Doctor REFUSES to write note for my disability!

[M2DD's]

Please let us know how things went when you get back. If you get the GAC can you let me know if it helped at all.I know each situation is different.Hope you have a great trip
M2DD's

 

[bopper]

Ksoda:

If you read through the disAbilities threads, you will notice that the GACs are for accomodations needed. What accomodations would you need? If it is strictly that you and or your daughter would become tired while waiting in line, then I believe Disney encourages you to rent an ECV. If it is something like you cannot stand in the sun or you have a condition that you have a very very difficult being in crowds, then they may be able to make accomodations. If you must remain in a wheelchair, they can make accomodations. Otherwise, Disney recommends travelling at off-peak times, using Fast Pass, and using an ECV.

 

[kmjmom]

Don't forget that you may also want to grab a ride through the airport terminal since those walks and standing in line for security can be quite taxing. I had a bad ankle injury and was in a walking cast on my last trip. When I was offered a wheelchair escort, I declined, but I was sorry and accepted a ride from the first driver that passed me on my way to the gate. I guess he could see me fropm a distance as I trudged along. I'll be renting an ECV for our upcoming trip.

 

[KSoda]

Ksoda:

If you read through the disAbilities threads, you will notice that the GACs are for accomodations needed. What accomodations would you need? If it is strictly that you and or your daughter would become tired while waiting in line, then I believe Disney encourages you to rent an ECV. If it is something like you cannot stand in the sun or you have a condition that you have a very very difficult being in crowds, then they may be able to make accomodations. If you must remain in a wheelchair, they can make accomodations. Otherwise, Disney recommends travelling at off-peak times, using Fast Pass, and using an ECV.

They are physical disabilities, Ie--2 unsuccessful lumbar surgeries with pain/ numbness down the leg, and the same for the neck, but with 6 broken pedicle screws from two fusions at three levels, pseudoarthrosis.

One concern I do have is with one of my medications which carries a warning about excessive sun exposure. The other concern is with standing long. But I will be renting an ECV which will help greatly. I am able to walk and stand, but not long distances or more than 15 or so minutes. Actually, I feel better in the warm dry weather. Like most people with spine injuries, we're walking barometers, lol.

We'll be there for two weeks and also staying at the G. Floridian, so, if we get worn down, we're close enough and on the monorail line, plus we've planned out a daily schedule which should work out just fine for all of us...we'll head to breakfast and the parks in the AM, head back for a nap and swim, then do the parks again. We're also going to try out a couple different touring plans that we've read and were suggested by other DisBoard members, as well as from our Passporter and other Unofficial Guide to WDW books. We'll see once we get there and weather conditions as well.

On July 7th, NASA will be having a scheduled rocket launch, this will be the only time we'll leave WDW if it all works out. We're planning on a limo service for transportation there and back. That will depend of course on weather conditions and how my daughter feels with her pregancy, not leaving out how my other two girls and grandson will be doing, they'll probably be at each others throats after the first week. Just kidd'in.

Whatever they want to do is fine with me, and they understand that we have to be very curtious of my oldest daughter because she'll be 18 and 19 weeks in WDW.

I did go back to my doctor for a follow up, and I brought with me some of the information that explains how the GAC card works. I must tell you that I was very much offended by his, and his nurse's thoughts that I merely wanted this card to get ahead of others in line. That, just pee'd me off! After being a loyal patient of his for so long, doing and listening to his every order for my health care, never missing one appointment in five years, refering many patients his way, I thought he knew me better than that.

He actually said to me, "the only reason I could see that YOU would want this was to move up ahead of people." Until he seen how disappointed, and even hurt I was, and after reading about the GAC card, did he write me a letter.

I explained to him that I am a volunteer representative in our town for needy war veterans and their families, my own brother had cerebral palsey for his 62years until he passed away last year of kidney failure, my mother is blind, and my dad died of cancer two years ago, disabled in the last six years of his life, SO NO ONE HATES abuse of the disabled or handicap more than I (I know many of you do the same), I'm just saying that I have ZERO tollerence for people that park in handicap spots when they're perfectly healthy or don't have a tag, or those who abuse the systen collecting benefits while those in real need are suffering, scrapping for everything they have.

At least, we ended on a good note, in a sense, but, no, he never apologized for thinking and saying what he did. I don't believe I'll be returning to him again though.

Sure, I fully understand how there would be liability in writting such letters IF, IF it were about going on attractions, how a physician may be held liable in a medmal suit IF I were stupid enough, especially with my girls and grandson with me, 1500 miles from home, but this had nothing to do with authorization to go on wild rides.

