13) looking at exhibitors at a conference called Closing the Gap.
It is an annual convention on bring computer and assitive technology to students with disabilities. I saw a couple of iOS apps there that might be of interest to people who are interested in Social Stories.
(iPhone, iPad, iPod touch)

Autismate, which is a combination communication device/ schedule maker designed for people with autism
http://autismate.com/Home/Comprehensive-App-For-Autism-With-Visual-Supports/

Pictello, which is an app for making stories and can be used for Social stories or simple choice boards.
http://www.assistiveware.com/product/pictello

I just watched an Autismate demo video on You Tube and it looks great! Proloquo2Go, what we are currently trying to us, is very complicated for those that are till learning basic communication language like my DD. I also like the ability of making picture schedules and setting timers in Autismate. This could be very useful at home, school and on Disney vacations! Thank you Sue!

 

[SueM in MN]

I just watched an Autismate demo video on You Tube and it looks great! Proloquo2Go, what we are currently trying to us, is very complicated for those that are till learning basic communication language like my DD. I also like the ability of making picture schedules and setting timers in Autismate. This could be very useful at home, school and on Disney vacations! Thank you Sue!

Proloquo2go is very good, but it is a more full fledged communication device.
It's used a lot by people with autism and even very little children, but it can be intimidating, especially for people who don't have Speech support.
(If you already have Proloquo2Go, they do have a very active private Facebook page for parents that is very helpfully, but AssistiveWare is the first to acknowledge that not all communication apps fit all people).

I got a demonstration of Autismate because I thought it might be useful for some people here. My DD was never interested in Visual Scenes, but Autismate has a nice visual scenes feature where you can use your own picture and create hotspots that bring up choices - like, the cabinet where you store cookies and crackers could bring up a choice box that lets the person choose "I want cookies" or "I want crackers".
Autismate does have a free lite version you can test out.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Proloquo2go is very good, but it is a more full fledged communication device.
It's used a lot by people with autism and even very little children, but it can be intimidating, especially for people who don't have Speech support.
(If you already have Proloquo2Go, they do have a very active private Facebook page for parents that is very helpfully, but AssistiveWare is the first to acknowledge that not all communication apps fit all people).

I got a demonstration of Autismate because I thought it might be useful for some people here. My DD was never interested in Visual Scenes, but Autismate has a nice visual scenes feature where you can use your own picture and create hotspots that bring up choices - like, the cabinet where you store cookies and crackers could bring up a choice box that lets the person choose "I want cookies" or "I want crackers".
Autismate does have a free lite version you can test out.

"My Talk" is another app for communication that is a bit more user friendly.

 

[Disneylvr]

We do get benefit from Proloquo2Go but are looking for new apps that might work better for DD. I will consult again with her school and private SLP and ask them about the other apps you guys have mentioned and try the free lit app. Thanks!

 

[Lsdolphin]

We do get benefit from Proloquo2Go but are looking for new apps that might work better for DD. I will consult again with her school and private SLP and ask them about the other apps you guys have mentioned and try the free lit app. Thanks!

You might also want to explore augmentative and alternative communication apps on UTube there are many videos its a great resource.

 

[SueM in MN]

We do get benefit from Proloquo2Go but are looking for new apps that might work better for DD. I will consult again with her school and private SLP and ask them about the other apps you guys have mentioned and try the free lit app. Thanks!

At least when it first came out, "My Talk" required an annual fee subscription to do any editing or saving. Don't know if that is true any more, but if it is, the cost can go up quite a bit.

Also, 3.0.3 is the current version of Proloquo2Go.
They add some things that make it more adaptable, including some pre-made user vocabularies starting with version 2.0
So, it is worthwhile to see if you have the latest version.

 

[Lsdolphin]

I spent my morning (10/11/13) looking at exhibitors at a conference called Closing the Gap.
It is an annual convention on bring computer and assitive technology to students with disabilities. I saw a couple of iOS apps there that might be of interest to people who are interested in Social Stories.
(iPhone, iPad, iPod touch)

Autismate, which is a combination communication device/ schedule maker designed for people with autism
http://autismate.com/Home/Comprehensive-App-For-Autism-With-Visual-Supports/

Pictello, which is an app for making stories and can be used for Social stories or simple choice boards.
http://www.assistiveware.com/product/pictello

Oh my gosh I have attended CTG for years but could not go this year . I am planning to go to ATiA. Hope you enjoyed the conference and thank you for sharing the above apps they both look promising!

 

[SueM in MN]

I posted this on another thread, but thought it fits well here and would give some ideas.

Is there a thread relating to the use of communication devices/strategies (PODDS, PECS, Proloquo2Go, My Talk) for Disney Parks? Visual communication systems are very helpful in navigating the parks and assisting with wait times, ect.

There are a few past ones (I copied these links from the disABILITIES FAQs thread):

Communication Devices, PECS
Thread about making Communication Boards
Thread with links in post one to find pictures of communication pages for each park
Link to Scrapbookers thread with many pictures of rides, signs, and assorted WDW pictures. Useful for communication, social stories or schedules.
Link to report of park experience of Dynavox user
Thread about PECs
mousescrapper's special guidebook for her son
Marie S's Going on an Airplane PEC book
Marie S's WDW Visual Schedule and Choice PEC book
DisMomAmy's Visual Help Cards
Thread about new picture book about MK by Kevin Yee.
HINT: If you plan to travel by air, you may also want to look at post #15 of this thread, which includes links to Orlando airport and TSA websites with pictures that would be useful for social stories.

Thank you for posting this! The ride descriptions were very helpful. My son is NT and we don't use a GAC/DAS but he is scared of the dark and loud noises. He handles it way better when I can tell him what to expect. I try watching videos on YouTube of the rides but they're not always the best. This is great!

There is a kind of new person called BigFatPanda posting WDW ride vides on YouTube.
He does a nice job in the ones I have seen. He includes the entrance, a bit of the queue, loading, the attraction (usually the whole attraction) and then getting off.

Some of the other videos I've seen are not the best - a lot of the dark rides don't show anything.

 

[Disneylvr]

At least when it first came out, "My Talk" required an annual fee subscription to do any editing or saving. Don't know if that is true any more, but if it is, the cost can go up quite a bit. Also, 3.0.3 is the current version of Proloquo2Go. They add some things that make it more adaptable, including some pre-made user vocabularies starting with version 2.0 So, it is worthwhile to see if you have the latest version.

Yes, we do have 3.0.3 on the iPad. Just updated all of our apps yesterday.