Can we get a DAS pass for a concussion?

[rapunzels]

Is it possible to get a DAS pass for a concussion? My 20yo ADD daughter just got diagnosed with a concussion this week and our trip is in 4 weeks. I'm thinking standing in line for extended amounts of time, especially in the heat could be a problem. She has weekly appointments at a concussion clinic for at least the next month... we plan on asking the clinic about it... and we realize some rides she won't be able to ride on now... This trip was already rescheduled from the hurricane this past Fall, and my 18yo is graduating this June, so I really am hoping not to cancel again.

 

[DLgal]

DAS is not issued for diagnosed conditions. It is issued based on difficulties with waiting in a standard queue.

The solution for difficulty with standing is a wheelchair. The CMs will tell you this. If a mobility device can alleviate the problem, you won't get a DAS.

 

[Brett Wyman]

The ADD diagnosis is much more in line with what is normally approved as opposed to a concussion. Your best bet is to just call in and answer the questions honestly.The DAS CMs will let you know if they qualify or not. It truly is on a case by case basis.

 

[JoJoGirl]

First, I would see how your daughter is doing closer to the time of your trip. A concussion is serious business and I wish her her a speedy recovery! If closer to the time of your trip, her clinic advises against he being in the heat for extended periods, you will have a serious decision to make.

As others have stated, DAS is about the ability to wait in a standard line, many of which are not in the sun or heat. The Disney CM will tell you if she qualifies. If her main concern is standing in the heat, a wheelchair will help a lot with the standing part. But remember that DAS will not help her at all during all the times she is not in an attraction line - and at Disney that is a lot of time!

FWIW, I travel regularly with family members who either use DAS or do not use DAS but cannot experience all the attractions for other reasons. Between alternate exits and child swap we work it out. We always have a great time regardless.

Best wishes to your daughter. Hope she is feeling much better a month from now and this will not be a concern!

 

[rapunzels]

DAS is not issued for diagnosed conditions. It is issued based on difficulties with waiting in a standard queue.

The solution for difficulty with standing is a wheelchair. The CMs will tell you this. If a mobility device can alleviate the problem, you won't get a DAS.

The concern isn't the ability to actually stand in a line, it's the ability to stand in confined and loud spaces, for an extended amount of time without getting fatigued, agitated, stressed and overwhelmed. They've already decided when she returns back to work, she needs short shifts and breaks when needed (she stands all day at her job).

 

[rapunzels]

First, I would see how your daughter is doing closer to the time of your trip. A concussion is serious business and I wish her her a speedy recovery! If closer to the time of your trip, her clinic advises against he being in the heat for extended periods, you will have a serious decision to make.

As others have stated, DAS is about the ability to wait in a standard line, many of which are not in the sun or heat. The Disney CM will tell you if she qualifies. If her main concern is standing in the heat, a wheelchair will help a lot with the standing part. But remember that DAS will not help her at all during all the times she is not in an attraction line - and at Disney that is a lot of time!

FWIW, I travel regularly with family members who either use DAS or do not use DAS but cannot experience all the attractions for other reasons. Between alternate exits and child swap we work it out. We always have a great time regardless.

Best wishes to your daughter. Hope she is feeling much better a month from now and this will not be a concern!

Because it just happened this week, I've already been trying to consider what the trip may look like for her and us... This is actually her 2nd concussion in 5 years, and her previous one she had immediate symptoms for about 3 months. Her problems right now are agitation, lights, fatigue, headaches, focusing/balance issues and nausea. The concussion clinic has already said when she returns to work, she needs short shifts, and breaks as needed (she stands all day at her job). They've said the stimulation at work might make her symptoms worsen, so we won't know until she restarts. We were planning a 10 night trip, so the good thing is we can take our time as needed.

 

[Luna81]

I have had two concussions and have long term post concussion syndrome. Brain injury side effects can cause DAS qualified issues. So does the ADD diagnosis. But it really comes down to what makes it hard.

Also. I can’t do many of the rides I use to be able to do anymore. And I really don’t think I’d risk further brain injury by going 4 weeks after a concussion. But I suppose her medical team would have a better idea of where in healing she is. I couldn’t even look at a phone for weeks. And was out of work for a while. Going back only a few hours a day at first.

 

[rapunzels]

DAS is not issued for diagnosed conditions. It is issued based on difficulties with waiting in a standard queue.

The solution for difficulty with standing is a wheelchair. The CMs will tell you this. If a mobility device can alleviate the problem, you won't get a DThis isn't a mobility issue. It's the symptoms that come from a concussion... her currentt issues are agitation, lights, fatigue, headaches, loud sounds, focusing/balance issues and nausea. The concussion clinic has already said when she returns to work, she needs short shifts, and breaks as needed (she stands all day at her job). They've said the stimulation at work might make her symptoms worsen, so we won't know until she restarts. After more research, I think this will actually qualify for the DAS pass because a concussion is classified as a brain injury (which it is), because it impairs the persons cognitive functions.

