DAS qualification question

[Michael2013]

Hello,

I am very new to all this and I apologize if this has been asked before. I have read the FAQ and a few pages on this forum.

My daughter has seizures, some brain issues, and is developmentally delayed, but to look at her she appears 100% normal. We have to manage her stress levels and her tiredness levels as both of those can bring on seizures. I would hope we could get a DAS so that we can wait in cooler, quieter areas for our turn. Because of her medication she tires very easy and I am concerned about her having to wait in the lines too long.

I know I think she should get a DAS but I don't really know if Disney would consider that a need for a DAS (especially since she "looks" so normal.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Hello,

I am very new to all this and I apologize if this has been asked before. I have read the FAQ and a few pages on this forum.

My daughter has seizures, some brain issues, and is developmentally delayed, but to look at her she appears 100% normal. We have to manage her stress levels and her tiredness levels as both of those can bring on seizures. I would hope we could get a DAS so that we can wait in cooler, quieter areas for our turn. Because of her medication she tires very easy and I am concerned about her having to wait in the lines too long.

I know I think she should get a DAS but I don't really know if Disney would consider that a need for a DAS (especially since she "looks" so normal.

Any insight would be appreciated.

I personally think this is a perfect reason to get it. You may get people that say yes or no, but if it were me, I would go to guest services and explain her needs and let them tell you if she qualifies or not. Don't take anyone elses word for it because Disney seems to be very flexible. We always got GAC in the past, and just got a DAS for the first time last month for my son who has autism. He appears perfectly normal, and answered her questions himself at the window. But without writing a paragraph, he needs an alternate waiting area, and I was not drilled at all like everyone said on here. I think it all depends on the CM that you get. I walked up to the window and said I have a son with autism, and as I started to explain his needs, and she cut me off, asked my son his name and said she was coming to take his picture. From what everyone said on the boards, I was expecting to be drilled, but I didn't. So what I am saying is No matter what everyone else's opinion is whether this qualifies for a DAS, check yourself when you get there

 

[lanejudy]

"Looks" have nothing to do with it. However, Disney's accommodation for stamina (tires easily) needs is to use a mobility device such as a wheelchair, ECV, rollator, etc. To qualify for DAS, you (or she) will have to explain how waiting in a standard queue environment would be problematic for her -- something other than stamina. I suggest you think about her triggers and how the queue could exacerbate those.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Michael2013]

Thanks for the replies. I do plan on at least trying, I don't always answer questions real well under pressure so a little concerned about answering the questions to their satisfaction. What kind of questions do they ask?

I am mainly concerned about the stress, anxiety, and heat involved in waiting in lines. I think even if she was in a mobility device, the act of waiting in the lines would contribute to her tiredness, poor girl can't take much anymore without getting absolutely wiped out.

 

[Coonhound]

Thanks for the replies. I do plan on at least trying, I don't always answer questions real well under pressure so a little concerned about answering the questions to their satisfaction. What kind of questions do they ask?

I am mainly concerned about the stress, anxiety, and heat involved in waiting in lines. I think even if she was in a mobility device, the act of waiting in the lines would contribute to her tiredness, poor girl can't take much anymore without getting absolutely wiped out.

They will just ask what her needs are. That's all.
It's up to you to explain why she can't wait for her turn IN the actual line, why it would help her to wait that same time somewhere else outside the line instead.
The other answers here were correct in that if her issues relate to getting tired, she will not qualify for a DAS- nothing under the umbrella of mobility needs are included in the DAS.
If she could seize in line, I would mention that, because that could be an area where you might need to exit the line quickly or need room for her to lie down etc and being trapped in a long line while trying to help her during a seizure could be very problematic for her and you, so that might be something to mention regarding her needs if that is what could happen to her.

 

[lanejudy]

... I am mainly concerned about the stress, anxiety, and heat involved in waiting in lines. I think even if she was in a mobility device, the act of waiting in the lines would contribute to her tiredness, poor girl can't take much anymore without getting absolutely wiped out.

I just want to point out that you are going to have heat regardless of whether you are in line or elsewhere. In fact, most lines are inside and/or air-conditioned. There is also likely to be stress and possibly anxiety outside of lines, because there will be crowds and people and waiting can add anxiety for some people. I don't mean to turn this upside down on you, but you need to consider what really are her triggers and the concern with lines (what is it about lines causes her stress and anxiety), and will waiting somewhere else be a better solution? You don't necessarily have to respond here, but these are the points to consider.

