DLR DAS for daughter with spina bifida?

[sgrap]

We are going to Disneyland Resort in March. I have a 14-year old daughter with spina bifida. She is mobile but the extensive walking and standing during a DLR trip gives her a lot of back and foot pain. We were last there in Nov 2015, but she had just had foot surgery and was in a wheelchair. Prior to that, on trip in October 2014 and before, we were able to get a DAS for her, which was a huge help being able to rest instead of standing in line while waiting. I know that Disney has really cracked down on the DAS and wants anyone with mobility issues to use a wheelchair. But at 14, of course she hates that idea. She hated being in the wheelchair last time even though her foot was barely out of a cast and still healing from major surgery. Can anyone give me any input about the current DAS policy? Thank you!

 

[wilkeliza]

Technically the current DAS policy is that mobility and stamina issues are accommodated with a mobility aid provided by the guest suchs as wheelchair, stroller as wheelchair, or ECV. However you are always free to speak with guest relations about why you feel the DAS would help but be prepared for the answer be no just in case.

 

[gap2368]

We are going to Disneyland Resort in March. I have a 14-year old daughter with spina bifida. She is mobile but the extensive walking and standing during a DLR trip gives her a lot of back and foot pain. We were last there in Nov 2015, but she had just had foot surgery and was in a wheelchair. Prior to that, on trip in October 2014 and before, we were able to get a DAS for her, which was a huge help being able to rest instead of standing in line while waiting. I know that Disney has really cracked down on the DAS and wants anyone with mobility issues to use a wheelchair. But at 14, of course she hates that idea. She hated being in the wheelchair last time even though her foot was barely out of a cast and still healing from major surgery. Can anyone give me any input about the current DAS policy? Thank you!

You can go to GR and talk to them tell them what she needs in line and why she can not be in the traditional line. The CM will then let you know what acomadation are available for your DD.

 

[sgrap]

Technically the current DAS policy is that mobility and stamina issues are accommodated with a mobility aid provided by the guest suchs as wheelchair, stroller as wheelchair, or ECV. However you are always free to speak with guest relations about why you feel the DAS would help but be prepared for the answer be no just in case.

Thank you so much for the input. Is there anything I should bring along, such as a letter from her neurosurgeon?

 

[gap2368]

Thank you so much for the input. Is there anything I should bring along, such as a letter from her neurosurgeon?

the GR do not look at a DR due to law they really can not. you can write down why you think you need a DAS in your own words if it will help you. often people do this when there child has ASD or something similar and there child dose not like to talk or have there parents talk about there disability

I do know some one with SBI she goes to Disney world a lot she has ver needed or asked for a DAS card as she know they will just tell her to use a wheel chair. ( she is 12) no she dose not like it at all

 

[sgrap]

You can go to GR and talk to them tell them what she needs in line and why she can not be in the traditional line. The CM will then let you know what acomadation are available for your DD. But I do hope they do not give your DD a DAS if what you said here is all she needs a wheel chair will meet her needs I do not want the DAS to go the same why as the GAC where they are giving it out to every one with any type of disability if a wheel chair ECV or a roller will help then that is what they should use. The reason why I hope the DAS dose not go the same way as the GAC and need to be changed. is because some people do not handle change ( like people with ASD) the change from the GAC to the DAS was very hard for some and I hope for them it dose not change but I have a feeling it will soon.

I am a special ed teacher, so I can understand where you are coming from because of my experience with children with a variety of needs (who grow up to adults). I am just trying to figure out how to make this trip something enjoyable for my daughter and how best to accommodate that. She is a trooper who has lived through 5 years in an orphanage, 2 huge spine surgeries, a major foot surgery, and has come through all of that with a zest and joy for life that is miraculous. So trying to learn the current procedures and be prepared. Thank you for your input.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thank you so much for the input. Is there anything I should bring along, such as a letter from her neurosurgeon?

