DCP and Disabilities

[MouseketeerKelsey]

I have read some but was hoping someone could give me a bit of an answer from experience or seeing/knowing someone in a similar boat.

DCP has been one of my life goals for YEARS. I am a freshman now and am planning on applying for fall 2016. I have some significant health problems which when it boils down to it, standing for any extended period of time causes pain to go from annoying and sometimes severe to EXTREME. I know that there are forms that can be filled out by a doctor for things like this but I had a few question.

1. (just to get it out of the way off the bat) Am I kidding myself thinking I can do the DCP? I hols a full time office job as of now and am able to perform all of my jobs. Yeah, sometimes it hurts like heck but I never miss a thing.

2. What sort of role would I possibly be able to have?

3. I know a lot of jobs drug test and I would assume it is a possibility at Disney. Would there be any chance of getting in trouble for doctor prescribed pain medicine? Would I have a way to keep at least one pill on me at work because chances are I would need medication during a shift?

4. Because of all of this, how limited are my chances of getting accepted. I assume it makes it harder because there are less roles I could do but I was wondering if anyone had some insight on just how hard of a time I am looking at.

Thanks!

 

[goldmay]

1. I think if you want to apply you should, but you're the only person who knows how much you can tolerate. Personally I don't think any job is worth experiencing constant, extreme pain.

2. Most of the DCP roles seem to involve standing, but the ticket takers at the entrances (at Disneyland, at least) have chairs, and if transportation includes driving duties that would allow sitting as well. If standing in place is painful but walking around alleviates it, custodial might be a good option for you.

3. I've never had an employer ask me what medications I'm on except to disclose them on drug screen forms. I'm a pretty new cast member so I don't know enough about company policies, but I imagine there isn't any problem with bringing medications to work just as long as you don't take them onstage. Based on policies of other companies I've been with, it's possible that you wouldn't be able to do more safety-related roles (attractions, transportation) if you're on strong pain meds because of side effects like drowsiness.

 

[BadDad]

DCP is not very inclusive on people with disabilities. Both my kids did the program. My S doesn't have a disability, my D does.
They would not accept her accommodations. Reason: 3 hand writings on her form: Hers, her doctor(specialist-specialist) and his nurse.

 

[yohoyohobloggerslifeforme]

My friend works at DHS with disabilities. He just had to have his doctor fax in his requirements.

 

[Gabkatt]

My daughter was accepted with disabilities and can not stand for extended periods of time. They have a form that you request and have your doctor fill out for you with your requirements. It was no problem!! Disney is even giving her and her roommates a first floor appartment so there are no stairs. So don't be discouraged in any way and follow your dream!!!

 

[lsg1]

I have a question and hope you don't mind my using your thread for it...

My DD will be starting her DCP in QSFB in August. She recently has had back pain and just this week was diagnosed with scoliosis and a herniated disc. If she files the medical form stating she cannot stand in place for long periods if time, what are the chances if them accommodating her, or will they say if you can't stand for long periods, you can't do your accepted role and she will get termed?

She remembers them asking on the phone interview if she is willing to stand for long periods, and she did say yes. Does filing a medical form stating she can't hurt her?

 

[SierraRose]

If the problem is standing for long periods of time, could they use a wheelchair? On my DCP there was a girl in an electric wheelchair, I saw her at orientation and working at Epcot, I think she worked merchandise. If you can say rent a wheelchair to use during the program perhaps Disney can work with that? Considering it wouldn't be too big of accommodations because they would only need the wheelchair for work and getting up and down stairs and getting on buses wouldn't be a big deal (granted they would have to fold and carry said chairs)
I know one of my good friends was in a car accident a few years ago and while she could walk standing for long periods would hurt so whenever we went to theme parks she would have a wheelchair.

 

[Wishes Count]

I have done, 2 CP, 1 PI and now work full time for the company. I have seen improvement in their process over the last 5 years. On my first CP I submitted all the paperwork, never heard back, was told they would know when I got them. Show up, managers have no idea I need accommodations, they take me off the schedule for the week, finally someone from HR calls me and says I will be recast into a different role that can accomodate me.

Second CP, submit paperwork, someone actually called me to tell my location and let me know how I could be accommodated. Things worked out fine.

Professional Internship: Had a new Dr. who had nurse fill out information. Had my paperwork rejected. It is vital that your doctor fills out the paper work HIMSELF or HERSELF. Some offices may charge a fee for this. Additionally they want to know exactly how it will affect you. I have Crohn's disease which is a severe gastrointestinal disease. I wrote more definitions of what the disease was and the symptoms. They told me the people reviewing are doctors so "they know what it is, you need to say how it will affect you." I'm sorry do you want me to write something like "If you don't let me leave my position urgently to use the restroom I will S&%# my pants?" Finally got it resubmitted and approved and they call me while I AM AT TRADITIONS to tell me they cannot accommodate me in my role and they will look to re-cast me. I had to fight with them, get my DR to write another letter clarifying my needs in order to convince them to let me work.


If you stay with the company your permanent restrictions will always stay with you, So when ever I transferred to a new role, Abilities Management would contact me to discuss my needs and then contact my new area to discuss accommodations BEFORE I transfered. This time they discovered that where I was being placed could not accommodate me and they changed my transfer to a different location.


Roles that maybe able to accomodate you are Vacation Planning (ticketing), Food and Beverage (I've seen cashiers with a stool) Front Desk or Concierge (Also have seen stools) Attractions will likely not be able to accommodate. The problem is you don't know what you will really be accepted for, but if you accept and then submit for accommodations they HAVE to either accommodate you in the role or re-cast you to a new role. However if you do not accept the new role you will be sent home.

 

[lsg1]

Thank you, Wishes, for your reply. As long as they will not term her and offer either accommodations or a different role, then it can't hurt to try. She is QSFB ( food and beverage) so a stool would help. Whatever they offer, she would take.

Thanks