Disney With Someone With Communication Difficulties

[HottyToddy10]

We are planning a trip with my grandmother who had a stroke several years ago. She is not really deaf, but does have trouble hearing.

Her biggest problem is that she has difficulty understanding words especially when there is any background noise or if someone is talking too fast. This is a big issue in public places.

Also, she tires easily and will need a lot assistance getting onto rides. We will be doing mostly shows so she can rest.

Does anyone have any experience with going to Disney with this type of disability?

Are there any attractions that would be better or worse for her than others? (For example Its a Small World and Haunted Mansion would be perfect because they are low intensity and don't require much understanding).

She is very young at heart and we are certain she will love all of the shows and rides even if she cannot understand them, but we do want to make this trip the best trip ever. It is her first and only big vacation!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

I would start off by strongly suggesting that she use a wheelchair. The typical person walks 8-12 miles per day at WDW. Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is almost 1½ miles, even without going into pavilion areas.

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. You may want to pay attention especially to Posts #2, #3, and #6.

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

 

[HottyToddy10]

Thanks. I have been 5 times, and everyone else in the group has been at least once. We all want her to rent a wheelchair. She is stubborn though! But I know after her first afternoon in the park, she will give in and get one.

This will really be a take it easy, and not try to do everything trip. We will go to the park opening and stay until 11 or 12. Go back to the room to rest and return to the parks again at 5 or 6.

It has been her dream to go, and we want her to enjoy it all and not be miserable.

Our big problem is that her disability isn't hearing, it is comprehension.

Thank you for the links.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Two things you can do:

A. Please ask her 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 traveling 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!

And, B: You might pick a location at least a half mile from where she lives and ask her would she like to walk there. If she hesitates, then say "and back", and of she is still not sure then add "at least three times in a row".

Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is more than 1½ miles; most people tend to average 8 - 12 miles per day at WDW.

 

[jlcw14]

Hi there! My DS-16 has autism and is non-verbal, and uses a communication device which is very heavy so we don't take it into the parks. When we're there we use his limited sign language but we mostly use an informal picture exchange communication to help him communicate his needs.
I know that their disabilities are quite different of course, but I wonder if the PECs might help as you state communication and comprehension as your main concern.
I have used them to build a sequence of attractions so that he knows what to expect (common icons for each ride - ex., the cars in test track, the guitar for Rock n roller coaster). I found the pics right on yahoo images and printed them to be about the size of a business card. I purchased self-laminating pouches at wal-mart to make them durable. He can also pick where he wants to revisit if we have time.
Before we go, I check the menus to any new restaurants we'll be visiting. If there is anything on the menu that I think he may like, I will find an image of that meal and print it so that he can be presented with his options and I'm not just picking out what I think he'd like to eat.
You could also print out a restroom icon, as well as a bed to ask if she would like to rest, or a bus if she wants to leave the park.
It may help her with comprehension, as it delivers a visual, and you are not simply relying on auditory which you say is impaired. If you print them to the business card size and laminate, they are easy to carry and retrieve as needed from your purse, and are discreet.
I hope you have a lovely time!!!

 

[Bete]

my 90 year old mom. I think your best answer is do a Disney park video with her about the parks. There's plenty of u tube videos and you can get the Disney vacation video, too. Your library may have a few older versions of the parks as travelogues. Travel Channel airs some shows about Disney, too. I would even get some brochures and AAA has a great catalog to look at for a Disney trip. If she can read and comprehend she can do those tools on her own. If not, sit at the kitchen table and go through it with her. Library books on the subject may help, too.

I would use tactics ( getting her to want to do a wheelchair) like going to your local Super Walmart and telling her that she will have to walk around the whole store 200 times ( or whatever it is) to equal a day of walking at Disney. This may convince her more about doing a wheelchair at Disney. My mom uses a walker at home, but that would not work at Disney. I could never do Disney with my mom without using a wheelchair. I would get a wheelchair with a seat belt. My mom has slept in the wheelchair and we let her catch a few winks that way. Between the cat naps and not walking she can last 8 to 12 hours a day there. The variance is from how active we are with her in a day. If it's more of a passive day seeing parades, shows, fireworks, etc. then she can last longer. Make sure you follow the walk paths for the handicap; don't go down any curbs. I would use the handicap public restrooms there and have someone help her. There are family companion restrooms where many can fit at the same time to help her. Make sure you do this with her after each meal or snack. She will feel better that way. We never let more than three hours pass for a bathroom break. Others can do something else while you are helping her this way. Again, don't make it a big deal to do this for her. Most older folks have bladder issues; so, you need to do more potty breaks. If she can tell you when she needs to go that will make it easier. Many get caught up in a moment and forget until it's too late. The wheelchair will give you handicap access for parade routes and rides and attractions.

I would avoid rides/attractions that don't have wheelchair capabilities. On the haunted mansion you would have to get in and out of the car yourself; I wouldn't do it. Even with help you don't know if she would have a mis step and fall. If she hasn't done it before it's even worse; cause, no one knows what to expect. You can always have someone sit back with her and some can go on the rides that are not best suited for her. Make it a big deal to be with her when you do rides without her. You can look at exhibits or gift shops or have a snack together or whatever. There are posts here that can help you understand which rides are more manageable.

I think you know you can't accomplish everything and that's a good start. My mom lights up with character interventions at restaurants and parades and such. I have some great pictures and videos of her having some great moments.

 

[HottyToddy10]

Thanks SO MUCH! The PECs sound perfect for her!!!

She has trouble recalling words, so it would help to have pictures for her to point at.

Usually she will associate two items and interchange the words, which can make it difficult to know what she wants.

For example, one day she kept asking for the "banana-aide" when she meant lemons. She was associating yellow fruits and could not recall the word.