Unfortunately they can not look at letter so at most if you bring one they'll give a polite glance but they'll hand it back and say they can't use it. Really think about why your daughter needs to wait somewhere else. Would would be the back up if you get the DAS return and there are currently no benches or places to sit? That is the real reason that Disney doesn't give DAS for mobility. They can't guarantee a DAS will give you somewhere to sit and rest and it can guarantee is you spend less time confined in the queue line. It doesn't negate all the walking needed to get to and from the rides or just touring the park or to and from the hotel etc.

 

[gap2368]

I am a special ed teacher, so I can understand where you are coming from because of my experience with children with a variety of needs (who grow up to adults). I am just trying to figure out how to make this trip something enjoyable for my daughter and how best to accommodate that. She is a trooper who has lived through 5 years in an orphanage, 2 huge spine surgeries, a major foot surgery, and has come through all of that with a zest and joy for life that is miraculous. So trying to learn the current procedures and be prepared. Thank you for your input.

I know two people with spina befit ( sorry I missed spelled this) one can walk the one I just talked about and one that can not I know how hard it is my one friend has had over 50 surgery in her 23 years spent months in the hospital ( I think one time she was in for 7 to 8 months because she had a lot of complication)

I would plane on a wheel chair as there really is a lot of walking even with the DAS card. There are a lot of people even children at Disney in wheel chair. you could tell her that yes you do not need a wheel chair in ever day life but a wheel chair will mean we can spend more time in the park we can do more and you will not be in pain the next day or that day.

a side note I was at the mall with my friend with spina bifea the we were younger we were having a great time ( one of the first times at the mall alone time) we went by another person our age in a wheel chair my friend looked at her with a great big smile and said cool wheels about 20 minute the mom came up to use and told us her daughter was in a car accident and they did not know if she would ever walk again she had not smiled at all since and her and her DD was out in public for the first time she told use her daughter thought it was cool that someone else thought her wheels were cool.

so yes I do know a little about teens preteen age and how hard it can be I would let your DD know that you will go to GR but they may said no they may give her a DAS card and she may still be in pain form all the walking. I would talk to her about ht pluses and minuses of using both and see what she thinks.

 

[sgrap]

I know two people with spina befit ( sorry I missed spelled this) one can walk the one I just talked about and one that can not I know how hard it is my one friend has had over 50 surgery in her 23 years spent months in the hospital ( I think one time she was in for 7 to 8 months because she had a lot of complication)

I would plane on a wheel chair as there really is a lot of walking even with the DAS card. There are a lot of people even children at Disney in wheel chair. you could tell her that yes you do not need a wheel chair in ever day life but a wheel chair will mean we can spend more time in the park we can do more and you will not be in pain the next day or that day.

a side note I was at the mall with my friend with spina bifea the we were younger we were having a great time ( one of the first times at the mall alone time) we went by another person our age in a wheel chair my friend looked at her with a great big smile and said cool wheels about 20 minute the mom came up to use and told us her daughter was in a car accident and they did not know if she would ever walk again she had not smiled at all since and her and her DD was out in public for the first time she told use her daughter thought it was cool that someone else thought her wheels were cool.

so yes I do know a little about teens preteen age and how hard it can be I would let your DD know that you will go to GR but they may said no they may give her a DAS card and she may still be in pain form all the walking. I would talk to her about ht pluses and minuses of using both and see what she thinks.

Good points, thank you so much.

 

[redberyl]

Honestly, the das made us walk more. We spent less time waiting in line, but more time walking in between attractions. Plus, there aren't always places to just sit and take a break whenyou need to. Disney might issue you a das, but it really sounds like a wheelchair would be more helpful, evenwith a das

 

[Pooh2]

Don't have anything helpful to add about DAS but just wanted to say your daughter sounds like an amazingly courageous young woman and I wish you a trip full of wonderful memories!

 

[sgrap]

Don't have anything helpful to add about DAS but just wanted to say your daughter sounds like an amazingly courageous young woman and I wish you a trip full of wonderful memories!

Thank you so much. She is definitely my hero and I am so blessed to have her as my daughter.