At Guest Relations they will simply ask what are here needs. You should discuss those concerns without mentioning tiredness. If it's all tied to a concern for "tiredness" they are not likely to issue a DAS. Focus the request on the other factors and you should be fine. If it helps you to make notes, feel free to do so; you may even write it up yourself to hand to the CM at Guest Relations if that is easier for you.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[momto3pirates]

Hello,

I am very new to all this and I apologize if this has been asked before. I have read the FAQ and a few pages on this forum.

My daughter has seizures, some brain issues, and is developmentally delayed, but to look at her she appears 100% normal. We have to manage her stress levels and her tiredness levels as both of those can bring on seizures. I would hope we could get a DAS so that we can wait in cooler, quieter areas for our turn. Because of her medication she tires very easy and I am concerned about her having to wait in the lines too long.

I know I think she should get a DAS but I don't really know if Disney would consider that a need for a DAS (especially since she "looks" so normal.

Any insight would be appreciated.

I could have written this post. My daughter is on 2 seizure meds and they both cause irritability, aggression, dizziness, ect. She is only 23 months old. To the outside eye, she comes off as a bratty 2 year old having a temper tantrum. Due to her brain damage she does not communicate/understand. I am considering getting a stroller as wheelchair pass so she can stay in her stroller in lines. I am also thinking DAS as she does so much better moving and not sitting still. She is in therapy every day to try to work through her issues. Like your daughter, she looks like a normal child, just cannot speak or act age appropriate.

 

[Michael2013]

I just want to point out that you are going to have heat regardless of whether you are in line or elsewhere. In fact, most lines are inside and/or air-conditioned. There is also likely to be stress and possibly anxiety outside of lines, because there will be crowds and people and waiting can add anxiety for some people. I don't mean to turn this upside down on you, but you need to consider what really are her triggers and the concern with lines (what is it about lines causes her stress and anxiety), and will waiting somewhere else be a better solution? You don't necessarily have to respond here, but these are the points to consider.

Good points, I was reading the Disney Guide for Cognitive Disabilities and from what I was reading there are some designated "quiet areas" in Disney (some are first aid stations, etc). I was thinking if she started becoming over agitated, stimulated, or stressed out that we could hit up one of those areas while we were waiting if needed.

I appreciate the input given here, it has helped me to know how to frame my discussion with the guest relations crew. I know what would benefit my daughter but I don't know that I would have approached it with the correct points.

 

[ladyjubilee]

Hello,

I am very new to all this and I apologize if this has been asked before. I have read the FAQ and a few pages on this forum.

My daughter has seizures, some brain issues, and is developmentally delayed, but to look at her she appears 100% normal. We have to manage her stress levels and her tiredness levels as both of those can bring on seizures. I would hope we could get a DAS so that we can wait in cooler, quieter areas for our turn. Because of her medication she tires very easy and I am concerned about her having to wait in the lines too long.

I know I think she should get a DAS but I don't really know if Disney would consider that a need for a DAS (especially since she "looks" so normal.

Any insight would be appreciated.

I haven't been since the change over, but on the seizure front, have you considered a stroller or wheelchair? I know that during the post ictal period my son can become dead weight for up to an hour... which makes it difficult to carry him a great distance. We use a stroller any time we know we have to walk far just in case. We also use it for behavior management for crowds.

Pre-DAS I found that there were ways the CMS helped us avoid standing in direct sun/heat. I know we were in one fastpass line that was uncovered and in direct son. I explained the problem, and they let us wait in the shade. We waited the same amount of time, they just parked us and then slipped us into the spot in line when it reached the shade/cool.

I would also suggest going through stores and restaurants to keep in the cool.... and in MK start to the right through Tommorrowland, then move though Fantasyland and Adventureland only after the heat of the day. Columbia House is a nice place to sit and wait out the head of the day too.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

My son got a DAS for our last trip. He is high functioning autistic and also had adhd. He doesn't get personal space and also makes weird noises when he's stressed which standing in line with a ton of other people for a long period of time can do that.

