Diabetics & GAC ??

[Ambassador]

An interesting debate among board members; one can imagine what the general public must think. We have not needed to request a GAC for members of our family.

I am reminded of a similar situation with requesting refrigerators for medical purposes ( at no additional charge). Not too long ago, one had to request a refrigerator from mousekeeping, for which normally there was a charge. It was feared that many might abuse the practice, jeopardizing the needs of others. Surprisingly, Disney began placing refrigerators in all rooms.

Of course, not everyone needs a GAC. For those that can plan on using it, FP is brilliant. For those that have a complex and changing daily schedule, like some diabetics, the GAC is a great solution.

This November, we noticed some groups guiding children with various needs through the Parks. Some had loading issues; most did not. Once loaded, all got to ride the attraction twice in a row without unloading. We saw the groups all over the Parks on several days. We did not see anyone in line who seemed to mind waiting for the next car.

Also, we saw several fortunate families that had won FP for all rides as part of the YOMD promotion. They were regarded with admiration and some envy, but no resentment.

 

[Hannathy]

As a former diabetic educator (SAHM now) I do not see why diabetes by its self needs a GAC. Yes if there has been complications and they need a wheelchair (rare in children) etc, but not just for diabetes. We worked very hard to get these children accepted by the schools, sports and general public as normal children to be treated and offered all the perks of normal children, abusing the publics good will and Disney's with gacs isn't going to help. I don't think anyone wants to go back to the past when diabetic children were treated with kid gloves and not allowed to participate in things or looked at as odd or different by other kids but if we keep telling them and the public that they need special treatment isn't that what we are doing?

 

[Lewisc]

I think what might be needed is the ability to skip the normal line at a restaurant and be seated at the time of the ADR. Guests might also need the ability to "cut the line" at a CS restaurant. Diabetics need to eat on schedule.

I don't see any reason why a diabetic needs the ability to cut lines in attractions. It would be different if the diabetic had mobility issues but it doesn't sound like that's the case.

It sounds like some people take advantage of Disney's GAC policy.

 

[Selket]

I think ilovemickeymost had good advice in another recent post that works well for those with many types of diabilities and chronic conditions - not just diabetes:

"everyone has advice, even if they don't know what the hell they are talking about (each diabetic is different & has different orders, medicine, and reactions)."

Every diabetic IS different - and the problem is trying to compare yourself to your child, or an adult to a 12 year old to a 3 year old, etc. I wonder if the recent posters even read the entire thread or just the original post

I think I'm just gonna quote myself quoting someone else with an important consideration in BOLD. If you have firsthand knowledge of what it is like to parent a newly dx'd diabetic 26 month old at WDW then come talk to me. And believe it or not, many type 1's do *not* have to eat on a schedule.

I would let the topic rest but there are some who feel the self-righteous need to decree that this disability or medical condition is not worthy of a GAC - indeed is an *abuse* of a GAC. As I have said in other posts, not everyone with the same medical issue has the same needs, issues, or requirements as another person with a similar medical issue. Not every type 1 child (or adult) by any means, needs a GAC. I do not see the point of some posts on this issue other than just to cause a problem. It is my understanding that this board is to offer advice and help rather than judgement on what qualifies one for GACs. Indeed the GAC is not for certain conditions and not others....it is for the PERSON with the condition who may have different needs than others with the same condition.

I will reference a previous discussion on this topic that also has relevant points to make: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1256852

And Hannathy, as you are a former diabetic educator (CDE?) I am .... speechless..... on so many levels I can't begin to start.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think anyone was questioning the need for a GAC. People were questioning if diabetis alone is a reason to gain "back door access" via the FP entrance, without ever getting a FP. The OP knows the family that did this and knows the family was abusing the GAC. Telling guests, disabled or not, how to use FP is is good advice. Using a GAC to avoid lines and to avoid having to get a FP for a FP attraction is generally abusive. Nothing wrong with guests commenting about that practice, particularly a poster that personally knows the family using the GAC.


Although I'll agree not every diabetic has to eat on a set schedule many diabetics eat on schedule. A GAC that allows a guest to eat at the time of their ADR when other guests may have to wait 30 minutes is a valid use.

I think I'm just gonna quote myself quoting someone else with an important consideration in BOLD. If you have firsthand knowledge of what it is like to parent a newly dx'd diabetic 26 month old at WDW then come talk to me. And believe it or not, many type 1's do *not* have to eat on a schedule.

I would let the topic rest but there are some who feel the self-righteous need to decree that this disability or medical condition is not worthy of a GAC - indeed is an *abuse* of a GAC. As I have said in other posts, not everyone with the same medical issue has the same needs, issues, or requirements as another person with a similar medical issue. Not every type 1 child (or adult) by any means, needs a GAC. I do not see the point of some posts on this issue other than just to cause a problem. It is my understanding that this board is to offer advice and help rather than judgement on what qualifies one for GACs. Indeed the GAC is not for certain conditions and not others....it is for the PERSON with the condition who may have different needs than others with the same condition.

I will reference a previous discussion on this topic that also has relevant points to make: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1256852

And Hannathy, as you are a former diabetic educator (CDE?) I am .... speechless..... on so many levels I can't begin to start.

