disabilty pass?

[IamErica]

Hello I am not even sure that is what it is called. I remember a few years ago when I took my son to DW we werer able to get a card that informed the CM's that my son has Autism and has a harder time being around many people and for most of the rides we were able to have help so he could avoid waiting in the longer line and masses of people.
Is this still even available? I brought a doctor's note and just showed that to guest services and they gave us the card. Wondering if I need a note again or if I bring the card from last time would that work?
Thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 discusses the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) in detail, including what is not needed.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[mac4fam]

We were there in August of 2009 and we did have a letter from my son's psychologist stating that he had autism and what would make him anxious. We too felt the card helped us. The people were so nice. At one point I think my son rode Toy Story 6 times in a row due to his obsesssiveness!

I was planning on getting another letter for our June 2010 trip but I thought I read somewhere that you didn't need the letter.

For some reason I always felt better because I never wanted anyone thinking I was taking advantage.

Our son has Asberger's Syndrome so he appears like most 7 year olds, but doesn't act or behave like all 7 year olds. I loved the pass so I didn't have to make a million excuses for him or bother others around us.

I will watch your post to see what other information you get!

Good luck and have fun!

Becca

 

[SueM in MN]

What you are asking about is called a Guest Assistance Card. It is meant to let Cast Members (CMs) know about the needs of someone with a disability.
If you click on the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find information about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs) in post #6 of that thread.

You do not need a doctor's note, although some people with invisible disabilities do bring one because it makes them feel more confident asking for a GAC. You need to be able to explain the needs the person has related to their disability. The GAC is not a disability pass - not given just because the person has a disability - it is given to meet needs related to a disability.

EDITED TO ADD: I see as I was typing and left my computer for a few minutes, several other people posted.

 

[KPeveler]

What you are asking about is called a Guest Assistance Card. It is meant to let Cast Members (CMs) know about the needs of someone with a disability.
If you click on the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find information about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs) in post #6 of that thread.

You do not need a doctor's note, although some people with invisible disabilities do bring one because it makes them feel more confident asking for a GAC. You need to be able to explain the needs the person has related to their disability. The GAC is not a disability pass - not given just because the person has a disability - it is given to meet needs related to a disability.

EDITED TO ADD: I see as I was typing and left my computer for a few minutes, several other people posted.

Something else to note is that it is difficult to "plan" around the GAC - the accommodation you receive each time you approach a ride may be different, depending on crowds, how many people with needs ahead of you, etc. for example, I went to Peter Pan's Flight twice with my wheelchair, once got right on, once told to wait outside until the crowd cleared out.

The pass is never a front of the line pass and should not be counted on as a fastpass or anything...

 

[IamErica]

Thank you for all your responses! I understand that each case will be handled to best suite the needs of the individual (as it should be). We don't have a problem waiting in small lines (that is why we chose the value season... less people) but there are certain times when my son may say or do things that others may not deem appropriate and having a more secluded space to wait our turn may be better. I may bring my note just because... my son too appears like any "typical" child and I have had to endure many stares and comments when he was growing up. The last time we were there the CM's were so accomodating and friendly, and as a mother, I really appreciated that!!
Only 22 more days!!
Thanks again!

 

[mrsmarilyn]

Thank you for all your responses! I understand that each case will be handled to best suite the needs of the individual (as it should be). We don't have a problem waiting in small lines (that is why we chose the value season... less people) but there are certain times when my son may say or do things that others may not deem appropriate and having a more secluded space to wait our turn may be better. I may bring my note just because... my son too appears like any "typical" child and I have had to endure many stares and comments when he was growing up. The last time we were there the CM's were so accomodating and friendly, and as a mother, I really appreciated that!!
Only 22 more days!!
Thanks again!

Just tell Guest Services you need the GAC to help with waiting. That's what we do for our Aspie/HFA boy. It really helps him keep from overstimulating too much and melting down.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Just tell Guest Services you need the GAC to help with waiting. That's what we do for our Aspie/HFA boy. It really helps him keep from overstimulating too much and melting down.

I'd suggest that you be prepared to explain what exactly the issue is rather than state something generic like "he's got Asperger Syndrome and needs help with waiting". There is no accomodation to remove waits and the actually diagnosis is meaningless as far as the GAC goes. I clearly explain exactly what problem my daughter has. She can wait just fine, but not while surrounded by a bunch of total strangers for a length of time while trying not to move moving around. We've always been given a GAC stamped for alternate entrances because of this need. This allows DD11 to be able to wiggle around as much as she needs to without worrying about bumping people or being stared at. If the alternate entrance for a particular attraction has a lot of people, we still have to bypass it so for us, a good touring plan is even more valuable than our GAC, though we do put our GAC to good use as well. It's not the waiting for us, it's the large number of people in the confined space while trying not to move. You REALLY have to be able to explain your child's need.

 

[bidnow5]

We always get a GAC and it does vary there are times it works like a fast pass and there are times it is really not much help. It does vary greatly from trip to trip