DAS and adult child

[SueM in MN]

They do not need to know your DX but can ask why you need a das I think you have it backwards

That is correct. The CMs can, and usually do ask questions about your needs and what issues prevent you from waiting in line.

They can’t ask your diagnosis or ask for proof of disability. If guests bring proof/doctor letters, the CMs are supposed to politely decline to look at it.
It‘s up to you whether you tell the CM your diagnosis; it’s not the information CMs are looking for.
Since people with the same diagnosis might have different needs, the CMs might still have questions.

 

[livbeatles]

My dad is the one who has gotten a DAS, and he can get anxious in the lead up to our trip/going to Guest Relations about renewing it. What I had him do was explain to me in a text message what his worries/trouble were with standing in the queue. I then screenshot it and had it ready on my phone to step in--in case my dad was overwhelmed with the exchange--and be able to say "here's a message he's written down before to explain the difficulties." We haven't needed to use it yet, but I think it's good to have as a back up (and has relieved some of my dad's stress, knowing I had that plan in place to support him if needed).

 

[ttintagel]

I have had the opposite experience to what people here are saying; I've always been asked to explain my needs in detail. If you didn't have to be specific, they'd he handing out DAS to half the guests in the park. If it was me, I wouldn't risk going in there without being prepared to fully explain every aspect of their needs.

I'm not saying this to be contrary or discouraging. I'm saying it to hopefully keep others from having the same experience I had going to the parks for the first time as an adult with disabilities. Based on what I'd read here, I expected everything to automatically go smoothly, every CM to be supportive and accommodating, and to never experience any pushback whatsoever about getting the accommodations I needed. It did not work out that way, and my trip was all the more difficult for not being prepared with how I was going to advocate for myself if the CM on duty didn't want to do what I'd been led to believe they would automatically do.

 

[KPeveler]

I think because I use a wheelchair, I almost always get asked questions. Probably to make sure i wasn't asking for mobility reasons. It depends on the CM that day, but I would always be prepared for questions.

 

[Starwind]

My dad is the one who has gotten a DAS, and he can get anxious in the lead up to our trip/going to Guest Relations about renewing it. What I had him do was explain to me in a text message what his worries/trouble were with standing in the queue. I then screenshot it and had it ready on my phone to step in--in case my dad was overwhelmed with the exchange--and be able to say "here's a message he's written down before to explain the difficulties." We haven't needed to use it yet, but I think it's good to have as a back up (and has relieved some of my dad's stress, knowing I had that plan in place to support him if needed).

I have found renewing my DAS to be fairly straighforward. I begin with "I would like to renew my DAS" and so far the CM has then just followed with asking my name, scanning my Magic Band and getting it renewed, without asking questions about why I need it. Many others have reported a similar experience.

HOWEVER, some others on here have reported that while that is usually what happens to them, sometimes when they renew they ARE asked questions again about why they need the DAS, so one should always be prepared to answer the "why do you need it" questions again, even when renewing.

I like your idea of having the info written down. It can help when articulating the reasons why.

 

[lovethattink]

My son is 16, HFA, and he is a disability advocate. I let him advocate for himself. He knows better than anyone what accommodations he needs. And that’s basically what they asked. What accommodations do you need and why? They don’t want a diagnosis.

He hasn’t needed to use it near as much as he use to. With the re-opening changes he’s more comfortable getting in standby. There’s very little chance of getting bumped into, and no one saying fill in all available space. And for Rise of the Resistance, you miss some really cool Star Wars stuff he likes to see by going in the DAS queue.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

I have an invisible disability (TBI & aphasia). If I request the DAS on my travel day sometimes I am exhausted which causes issues with my speech and my husband has to step in and talk to the CM which isn't a problem at all. It is hit or miss when I request it (I've requested it on 5 trips over the last 6 years). Sometimes I say that I'm requesting a DAS and start to explain why then they cut me off and it's not a problem, they give me the DAS right away. Other times I have to give way more of an explanation. I do keep a file on my phone to help me remember all of the reasons I need it as I get nervous asking for the DAS and I have memory issues so the list definitely helps with that.

I also have an app called "Emergency chat" where I have statements already typed in and it allows me to pass my phone to someone if my speech tanks and I'm not able to communicate and my husband isn't around to help.

 

[Raemama]

My 27 yo son and I went in January (autism and ptsd). He’d never been to WDW, so we didn’t know what to expect with the DAS request. He was super stressed about this part of the trip, so we talked about it and various scenarios. It reassured him that I could stand by him. The DAS definitely came in handy for when there were lines over a certain amount for him. We only had to exit one of the attractions—and it was using a DAS. I would encourage anyone going with a person with autism or ptsd to be prepared (not stressed) about the possibility that regardless of using the DAS, the environment of the queue might be too overwhelming.

I am flat out amazed at my son, though, y’all! My favorite quote from him during the whole trip was, “Mom, I can DO things.” Made me cry. Still does. We now use the WDW as a foundational memory to help him remember that, yes, he can. The trip was a huge positive for him.

 

[mamabunny]

...I also have an app called "Emergency chat" where I have statements already typed in and it allows me to pass my phone to someone if my speech tanks and I'm not able to communicate and my husband isn't around to help.

The "Emergency Chat" app is a lifesaver for more than one of my family members; I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

The "Emergency Chat" app is a lifesaver for more than one of my family members; I cannot recommend it highly enough.

but what about now where CMs are not allowed to use your phone to take pictures would they be allowed in this case?