 

[mamabunny]

I am a special ed teacher, so I can understand where you are coming from because of my experience with children with a variety of needs (who grow up to adults). I am just trying to figure out how to make this trip something enjoyable for my daughter and how best to accommodate that. She is a trooper who has lived through 5 years in an orphanage, 2 huge spine surgeries, a major foot surgery, and has come through all of that with a zest and joy for life that is miraculous. So trying to learn the current procedures and be prepared. Thank you for your input.

First of all, my Mom was a Special Ed teacher - God Bless you!!!

Your daughter is an amazing kid - I bet because of all of the love and support you have given her, she's going to grow up to be an amazing woman as well!

It sounds like you and your daughter are pretty close. Our BabyBunny was a "Shriner's Kid" from birth to age 18, so she and I developed a very special and close relationship on all of those Hospital trips that continues to this day.

Mom to Mom, here's what I would tell your sweet girl if I were in your shoes:

"Of all the people in the world, I KNOW you don't want to use that stinkin' wheelchair. I KNOW you prefer to walk. But let's use that wheelchair like a tool - just like when you see someone using glasses to see better? They are using those glasses as a TOOL. If you see someone using hearing aids, they are using them as a TOOL to hear better. And if you have to use that chair at DisneyLand? It's just a TOOL for us to go and have fun, and be able to stay and play all day!!! We can get some fun ribbons, bandanas, maybe even some Dollar Store beads, and decorate the chair, and have fun with it! And when you don't need it, we can still just push it around until you need a place to sit! It will just be like a rolling chair we bring along for when you need to sit - you don't have to stay in it all day!

I just want you to have the best day that we can at DisneyLand, and I don't want you to wake up the next morning, in pain. So, our plan is to try for the DAS, but be ready to decorate a rental chair, and go have fun!"
​

This was - still is - the hardest thing for our BabyBunny. She wants to go go go, and she wants to be as "normal" as is possible. Fortunately, as she has gotten older, it's been easier for her to accept that Normal is just a setting on the washing machine... and that it's OK to be "different", and to even celebrate what makes you different and unique... even if that means decorating your wheelchair or ECV.

I hope you all have the best possible time at DL. (((hugs)))

 

[sgrap]

First of all, my Mom was a Special Ed teacher - God Bless you!!!

Your daughter is an amazing kid - I bet because of all of the love and support you have given her, she's going to grow up to be an amazing woman as well!

It sounds like you and your daughter are pretty close. Our BabyBunny was a "Shriner's Kid" from birth to age 18, so she and I developed a very special and close relationship on all of those Hospital trips that continues to this day.

Mom to Mom, here's what I would tell your sweet girl if I were in your shoes:

"Of all the people in the world, I KNOW you don't want to use that stinkin' wheelchair. I KNOW you prefer to walk. But let's use that wheelchair like a tool - just like when you see someone using glasses to see better? They are using those glasses as a TOOL. If you see someone using hearing aids, they are using them as a TOOL to hear better. And if you have to use that chair at DisneyLand? It's just a TOOL for us to go and have fun, and be able to stay and play all day!!! We can get some fun ribbons, bandanas, maybe even some Dollar Store beads, and decorate the chair, and have fun with it! And when you don't need it, we can still just push it around until you need a place to sit! It will just be like a rolling chair we bring along for when you need to sit - you don't have to stay in it all day!

I just want you to have the best day that we can at DisneyLand, and I don't want you to wake up the next morning, in pain. So, our plan is to try for the DAS, but be ready to decorate a rental chair, and go have fun!"
​

This was - still is - the hardest thing for our BabyBunny. She wants to go go go, and she wants to be as "normal" as is possible. Fortunately, as she has gotten older, it's been easier for her to accept that Normal is just a setting on the washing machine... and that it's OK to be "different", and to even celebrate what makes you different and unique... even if that means decorating your wheelchair or ECV.

I hope you all have the best possible time at DL. (((hugs)))

Thank you, mamabunny! That is a great attitude.