It's not a mobility issue.....It's the symptoms that come from a concussion... her currentt issues are agitation, lights, fatigue, headaches, loud sounds, focusing/balance issues and nausea. The concussion clinic has already said when she returns to work, she needs short shifts, and breaks as needed (she stands all day at her job). They've said the stimulation at work might make her symptoms worsen, so we won't know until she restarts. After more research, I think this will actually qualify for the DAS pass because a concussion is classified as a brain injury (which it is), because it impairs the persons cognitive functions.

 

[rapunzels]

I have had two concussions and have long term post concussion syndrome. Brain injury side effects can cause DAS qualified issues. So does the ADD diagnosis. But it really comes down to what makes it hard.

Also. I can’t do many of the rides I use to be able to do anymore. And I really don’t think I’d risk further brain injury by going 4 weeks after a concussion. But I suppose her medical team would have a better idea of where in healing she is. I couldn’t even look at a phone for weeks. And was out of work for a while. Going back only a few hours a day at first.

Thanks for your input. I am concerned about her and the trip. We forgot to mention the upcoming trip to the clinic this week, but her next appointment is next weeks, so we can discuss more then.. After more research I think I did discover she will likely qualify for DAS because of the cognitive issues that come with brain injuries. This is also her 2nd concussion, her remaining symptoms from 5 years ago is chronic headache. We have some big decisions to make over the next couple weeks. they've also reduced her work hours, and said when she goes back she will need breaks as needed.

 

[Luna81]

Thank for your input. I am concerned about her and the trip. We forgot to mention the upcoming trip to the clinic this week, but her next appointment is next weeks, so we can discuss more then.. After more research I think I did discover she will likely qualify for DAS because of the cognitive issues that come with brain injuries. This is also her 2nd concussion, her remaining symptoms from 5 years ago is chronic headache. We have some big decisions to make over the next couple weeks. they've also reduced her work hours, and said when she goes back she will need breaks as needed.

Depending on where she is at - many rides may be ok. Probably no drops/fast turns. While I can do say… pirates now with the drop. The months after my concussion there is no way. I found out last trip I can no longer do even the smooth coasters. Mostly things like pirates, Peter Pan, etc for me. No coasters. No 3D rides. Etc.

I do qualify for the DAS. So I do think that’s possible.

May I also suggest two tools. A hat. Cutting down the visual field helps “quiet” the world. The brain isn’t trying to interpret as much. And musician's ear plugs. They allow you to hear what’s going on, but dampen the sound so it isn’t so overwhelming.

And rest. Let her know it’s ok to go back and rest if needed. Though someone may need to go help her get settled at first as confusion can hit. I’m 4 years out from my last one and still have those moments sometimes !

 

[Luna81]

Oh! Ask the medical team about magnesium. I supplement with that now and it helps the headaches sooooo much. But everyone is different so ask the care team first.

 

[SteveMouse]

Also note that Disney has removed quite a number of seats like benches so that finding a place to sit may be challenging. A wheelchair or a rollator can provide a mobile seat. Foldable stools are not permitted in the parks.

 

[rapunzels]

Oh! Ask the medical team about magnesium. I supplement with that now and it helps the headaches sooooo much. But everyone is different so ask the care team first.

Thanks I'll ask about the magnesium. She's on daily Qulipta for the migraines, as a result from her first concussion. In my research someone mentioned about the earplugs so I'll look into that too.. never even thought about the hat. Sounds like a good idea and logical... though she has hair like Merida.... so wearing a hat can be tricky. LOL. .... yes resting will be important....the trip is supposed to be a 10 night trip, so I'm hoping that will alleviate the disney rushing we tend to do....

 

[rapunzels]

Also note that Disney has removed quite a number of seats like benches so that finding a place to sit may be challenging. A wheelchair or a rollator can provide a mobile seat. Foldable stools are not permitted in the parks.

yes thank you! I was actually at Disney about a month ago and noticed the lack of seating more so, so I'll take that into consideration too!

 

[Luna81]

Thanks I'll ask about the magnesium. She's on daily Qulipta for the migraines, as a result from her first concussion. In my research someone mentioned about the earplugs so I'll look into that too.. never even thought about the hat. Sounds like a good idea and logical... though she has hair like Merida.... so wearing a hat can be tricky. LOL. .... yes resting will be important....the trip is supposed to be a 10 night trip, so I'm hoping that will alleviate the disney rushing we tend to do....

The ones I use are called vibes. But there are many brands. For the hat - maybe a visor instead? Another thing the occupational therapist tried with me was tape on my glasses that did a similar thing. It’s all about cutting down the visual stimulation.

I ended up needing prisms in my glasses. Helped a lot. But a lot of my issues were visual.

 

[rapunzels]

The ones I use are called vibes. But there are many brands. For the hat - maybe a visor instead? Another thing the occupational therapist tried with me was tape on my glasses that did a similar thing. It’s all about cutting down the visual stimulation.

