Disabilities on Parade

[Biscuitsmom31]

My mother and sister have decided to join me, DH and our 4 kids on our trip in August. We're going to be quite a group - me w/ my (very flared at the moment) RA, DH's MD, my DS w/ ADD/Bipolar disorder, my mom w/ diabetes, and my sister who is profoundly deaf. I know that Disney offers accomodations for the hearing impaired but for the life of me I can't remember what they are. I want to make sure everyone has a great time. Are there things I need to set up before we go? I think my mom may need to rent an ECV for endurance issues. Do we need to reserve one in advance?

I'm really excited that my baby sister (21) is coming. She's really strong and I think with her help DH will get to ride things he normally wouldn't be able to. She'll be helping us out so I really want to be prepared to help her have a great time too.

 

[ducklite]

First off, your best bet is to rent the scooter from an off-site service who will deliver it to your resort and pick it back up at the end of your trip. You can not reserve WDW's scooters in advance, and they do run out. Also you can't take their scooters out of the park, and if you hop to a different park there is no guarantee that there will be one available at the next park.

Does your sister know ASL?

As far as sleeping accomodations, various devices will be available to her, including vibrating bed alarms, strobe smoke detectors, and in room TTY equipment. They are not automatically in every room, you need to call special services in advance (phone is in the FAQ at the top of the DISabilities section) to reserve.

Select shows are signed in ASL each day, you need to check with guest services at each park to find out the daily schedule. It's only done once, so don't miss it! Also, get a GAC requesting front row seating so she can read lips in shows with "Human's" in them.

There are assisted listening devices in many shows where you use a mirror to read the lines that are projected from the rear of the theatre.

I'm sure there are other things, just call Special Services and they can inform you of everything WDW can do to make your visit easier.

Anne

 

[Talking Hands]

PM sent

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

Does your sister know ASL?

Yes. You name it, she signs it.

 

[MommytoMJM]

Your group souonds liek ours when Nana, Grandpa J, MJ and I are all togther!

I love Disabilities on Parade! We need bumper stickers for our Chairs! ROFLMMEO!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board, you will find links/contact info for the various places that DIS posters have had good experiences renting ECVs from.