It was, and is, a matter of ethics and morals with me, and the way he assumed what he did, I just don't like the way he and his nurse made false ussumptions the way they did.

 

[BillSears]

KSoda,

I am curious and I'm not trying to say you're trying to abuse the system. But what accommodations are you looking for that using your ECV won't provide? I realize you have the "physical disabilities, Ie--2 unsuccessful lumbar surgeries with pain/ numbness down the leg, and the same for the neck, but with 6 broken pedicle screws from two fusions at three levels, pseudoarthrosis." but that's the diagnosis not the need. It sounds like your needs are to not walk for long distances and not to stand for long periods of time. Since you're getting an ECV it looks like those 2 needs are covered.

 

[KSoda]

KSoda,

I am curious and I'm not trying to say you're trying to abuse the system. But what accommodations are you looking for that using your ECV won't provide? I realize you have the "physical disabilities, Ie--2 unsuccessful lumbar surgeries with pain/ numbness down the leg, and the same for the neck, but with 6 broken pedicle screws from two fusions at three levels, pseudoarthrosis." but that's the diagnosis not the need. It sounds like your needs are to not walk for long distances and not to stand for long periods of time. Since you're getting an ECV it looks like those 2 needs are covered.

BillSears, you are very much correct in your thoughts here and I appreciate your feedback very much. My thoughts were and are that there may be a seating area possibly out of the hot sun, not that each and every single person wouldn't mind that, but the medical need would primarilly be to get out of the sun due to one of the medications I have to take.

Second, I was basing my thoughts on recommendations and posts I've read, and some in an article in a book called "The Unofficial Guide to WDW 2007."

On pages 332 through 334, it discusses "Visitors with special needs."

It says; "The card (GAC) is a pass allowing the disabled person and his companions to wait in a separate holding area, apart from regular queues."

And it goes on; "the card doesn't allow you to bypass normal waits at each attraction. Rather, it's designed to provide "a more convienient entrance" into attractions.

After speaking with a couple WDW reservationists over the last 4 months and after learning of this GAC card, some CM's knew nothing about it, others said that for medical needs such as getting out of the sun due to reactions which can occur from medications, sun exposure which would be in my case. It was explained to me that it may be a covered seating/waiting area of sorts, but I was given NO specifics regarding this.

I have read through the DISboard's explaination and it was very clear, so I thought that this card might be helpful in my case, and in case I do need such seating, as would also be the case with severe pain and numbness in my back and leg.

In the book, it also discusses "nonapparent disabilities" such as was the case with one mother who wrote in about her autistic child. Although that certainly is not in our case, but in the cases of the many folks with back pain and injuries, nonapparent disabilities, I was under the impression the GAC might be helpful, but absolutely not to be intended to be used to skate on standing and waiting our turns like everyone else.

I also thought the it could be helpful for my expecting daughter and her 11 month old child. I would definately like to see a seating/holding area for expectant mothers and would certainly allow them prioity over myself any day.

I apprecate your thoughts, I hope this has answered your question...

thank you,

Kev

 

[Cheshire Figment]

After speaking with a couple WDW reservationists over the last 4 months and after learning of this GAC card, some CM's knew nothing about it, others said that for medical needs such as getting out of the sun due to reactions which can occur from medications, sun exposure which would be in my case. It was explained to me that it may be a covered seating/waiting area of sorts, but I was given NO specifics regarding this.

There are multiple problems in speaking to the reservations people. Some of them are in Orlando, some in Tampa, some in Kansas and some in Texas. I have found some reservations people who have never been to a Disney Park.

They are used to selling rooms, making dining reservations, and selling packages. They do not deal with Guests once the Guests are at the parks or resorts (unless making dining reservations). Tey are able to access information on their computers, but they do not deal with actual Park problems or ticket issues on a day to day basis.

In addition, most of the people you will talk to when you call and ask for Guest Services will actually be the phone operators accessing the same computer information that the reservationists can access.

It is only when you get to an actual Guest Relations Office at a park that you will be dealing with real Guest Relations people, who are able to use their experience and judgment to make decisions.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what Cheshire Figment wrote, keep in mind that not all accomodations are available at each attraction.

Most of the lines are actually fairly well shaded and some are actually inside of buildings. They were not always like that, but WDW has added shade to many of the attractions that didn't have it before. So, the sun may not be as much problem as you think.