 

[Hannathy]

I have no idea why you are speechless. I am simply stating how it used to be. Diabetic children often would be denied gym or recess because schools were afraid of their condition. It took years to change this thinking and now some people are taking advantage of Disney to get special treatment and I think this is wrong. That is my opinion you are welcome to yours but most diabetics do not need to use a gac.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

OK Folks

Time to calm this thread down a little. If you have an opinion, please voice it quietly. The fact there are so many quotes back and forth seem more to be arguing rather than just stating facts or opinions.

We don't want to have to lock the thread

 

[Talking Hands]

I have no idea why you are speechless. I am simply stating how it used to be. Diabetic children often would be denied gym or recess because schools were afraid of their condition. It took years to change this thinking and now some people are taking advantage of Disney to get special treatment and I think this is wrong. That is my opinion you are welcome to yours but most diabetics do not need to use a gac.

This is so true and it wasn't that long ago either. Maybe 15 years ago, my daughter had a friend with type 1 diabetes in chorus with her. The entire music magnet were going to Busch Gardens on a field trip and the teachers were really uncomfortable with her going and were not going to take her. My daughter convinced me to go as a chaperone and told the teachers I was a type 1 as well. Finally the teachers allowed her to go as long as she was assigned to my group and I was responsible to make sure she tested, ate properly and took her insulin. Her Mom and I really had to advocate for her to be allowed on the field trip.
I also remember another freind of my daughter's with diabetes who went hypo in 4th grade. Teacher had no idea what was going on but my daughter did and told the teacher exactly what needed to be done (get him a coke) and that his parents should be called so they could monitor his sugar. He wasn't allowed to test at school. It wasn't until they were in high school that they allowed him to monitor at school and then only in the clinic under the supervison of the school nurse. Now I have students who carry their monitors with them and test as needed. And I have no problems of testing in the classroom if needed for them or myself.
Things have changed for the better when it comes to many medical issues in the school systems but it has come slowly. It has taken parents advocating for what is best for their child and not taking no for an answer. We really don't want to go back to the old ways.
Btw I have seen 8 yo children fully competent to test and do their own insulin with an adult supervising. Of course these are children where the only issue is diabetes. By 10 they were doing it all on their own with only occasional checks of their log books. By high school fully independent except when ill.

 

[Selket]

I responded because two people questioned the need for ANY diabetic to get a GAC at all ("I do not see why diabetes by its self needs a GAC"). It seems they did not go back and read the original posts, or if they did, it was misunderstood. I think Sue said it best:

Some diabetics may need to use a GAC, others might not at all. Just like every other diagnosis, not all people with that diagnosis have the same needs. So, it's not the diagnosis that should get the GAC, it's the need for accomidation.

I find it extremely frustrating to find such negative and, frankly, hurtful comments on this board....as though those of us with type 1 kids are just abusing the system and teaching our kids to be whiners - or think of themselves as too fragile to do things other kids do. Or make others think they are too fragile. I live this 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.

I give up! You're right! In fact I was overjoyed when he was diagnosed at 26 months with type 1 just so I could skip a line or two at WDW! Yippee!!! Who cares if he had 6 shots a day or felt like crap - I got to get in faster on Buzz Lightyear! You caught me! I am indeed the most callous, self-serving low life on the planet who enjoys taking advantage of the system.

 

[Talking Hands]

I find it extremely frustrating to find such negative and, frankly, hurtful comments on this board....as though those of us with type 1 kids are just abusing the system and teaching our kids to be whiners - or think of themselves as too fragile to do things other kids do. Or make others think they are too fragile. I live this 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.

I love this 24 hours a day - 7 days a week and have for almost 30 years. Yes, I have a GAC but it isn't for my diabetes but for other problems not even related to my diabetes. I always keep a meter and snacks with me. Not only does it effect me but also my family. It is no fun to have your barely 5yo call 911 because Mommy is sick. It is a PIA that my husband had to drive back home because somehow we forgot my cooler with lunch and snacks. No I don't even attempt to eat lunches the school provides although I will go to the culinary arts cafeteria as the chef there wife is a type 1 and he will fix my meal up special. You are a parent with a type 1 child, I am a person with type 1 diabetes and my views come from that.
My biggest problem is dining and ADRs because as an adult with type 1, they don't understand that eating reasonably close to when I should is important to my health. That if I take a snack because I am getting low means I can't eat a portion of the meal. That just because a dessert doesn't mean I can have it because it may be high in carbs. That an huge plate of fruit is ridiculous because I can only have a limited amount of the fruit. When I told the chef at Hoop Dee Doo that I could only have 6 large strawberries he was absolutely shocked. When I told them corn and peas are not vegetables for a person with diabetes it was news to them. And that cooked carrots are pretty much a no-no because of the high glycemic in index they had no clue. Now I just say I am allergic to it. Less problems. And added to everything I am severely allergic to aspartame, the most common sweetener for sugar free items so I can't even get a soda even though Coke does made a diet Coke with Splenda. They just don't have that in the fountain or in bottles.
While every child is different and I know your child has other issues, lines for the most part are not the issue for a person with diabetes with no other issues. Getting proper food is. Now that is a struggle.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think this is a good point to close this thread.
One of the problems with the 'Related threads' that come up on the bottom of the page is that some of the threads that come up are recent ones and some are very old threads that have run their course.
This was one of the old ones.

The ADA does provide for accomidations to meet needs caused by a disability. The GAC (Guest Assistance Card) is an example of a means of accomidation that may be needed by some people and not others.