 

[lanejudy]

but what about now where CMs are not allowed to use your phone to take pictures would they be allowed in this case?

Depending on the app and the need, the phone screen can simply be shown to the CM without need to touch it. I agree that I find it easiest to read a phone screen if I am holding it myself, but it can be done. And at that point the CM has the option to get paper and pens if communication must continue in written form.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

but what about now where CMs are not allowed to use your phone to take pictures would they be allowed in this case?

Since it would technically be a medical emergency and not me asking them to take my picture in front of a castle I imagine a CM would be able to touch my phone.

Here's what my emergency chat says:
"I gave you my phone because I have aphasia due to a brain injury. Aphasia sometimes makes me unable to understand words someone is saying or form the words I need to say.

My thoughts are a little foggy right now but I can communicate through texting on this app. If I am having trouble speaking I most likely am also highly sensitive to lights and sound right now, very tired and easily confused. I have a question or concern I would like to communicate with you."

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Since it would technically be a medical emergency and not me asking them to take my picture in front of a castle I imagine a CM would be able to touch my phone.

Here's what my emergency chat says:
"I gave you my phone because I have aphasia due to a brain injury. Aphasia sometimes makes me unable to understand words someone is saying or form the words I need to say.

My thoughts are a little foggy right now but I can communicate through texting on this app. If I am having trouble speaking I most likely am also highly sensitive to lights and sound right now, very tired and easily confused. I have a question or concern I would like to communicate with you."

from what we have been told at my small park we are not to touch a guest's phone because of covid rules and that includes medical. all I would be able to do is call EMTs to take over or I could hand you a piece of paper and a pen so you could write something to show me but would not be able to take paper from you

 

[Orion Nebula]

from what we have been told at my small park we are not to touch a guest's phone because of covid rules and that includes medical. all I would be able to do is call EMTs to take over or I could hand you a piece of paper and a pen so you could write something to show me but would not be able to take paper from you

How would they know that the person can still communicate with pen and paper if they can't read her message in regards to it?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

How would they know that the person can still communicate with pen and paper if they can't read her message in regards to it?

that is why the it is offer pen and paper or call EMTs/security. since there are cameras everywhere you can not be nice and break the rules.

 

[Orion Nebula]

that is why the it is offer pen and paper or call EMTs/security. since there are cameras everywhere you can not be nice and break the rules.

I understand that, but it's not common for an EMT (or anyone) to rush to someone in distress and hand them a pen and paper to find out what's going on. I would also imagine they wouldn't pick up the persons phone and start reading the message on it either. I guess my point is that it's hopeless to think that something like that would help you unless you had a sign around your neck.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I understand that, but it's not common for an EMT (or anyone) to rush to someone in distress and hand them a pen and paper to find out what's going on. I would also imagine they wouldn't pick up the persons phone and start reading the message on it either. I guess my point is that it's hopeless to think that something like that would help you unless you had a sign around your neck.

the EMT has the ability to do things that CMs are not allowed so I am not sure what they can or can not do. thank God so far last season and we have not opened yet this season I have not had to go that far yet

 

[Dis703]

I am autistic, as are my three children. We've all used the pass at some point and experience when answering questions has varied somewhat, but he doesn't need to tell them his diagnosis more so he needs to explain what the issue is with waiting in line and/or how the pass will help. If he has trouble communicating in person I would definitely have him write it down for someone to read. Unless you are there and able to speak for him. The process has always been pretty quick for us once we've explained our needs so it wasn't like we had to answer additional questions or anything.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

I understand that, but it's not common for an EMT (or anyone) to rush to someone in distress and hand them a pen and paper to find out what's going on. I would also imagine they wouldn't pick up the persons phone and start reading the message on it either. I guess my point is that it's hopeless to think that something like that would help you unless you had a sign around your neck.

That sounds a bit dramatic imo. Hopeless? no. While cast members are reducing their touchpoints with guests they aren't completely eliminated. They still accept cash, still take your dirty plates and cups from you at restaurants, etc. Careful hand washing procedures afterward would protect a CM. A CM could easily read what is on a phone if it is laid down on a surface. A CM could guide me to first aid or call for a manager's assistance. I am not comatose when I show CMs my Emergency Chat message as I can still make gestures. I am not able to write or hold a pen when I get extremely overloaded (I lose muscle strength in my hands) but basic tapping of a keypad can be accomplished. When a nonverbal person needs assistance there are still ways to communicate, even in a covid world , that can be more discreet than hanging a sign around my neck.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

That sounds a bit dramatic imo. Hopeless? no. While cast members are reducing their touchpoints with guests they aren't completely eliminated. They still accept cash, still take your dirty plates and cups from you at restaurants, etc. Careful hand washing procedures afterward would protect a CM. A CM could easily read what is on a phone if it is laid down on a surface. A CM could guide me to first aid or call for a manager's assistance. I am not comatose when I show CMs my Emergency Chat message as I can still make gestures. I am not able to write or hold a pen when I get extremely overloaded (I lose muscle strength in my hands) but basic tapping of a keypad can be accomplished. When a nonverbal person needs assistance there are still ways to communicate, even in a covid world , that can be more discreet than hanging a sign around my neck.

at my small park if I could read phone on counter I would be allowed but if i had to hole I would not and would have to call EMTs/secuirty