Changes in GAC for Autism???

[nursymel]

I have been reading this morning about Disney doing away with the GAC for people on the spectrum. I know there have been many abusing the card. But,I cannot imagine they would discriminate against an entire group of disabled people. I called guest relations. The woman I spoke with didn't have any info about it. She said until anything becomes official they are not told. Has anyone heard about this?

 

[buffettgirl]

I have been reading this morning about Disney doing away with the GAC for people on the spectrum. I know there have been many abusing the card. But,I cannot imagine they would discriminate against an entire group of disabled people. I called guest relations. The woman I spoke with didn't have any info about it. She said until anything becomes official they are not told. Has anyone heard about this?

GAC's are not issued for specific disorders - autism or otherwise. Not now, not going forward. They're issued for specific needs. Every person with autism may not have the same need, nor will every person with autism need a GAC card, nor is Disney even allowed to ask what the disorder or disease is. They are simply allowed to ask what the need is. So the rumor you've heard is just that.

See post #6 in Sue's Sticky at the top of the main disability forum discussion for more info on the GAC: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=10237514&postcount=6

 

[nursymel]

Exactly! We have been going for years ,sometimes twice a year. Every time we go we get the GAC for my son. I always tell them his specific needs. To be honest without it I don't think we would be able to go at all.

 

[nursymel]

And,btw thanks for your reply. I do hope it is just a rumor

 

[SueM in MN]

I moved this because it was posted in the wrong forum.

I agree with everything that buffettgirl wrote. As she wrote, GACs are based on needs, not diagnosis, so they could not discontinue giving any accommodations to one group of people with one diagnosis. This is not WDW, this is according to the ADA.

These types of rumors tend to come up every 6 months or so. They have been more common recently because of recent news - the new Fastpass Plus and a story that claims rich people are using disabled tour guides to get in attractions quicker (which has a lot of 'holes' in the story).

Anyway, a lot of the rumors come from people who do NOT use GACs saying that WDW should change.
The same rumors about WDW doing away with GACs came up long ago when Fastpasses came into use. People wrote that with the ability to use Fastpasses, no one would need a GAC and they would be discontinued. That didn't happen.

Some people (and that includes some with ASD) found that using Fastpasses, alone or in combination with a GAC, worked very well for them. They were able to get a Fastpass and know when they returned to the attraction, they would be able to enter the Fastpass line and ride within 15 minutes or so.
For some people, the predictability and ability to plan made WDW doable for them without needing a GAC. For others, they could do some attractions using the regular Fastpass system, but needed a GAC at certain times and certain attraction. And, there are others who need to use a GAC most of the time.

Fastpass Plus is the next generation of Fastpass - kind of a smart Fastpass.
There are a lot of unknowns with Fastpass Plus and the RFID enabled smart passes that Fastpass Plus is part of.
No one knows exactly how it will work for guests without disabilities, so for sure no one knows what effects it will have on guests with disabilities.
My guess is that it could have lot of positive positive effects. For one thing, instead of a cardboard card that you have to carry and show to CMs, a link to your specific GAC information could be coded on your park pass. When the pass is scanned at attractions, there is potential that it could give the CM information about your needs related to that specific attraction.
If nothing else, I think they will get rid of the cardboard GAC and replace it with an electronic version, even if all it does is gets rid of the cardboard card.

I don't know the timetable of any of the Fastpass Plus information - at this point, all WDW has said is "2013" for roll out of Fastpass Plus and RFID enable park passes.

SO, in summary, they COULD get rid of GACs for everyone, but if those people still have needs that need to be met, they can't just dismiss the needs.
They could change exactly how things work, but they can't just say 'too bad you have needs.'

 

[nursymel]

Thanks,Sue

 

[smidgy]

wow. sue, I can't believe the time you take to give such succinct and detailed information. you cut through the rumours and get right to the point. and you are honest about what is , at this point, unknown. thanks.... a lot!

 

[nursymel]

I do really appreciate everyones responses,also. I have always relied on this forum for information ,opinions and/or support. Sometimes,the role of a parent of a child with a disability can be a lonely. I try not to let it be...I was pretty upset yesterday at the thought of not being able to vacation in Disney any longer. I tend to get ahead of myself. Thank you all for putting my ming at ease.