Just mention about stress of a lot of other people can cause her to have seizures. Don't mention the tiredness because they will consider that a mobility issue and tell u to get her either a wheelchair or an ecv.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm a 19 year old with autism. My mom explained my needs and no problem.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I think you will be ok, just talk to the CM. I got a little pushback at DL, requesting our first DAS. DS has down syndrome, autism, poor depth perception, and some odd behaviors, tires easily of course too. He uses a Convaid chair. I had to sort of be mildly assertive, once they saw him using that chair, but I kept talking, because my biggest concern was his no warning toileting disasters. (Not to be gross, but #2). He never has a problem at home, never but the parks seem to get him out of whack and its a huge issue. And wearing adult diapers does not help as much as being able to flee as quickly as possible to the nearest restroom. I hated having to describe it in detail, out loud, with no privacy to the CM. Fortunately, DS has no idea what I am saying, no understanding, so he was not embarrassed.

For WDW, I brought his DL DAS, and they just accepted that and issued him a new WDW one. We did not even use it much, I think 5-6 times in 6 days. Used FP+ mostly.

I support the changes in the system to the DAS, with the exception being that the kiosks at DL are much easier to use than approaching busy CMs at each ride entrance for a return time at WDW. At DL, they have guest relations CMs giving out return times at 4 locations per park, for any ride, in either park. And I saw LOTS of guests approaching them with other questions too, how nice to have guest relations CMs spread out in the park for all guests.

 

[SueM in MN]

I want to remind people not to post specific scripts of what to say.

It is important for people to be able to explain their own needs in their own words. If your post was edited or removed, it was because you posted a specific script

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

I want to remind people not to post specific scripts of what to say.

It is important for people to be able to explain their own needs in their own words. If your post was edited or removed, it was because you posted a specific script

Which makes the numerous posts regarding the DAS unnecessary and repetitive. You've answered most of the questions in your stickies, and the answer to the one people want most is: You have to be able to explain your needs and reason for your inability to stand in line.

 

[wilkeliza]

I want to remind people not to post specific scripts of what to say. It is important for people to be able to explain their own needs in their own words. If your post was edited or removed, it was because you posted a specific script

Sorry that was me. Sometimes it is hard to give advice with out giving ideas of what to say and I see now how one could believe that is a script.

 

[bookwormde]

Sounds like it is more than a stamina concern, since you mention anxiety. so there should not be problem getting a DAS.

As a side note, there is a growing body of settlements and case law that if there are multiple accommodations available, that it is the individuals right to choose the one that works best for them.

 

[aaarcher86]

Sounds like it is more than a stamina concern, since you mention anxiety. so there should be problem getting a DAS. As a side note, there is a growing body of settlements and case law that if there are multiple accommodations available, that it is the individuals right to choose the one that works best for them.

Links?

Until the ADA changes their regulations WDW does not need to allow guests to choose their accommodation. They simply need to provide a reasonable one.

 

[mistysue]

Sounds like it is more than a stamina concern, since you mention anxiety. so there should be problem getting a DAS.

As a side note, there is a growing body of settlements and case law that if there are multiple accommodations available, that it is the individuals right to choose the one that works best for them.

That would be if there were multiple accommodations for that same issue, not if there is some other accommodation for some other thing. My son's allergies are accommodated by chefs, I can not walk into guest services and demand a DAS card because the kid can't eat PBJ sandwich. You need a reason to justify the accommodation you request.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I don't believe I've seen this mentioned yet, but it wouldn't hurt to jot down a short list of what her needs are and have it handy to refer to. I had meant to do this prior to our trip in May (our first time using the DAS), but I had so much stuff going on at work, with my daughter's schooling, and with getting packed for the trip, that I never got it done. We got to the MK at rope drop and went straight to guest services. But once I had a CM to help me, I went completely blank. I managed to list a few of her issues, but then DD started to get agitated. I got flustered and my focus was just gone. Luckily, the CM said "Don't worry. She'll get the card." Next time, I'll be sure to have my reasons written down ahead of time so I don't have to rely on my brain working coherently.

 

[OurBigTrip]

That would be if there were multiple accommodations for that same issue, not if there is some other accommodation for some other thing. My son's allergies are accommodated by chefs, I can not walk into guest services and demand a DAS card because the kid can't eat PBJ sandwich. You need a reason to justify the accommodation you request.

This is exactly what I was going to post. There are not multiple accommodations for stamina issues; the accommodation is to use a mobility aid.