 

[Notatourist]

I hate to say this, but after your doctor said what he said, I would be running out of there (or anything you can do to the best of your ability). You do not treat patients like that. They are paying you for your medical advice, not your personal opinion.

I have had to do that, good luck. It will be better when you find a better doc. I recommend checking the AMA website when you begin your doctor search. I do hope you have a good time here, don't forget plenty of water, it's been really hot lately.

 

[KSoda]

I hate to say this, but after your doctor said what he said, I would be running out of there (or anything you can do to the best of your ability). You do not treat patients like that. They are paying you for your medical advice, not your personal opinion.

I have had to do that, good luck. It will be better when you find a better doc. I recommend checking the AMA website when you begin your doctor search. I do hope you have a good time here, don't forget plenty of water, it's been really hot lately.

I agree!!! He's history for me, I won't return again. I've been there, done all that with AMA and every other organization out there. Even by word of mouth recommendations, they're human beings (although many think they are God hismself and nothing can go wrong with their surgical skills. He showed his true colors and lost a patient.

There's an old saying I'm sure you all have heard at least once, and I'll put it nicely... "tick off one person, and you ticked off ten or twenty of his/her friends." Likewise, as with anything, in service or products, make someone happy, you'll most times make their friends/family happy.

No punn intended here... but I'm not gonna sweat it at WDW, we'll just take it one day at a time and relax, hopefully.

Only two days left, Packing, shopping, has worn me down and starting to creat pain again, but, my spirits are high, we're excited, the kids are pumped and ready (although they are so ready that they haven't started packing yet, guess who'll end up doing it?

Laundry has been the biggest job, washing, drying, folding for three girls and a baby, blahhhh, my back is giving out.

Shopping has been fun with the kids for clothes, even as wearing as it can be (again, no punn intended, lol). But, my GOD!!! They've cost me an arm and a leg, they have to have this and that.

All in all, things are going good, hoping and praying for good heath for all, good safe weather and travel.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone!

Kev

 

[KSoda]

We returned from WDW after a two week stay, I'm happy to say I never needed a GAC and only needed to rent an electric scooter from the parks 4 times.

They were available each time, which surprized me being it was the Forth of July week. The cost was $35.00 with a $5.00 deposit with my licence also.

Many times I had wished I did get a GAC though as we ended up in long lines several times, I don't know what it would have done for me, but the Peter Pan attraction in the MK being the very worst of all with at least an hour and fifteen minute wait, with NO air circulation and very high humidity at 8pm. We ended up leaving the line after there were still many people still in front of us and my back gave out. We returned another day and only waited 10 or so minutes.

So, for me, it ended up being more cost effective of just renting at the parks as needed.

I found out upon checking out of the Grand Floridian after 13 days that they had scooters and wheel chairs available to their guests, and keeping up with the very poor level of service we recieved from them during our stay, and knowing full well that I was disabled for long walking distances, it was never offered to me.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm not sure that the Grand Floridian has scooters, but all WDW hotels have a very limited number of manual wheelchairs for guests to use during their stay. They do require a credit card imprint, but they are a complimentary "rental". Our experience. though. is that these resort chairs are often not well maintained, are quite heavy, and do not roll easily. The rental chairs at the parks have rolled much better than the ones from the resorts. Now we travel with our own w/c.

It sounds like you had a great trip. I agree those Fantasyland rides can be a bit of a pain to load, especially during a busy day...and given that Peter Pan can only be slowed, not stopped, for loading.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Besides what Cheshire Figment wrote, keep in mind that not all accomodations are available at each attraction.

Most of the lines are actually fairly well shaded and some are actually inside of buildings. They were not always like that, but WDW has added shade to many of the attractions that didn't have it before. So, the sun may not be as much problem as you think.

I know the OP is back already, but I haven’t been keeping up with this thread and wanted to give an example of what Sue describes.

Pirates of the Caribbean does have a (little-known) ‘wait away from the crowds’ entrance… but except for a few trees, you’re outdoors and, yes, in the sun. In contrast, the regular queue is – unless the park is super-crowded – entirely under cover and indoors.

There's an old saying I'm sure you all have heard at least once, and I'll put it nicely... "tick off one person, and you ticked off ten or twenty of his/her friends."

I’ve actually heard it stated in an even better way: “Treat a customer well and they’ll tell two people; treat a customer poorly and they’ll tell everyone”

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know what it would have done for me, but the Peter Pan attraction in the MK being the very worst of all with at least an hour and fifteen minute wait, with NO air circulation and very high humidity at 8pm. We ended up leaving the line after there were still many people still in front of us and my back gave out. We returned another day and only waited 10 or so minutes.

