Bringing in a seat cane to the parks...

[dizcrazee]

I am going to WDW next week - arriving Friday, 5/19! I'm so excited! But I'm worried about our plan for handling our physical situation. I have RA and will be using a wheelchair with my husband pushing. Unfortunately, my husband has a bad hip and can't stand for long periods of time. He says it actually helps him to push my wheelchair because it gives him something to "lean" on and helps support his weight, taking pressure off his hip. We are planning to take a seat-cane, which we attach to my wheelchair, for him to use while we are waiting in lines, etc. It is a regular cane that folds into a little seat.

However, I've read a couple of posts stating that this may not be allowed. Apparently, someone on the board wasn't allowed to bring in a seat cane by park security. Now I'm worried! This is the only feasible way for us to tour the parks! The cost of renting two ECVs for 6 days will be prohibitive for us. I've e-mailed disney as Sue recommended in a previous post about this, but they haven't replied yet. I'm wondering what I should do. Is there someone I can call about this? We can both bring medical documentation if necessary. Do y'all think that WDW will allow us to use the seat cane? Isn't WDW required to provide reasonable accomodations for disabilities? And if so, isn't the use of a wheelchair and seat cane reasonable for a family with two physical disabilities? I can't believe WDW wouldn't allow this, but apparently it has been disallowed in the past.

 

[videogal1]

We are planning to take a seat-cane, which we attach to my wheelchair, for him to use while we are waiting in lines, etc. It is a regular cane that folds into a little seat.

However, I've read a couple of posts stating that this may not be allowed. And if so, isn't the use of a wheelchair and seat cane reasonable for a family with two physical disabilities? I can't believe WDW wouldn't allow this, but apparently it has been disallowed in the past.

Disney cannot prohibit you from using the medical aid you prefer, including a seat cane. If the law permits it and it's not a danger to others, go ahead...I cannot imagine how a seat cane could be a possible danger to others...more like a danger to you if the same nitwit who walked right in front of my moving scooter walks into your seat cane while you're using it...

 

[dizcrazee]

I don't see how it could be a danger to anyone else either, but apparently a security guard wouldn't let a DISer in the park with one before. I can't find the original post, but I've read several references to it. I will have to ask to speak to a manager and see if I can get the security guard to change his tune if this happens to us because it will prevent us from being able to tour for very long. I can't understand how they would have legal grounds to prevent someone from using needed medical aid. Maybe the security guard just made a mistake that time.

 

[vhoffman]

Perhaps they think the seat cane could be used as a weapon, but what's the difference between that and a regular cane or crutches? They could be used as weapons, too. Actually, I could swing at someone with my purse, so that could be considered a weapon! Go figure!

 

[SueM in MN]

The original post was about a year ago and there was more than one person who had the problem.
I have been mentioning it, just so people will be aware that they might get challenged on bringing one in and can be prepared. I wish we had some more responses from people saying what has been happening lately.
I do agree though, that if it's a mobility device for the person, they have no reason/defense not to allow it.

 

[Enna]

I just read a similar post yesterday, on a thread where the OP was asking about bringing folding chairs into the parks.

If I end up using a rollator-style rolling walker that comes with a seat, I'm a little concerned that security will take an issue with that because of the seat part.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just read a similar post yesterday, on a thread where the OP was asking about bringing folding chairs into the parks.

If I end up using a rollator-style rolling walker that comes with a seat, I'm a little concerned that security will take an issue with that because of the seat part.

That should not be a concern at all - it is very recognizable as a walker (plus no one would use a walker unless they had mobility concerns). We saw many people with those on our last trip in March.

(Plus, I was one of the posters on that other thread and I don't know who else posted that they saw a problem).

 

[Enna]

Thanks, Sue! I'm also glad to know that there were other folks there with similar devices. I like to blend in as much as possible.

 

[mousebit]

I have to say that this is an issue that makes me sad. I've read posts recently by those who are planning to take seat-canes into the parks not because they have a physical need, but because they want the convenience of a handy seat for parade-viewing, etc. Let's hope all the CMs will be able to distinguish between the infirm and the self-serving so that folks who have physical limitations can continue to enjoy the parks with their families.
To be sure, I think I would check with guest relations before your trip and make sure they know you have a true physical condition that makes the cane a necessity for your mobility.
For those out there who are trying to take advantage, SHAME ON YOU! Be grateful for your health and sit on the curb so EVERYONE can have a magical Disney experience!

 

[dizcrazee]

I received an e-mail reply from Peggy Bishop at WDW regarding the use of a seat-cane. She said that we will be allowed to use our seat-cane as planned and that she thought it was a great idea in our situation! I'm going to print her reply and take it with us along with letters from our doctors. I'll let you all know how it went we we return from our trip.

I'm going to make an new post on this to make sure everyone gets the news.

 

[Clarinetist]

We just returned from a day at Disneyland. I always take a seat cane with me, beacuse of back problems. Today I was told that I could use it in the Park as a cane, but not as a seat. It would be taken away from me and/or I would be asked to leave the Park. I thought the ADA people had filed a complaint and that Disney had lost. The people at Guest Relations couldn't clarify this matter.

Disneyland really doesn't provide much in the way of seating and I find it difficult to stand for long periods of time. A seat cane is a real help and I did use it as a seat a few times today and no one said anything. I guess I was just testing them!

Clarinetist in Anaheim

 

[livndisney]

We just returned from a day at Disneyland. I always take a seat cane with me, beacuse of back problems. Today I was told that I could use it in the Park as a cane, but not as a seat. It would be taken away from me and/or I would be asked to leave the Park. I thought the ADA people had filed a complaint and that Disney had lost. The people at Guest Relations couldn't clarify this matter.

Disneyland really doesn't provide much in the way of seating and I find it difficult to stand for long periods of time. A seat cane is a real help and I did use it as a seat a few times today and no one said anything. I guess I was just testing them!

Clarinetist in Anaheim

They need to read their website:
Listed in items not to bring-

•Folding chairs, with the exception of cane-chair and seat-walker mobility aids


http://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/#parks-q12

 

[pampam]

Does he need the cane or the seat? The reason I ask is because I use a camping backpack which has a camping seat attatched to it. I bought it at a sporting goods store. It has since worn out, so I saved the seat and attatched it to a Disney backpak. I hang it over the handles of the WC and have never had a problem bringing it into the parks. The only time I was not allowed to use it as a seat, the CM brought me a WC to sit in while we watched the parade. However, this would not work for you, if you need the cane.