I ended up needing prisms in my glasses. Helped a lot. But a lot of my issues were visual.

ugh... mentioning the glasses makes me wonder about hers... she already wears bifocals... so another layer of visual stimulation... her eyes are having issues focusing, so I can only imagine her glasses aren't helping....

 

[Luna81]

ugh... mentioning the glasses makes me wonder about hers... she already wears bifocals... so another layer of visual stimulation... her eyes are having issues focusing, so I can only imagine her glasses aren't helping....

So my regular eye doctor at target is awesome and fits me for prisms. But I did do it once at a specialist as well. I would suggest her getting an eye exam and seeing what they think.

There are eye doctors who specialize in this type of thing too. And honestly they may want things to settle before doing it. But it helped so much. You can’t tell I have prisms in them (I already have thick glasses though hah!) and it helps so much. It sounds weird but the words that came out of my mouth when they put them on was “things are quieter”.

So my eye was having issues focusing/working too hard to try to get in the right spot. The prism helps pull it where it should be. And not strain the eye so much. Literally life changing for me at the time.

 

[rapunzels]

So my regular eye doctor at target is awesome and fits me for prisms. But I did do it once at a specialist as well. I would suggest her getting an eye exam and seeing what they think.

There are eye doctors who specialize in this type of thing too. And honestly they may want things to settle before doing it. But it helped so much. You can’t tell I have prisms in them (I already have thick glasses though hah!) and it helps so much. It sounds weird but the words that came out of my mouth when they put them on was “things are quieter”.

So my eye was having issues focusing/working too hard to try to get in the right spot. The prism helps pull it where it should be. And not strain the eye so much. Literally life changing for me at the time.

Thanks, I'll look into it for her... Ive never heard of it before... for now, they have her doing focus exercises, so hopefully they will help.... not focusing and struggling with the ability to follow were noted in her exam notes.

 

[StevieB81]

If her symptoms would make waiting in the normal cue difficult due to anxiety, overstimulation, etc. then she should qualify for DAS. Know where the first aid stations are in each park, also. They are a great place to get away from the heat and crowds if a break is needed. Plus the staff is well trained in helping with various situations and are fantastic. I couldn't possibly say enough good about them. A cool place to sit down and relax and maybe have a cup of water or a Gatorade , if needed, has done wonders for my son (PTSD) when he has found himself starting to get overwhelmed.

 

[Selket]

Is it possible to get a DAS pass for a concussion? My 20yo ADD daughter just got diagnosed with a concussion this week and our trip is in 4 weeks. I'm thinking standing in line for extended amounts of time, especially in the heat could be a problem. She has weekly appointments at a concussion clinic for at least the next month... we plan on asking the clinic about it... and we realize some rides she won't be able to ride on now... This trip was already rescheduled from the hurricane this past Fall, and my 18yo is graduating this June, so I really am hoping not to cancel again.

I had a brain injury with two types of brain bleeds from a bike accident I had back in 2015 (yes wearing a helmet) so I guess that qualifies as a concussion on steroids lol. I was in the ICU, etc. I remember thinking "wow I'll never ride another theme park ride again ugh." I didn't return to WDW until about 6 months later and by that time I could ride the usual things - I can't remember if I rode any of the roller coasters. Now I can ride some of the coasters one time. I won't do Mission Space (used to love it). I rode GotG this past trip (like once a day - haha! boy I love that ride but wouldn't have done it so soon after my accident).

What bothered me especially was bumpiness. Something like Safari is more jarring than you'd think. I think I rode Dinosaur this year for the first time since 2015. I have bad knees anyway but I also had trouble walking in crowds and would almost fall over in a store standing still if there were lots of people walking around me. I still have trouble with that. You might consider a wheelchair or an ECV. I could operate the ECV no problem. My return to the parks was at Spring Break - super busy - not ideal but I made it work and took breaks. Rides like...Peter Pan or People mover, etc. were fine. S ioarin, etc. YMMV as it might make some people dizzy if it's a motion ride.

A DAS may be an option - she can ALWAYS request one after she's there and see what it's like for her. She will be able to tell the CM exactly why she needs one which is more helpful than just trying to guess in a phone call maybe?

I would suggest - if you still want to go - that you plan a very modified trip with an emphasis on some other things - like things she may have just not taken time for before - like all the shows. The fireworks - Fantasmic - Finding Nemo - FotLK, etc. Also maybe some other things you don't usually do - a mom/daughters spa day? Manicures? Fireworks cruise? Dessert parties? What about the tours....Keys to the kIngdom tour? etc. There's just a TON of cool stuff I've found I enjoying doing that I never stopped to do before. If this is your once in a lifetime Disney trip I would wait but if you go every few years or more often then there's plenty to do.

Also, interestingly, I found Disney to be more relaxing for me than going someplace new because I knew it so well and had all my memories intact of it (including where everything is) so it was like slipping on a well worn glove in that sense. At that point in my recovery I struggled with doing something new (maybe still do somewhat) so ...something to consider. I hope if you go you all have a very wonderful trip!