We can't go on Peter Pan any more because the transfer is too difficult to do with DD in the time that is available.

When we run into lines that long, it is better to come back later, because, as you noted, there will be a time when the line is shorter. The CMs at the "information/Status Board" in each park can help you out with knowing when is a good time to go to a specific attraction. As you found out, if you go at the wrong time, it can be a very long wait. But, if you know when to go, you cna have a very short wait.
Some advantages of going when it's not busy is that the area will not be as congested, so it is easier to get around. The CMs are also able to be more helpful because it is less busy - for example, they may let you ride more than once in a row on some attractions and they can let you take your time more (things like letting a car empty before and after you to give more time to get off and on.)

I found out upon checking out of the Grand Floridian after 13 days that they had scooters and wheel chairs available to their guests, and keeping up with the very poor level of service we recieved from them during our stay, and knowing full well that I was disabled for long walking distances, it was never offered to me.

All the resorts have had wheelchairs available for loan for a long time, if they have one available.
This is the first I have heard about ECVs at GF and there is nothing in the WDW website (other than a suggestion that if you want to guarantee a wheelchair, you should rent from off-site).
A new thing this spring was ECVs for rent at the Boardwalk, so I wonder if this is the same company?
Do you know anything more about it?

 

[Vijoge]

I agree!!! He's history for me, I won't return again. I've been there, done all that with AMA and every other organization out there. Even by word of mouth recommendations, they're human beings (although many think they are God hismself and nothing can go wrong with their surgical skills. He showed his true colors and lost a patient.


Kev

Have you told him this? If not, I highly recommend that you do. I work closely with a doc who has, in the past couple of years, lost many patients due to his crappy attitude. He won't return phone calls, gets annoyed when he has to fill out insurance forms, write letters, etc, and resents it when his patients want to have some say in their plan of care. His attitued is "I'm the DOCTOR and I'll decide what to do and how to treat you!" Well, this is going over like a lead baloon.!

Now he's sitting around trying to figure out why he has 1/3 of the patients he used to have and I guess I'll have to explain it to him. I just wish his patients had told him when they left why they had chosen another physician.

 

[KSoda]

It sounds like you had a great trip. I agree those Fantasyland rides can be a bit of a pain to load, especially during a busy day...and given that Peter Pan can only be slowed, not stopped, for loading.

Chuck, please see my post in the "Trip Reports section.

 

[KSoda]

All the resorts have had wheelchairs available for loan for a long time, if they have one available.
This is the first I have heard about ECVs at GF and there is nothing in the WDW website (other than a suggestion that if you want to guarantee a wheelchair, you should rent from off-site).
Do you know anything more about it?

The GF had 4 wheel chairs and 1 fairly new ECV that I noticed hidden in a corner of the main building to the right side where no one see's them nor walks in that area usually.

Even after repeatedly mentioning my periodic need for an ECV to CM's at the front desk, the concierge desk and bell services over thirteen days, not once were they mentioned or offered to me.

Just one more strike on my score card for the GF guest services for our stay there.

You can read more on my trip if you'de like located under "Trip Reports."

 

[Topper]

The GF had 4 wheel chairs and 1 fairly new ECV that I noticed hidden in a corner of the main building to the right side where no one see's them nor walks in that area usually.

Do you know for sure that it was an ECV owned by the GF/Disney? I know in the past when I have rented ECV's for family members from offiste places, that they are parked in out of the way places until we check-in and pick them up.

 

[SueM in MN]

Do you know for sure that it was an ECV owned by the GF/Disney? I know in the past when I have rented ECV's for family members from offiste places, that they are parked in out of the way places until we check-in and pick them up.

When people rent from Randy's Mobility, they are delivered right to you. When renting from Care, Walkers or the other companies, they are delivered to the front desk and either kept there or by Bell Services. People have seen those before and assumed they belonged to the resort.
Also, some people have an ECV or wheelchair, but don't want to/can't keep it in their room because of space. Those are stored in a place that would be like the one you mentioned.

 

[zumbergc]

When we rent the ecv from walker, its waiting back in the luggage area in some of the resorts.

So, you may see a ecv, but it probably is one rented by an offsite ecv company for a guest checking in that day or the next, or a guest dropping it off at the end of their trip.

I've never heard of the ecv's being free at any resort. If they are, share the info, I'd be interested in saving some $$$$.
Free wheelchairs on a first come first serve at the hotel, with no reservations allowed. So, thats hit or miss and not worth my time.