disabled?

[boppy]

My family has a trip booked in September. I have just been diagnosed with a herniated disc, and although my pain is managable, I just don't think I will have the stamina to do all that walking. I am thinking of renting a wheelchair, but I don't want people to think I am taking advantage of the system! Any opinions? Thanks! I can't reschedule. It would break my kids' hearts. Thanks.

 

[ChrizJen]

I know how you feel. I don't have a Disney trip planned, but I do have back problems, and I know first hand how debilitating it can be. There are days when I can't rid myself of the pain, no matter what I do. I can stand, sit, lie down...and nothing helps. My problems are with my lumbar spine, so doing any one thing (such as sitting, standing, etc.) for long periods of time are out of the question for me. So the wheelchair thing wouldn't really help me anyway. But if you feel like it would help make the trip more bearable for you, then I say do it. It's not like you're being lazy and saying you just don't want to walk. I say your pain is a valid reason to want to rent the wheelchair.

 

[thop529]

I know you are concerned, but people really don't pay that much attention to things like that. I'm in a powerchair full time and I can't even tell you the number of people I pass in wheelchairs. I'm to busy looking at other things and doing things.

If the chair is going to help you and keep your pain level down, by all means do it. You will never see these people again and you know you are not trying to "take advantage" Go and enjoy your vacation and your family.

 

[diazwoman]

I have a trip planned for August. I have been only a partial participant in many family trips and adventures due to stamina and distance issues.
Like you I feared what "others would think", my own expectations and self image as well as my families.

after visiting these boards and pondering it How exactly is my using a wheelchair or scooter bothering or taking away from anyone else??? How am I taking advantage? I still pay the same to get in, I still wait in the same lines, still need to get to fireworks early to find a spot..
maybe I don't know about some hidden "perks" of having a chair or scooter but as I understand thus far the only effect I will have is taking up a bit more space in line.
But I won't need that space on the park bench for 5 hours now so you may have a shady place to sit!!
If you can not participate in your family vacation without a chair,scooter or GAC then GET ONE!
These things are designed not as "extras" but to allow EVERYONE to experience the magic of disney.
It provides equal access and opportunity.
Wee! I am so excited my kids are laughing at me!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The third item from the top is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs and wheelchairs from off-site.

Please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are travelling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[SueM in MN]

There are people who might look at others and question their disability, no matter what the disability is. Some of them might even say something because they think they can tell who has a real disability or not.
We have heard some of those people make comments to companions about our DD when they saw her sitting on a bench next to her wheelchair. Some people seem to be under the misperception that if someone can be out of their wheelchair or ECV, that means they don't need it. In my youngest DD's case, she can be out of her wheelchair and sit on a regular bench or a regular chair, IF someone lifts her out stands her up (and holds her up) so she can transfer and if someone sits next to her so she doesn't topple over sideways if she gets off balance. She looks pretty 'normal' when she's sitting on a bench, but just sitting there, her disabilities are not that visible.

The things that Cheshire Figment said are the most important:

Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

The only person who knows how you feel is you, so your opinion about whether or not you need an ECV or wheelchair is the only opinion that counts.
Go, have a good time.

PS - Because most of the lines are wheelchair accessible, you will be waiting in the same lines most of the time with everyone else. Most of the people who think someone using a wheelchair is 'taking advantage of the system' have never traveled with someone using a wheelchair or ECV. Those of us who do know that the main "advantage" of having an ECV or wheelchair is that you have a place to sit while you wait.

So, again, go and have a good time. If a wheelchair or ECV is going to let you tour without pain (or at least, less pain), go for it.

 

[princess mom of 4]

If you plan to rent a motorized chair/scooter for the parks, a great idea would be to rent one in your hometown and try it out, practice maneuvering it in a mall, WalMart, or some other really crowded place! I believe that there are many people using scooters for the very first time at WDW - they are the ones running over ankles, bumping strollers holding sleeping babies, etc...

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are days when I can't rid myself of the pain, no matter what I do. I can stand, sit, lie down...and nothing helps. My problems are with my lumbar spine, so doing any one thing (such as sitting, standing, etc.) for long periods of time are out of the question for me. So the wheelchair thing wouldn't really help me anyway.

I think you're wrong. I think a wheelchair would help you greatly. You can ride in it for a while (assuming you have someone to push - it sounds like with your pain, you'd have trouble propelling yourself) and then when you need to stand/walk, YOU push the chair, using it for support if needed. If you're concerned about what other people might think, print out Cheshire Figment's list of questions, below - or memorize them and repeat them to yourself if you run into any nasty Guests.

 

[GroovyWheeler]

A wheelchair will definitely be a blessing for you, in your condition. Don't worry about what others think, just enjoy your trip. My primary physical disability (Apert Syndrome) is visible, but the reason why I use a wheelchair (osteoarthritis, scoliosis and hip dysplasia in left hip) is not. I am able to get out of my manual wheelchair, and push it while walking. I usually ignore the stares, gawking, or rude comments, and just enjoy myself with whatever I'm doing.

Samantha