Does this qualify for a DAS?

[camouseketeer]

My mom had eye surgery, and, as a result, cannot be bumped or knocked. In past trips, we have walked around her when we have moved through the park, and she has used a cane to keep a physical barrier between her and others. We are worried about accidently getting knocked in lines. Could we get a DAS for this? (She doesn't ride the big coasters, but she would like to ride the FL rides with her grandchildren.)

She also has limited vision. We have been able to get a GAC in the past for these issues, but I know the DAS is only given for problems waiting in line.

We are headed to both DLR and WDW in the next 6 weeks.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[SueM in MN]

I only have a few minutes, but want to point you to both the WDW and DL DAS threads near the top of this board.post one in each thread is FAQs about DAS

 

[camouseketeer]

I only have a few minutes, but want to point you to both the WDW and DL DAS threads near the top of this board.post one in each thread is FAQs about DAS

Thanks, Sue. Yes, I have read those and most of the DAS posts on this board and the DLR and WDW boards.

I am trying to find out if my mother's issue is enough of a disability to qualify for a DAS. I am not sure how a FAQ will answer that. I was hoping that those with direct experience and greater knowledge than me would have some insight.

 

[jenniy122]

From what I understand (no firsthand experience, so please correct me here!) she'll still have to wait in the fastpass line once your return time comes, so there's still that short wait time in which she could be jostled. It's a reduced wait in line, but the chance is still there, so I don't know if it would help or not. I have less serious (mental rather than physical) issues with being bumped/touched and something that works for me in lines is creating a buffer with the other people that are with me. Since you'll have multiple people with her, one would stand in front, have some space in between, then her, more space, then the other/rest (don't know how many you have). That way even if the outer people got knocked into she would be safe.

 

[smitch425]

My mom had eye surgery, and, as a result, cannot be bumped or knocked. In past trips, we have walked around her when we have moved through the park, and she has used a cane to keep a physical barrier between her and others. We are worried about accidently getting knocked in lines. Could we get a DAS for this? (She doesn't ride the big coasters, but she would like to ride the FL rides with her grandchildren.)

She also has limited vision. We have been able to get a GAC in the past for these issues, but I know the DAS is only given for problems waiting in line.

We are headed to both DLR and WDW in the next 6 weeks.

Thanks for any insight!

Have you considered a wheelchair? The bumping that could occur in a ride line would be the least of my worries. It would be the thousands of people roaming the park with determination or cluelessness that would cause me concern. Plus there are the hundreds of strollers that are a BIG hazard to someone with knocking issues. Once people enter a line, there is less hurry and risk because in most lines, there is nowhere to really go but forward slowly. Best of luck!

 

[lanejudy]

You can certainly ask at Guest Relations. The question isn't really "enough of a disability" but the type or manifestation of said disability. Generally speaking, reports are that people with vision difficulties are not being offered the DAS; but don't take that as an absolute.

Mom's probably just as likely to be bumped outside the line as she is to be bumped in the line, where as you've indicated you can create a buffer-zone around her. I actually would think that's safer than she sits on a bench while everyone else goes off to other rides; depending on crowds even seated on a bench may not be "safe." You mention she uses a cane -- do you mean a white-cane (indicating vision difficulties) or a regular cane? Would a wheelchair help protect her more so than the cane? She wouldn't have to remain in the chair all day, she can walk or push the chair expect for those queues that seem "busy" and worrisome.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[clanmcculloch]

What you need to think about is what would best help her with her problems. If she's waiting somewhere other than a queue, she could still be jostled. If anything, queues I would think would be a safer place to wait since at least they've got structured boundaries on 2 sides and you can help guide her to keep a bit of space in front of her and behind her. As another poster said, what will she do for non-queue areas? She really needs something that can help from from falling. A mobility device of some kind really does sound to be her best option for meeting her needs. With a wheelchair she's protected by the chair plus she's already sitting so if she does somehow get bumped then at least she won't fall. When she wants to get up and walk she can use it like a walker which can help with balance as well as establishing a boundary around her so she doesn't get bumped.

For shows where special seating would be required in order to help her see just mention this at the entrance to the shows. The old way was to issue a GAC indicating special seating for people with vision issues. Now you just say something. The seating is still the same. You just do not get a card for it now.

 

[buffettgirl]

Thanks, Sue. Yes, I have read those and most of the DAS posts on this board and the DLR and WDW boards.

I am trying to find out if my mother's issue is enough of a disability to qualify for a DAS. I am not sure how a FAQ will answer that. I was hoping that those with direct experience and greater knowledge than me would have some insight.

In the FAQ it states that DAS are not given on the basis of disabilities, because even people with the same disability do not always need the same accommodation. So there is no list of disabilities that are severe enough to "qualify". That's why Sue is directing you to the FAQ.

You need to determine what possible needs your mother will have while in the park, and then decide if waiting in an alternate location would meet those needs. That is the only thing DAS will do. It allows the DAS holder to avoid the main queue line by waiting the same wait time, outside the line. As others have mentioned, you still need to go through the FastPass line which may be long and crowded. And it won't do anything for the rest of the time you're in the parks.

 

[camouseketeer]

In the FAQ it states that DAS are not given on the basis of disabilities, because even people with the same disability do not always need the same accommodation. So there is no list of disabilities that are severe enough to "qualify". That's why Sue is directing you to the FAQ.

You need to determine what possible needs your mother will have while in the park, and then decide if waiting in an alternate location would meet those needs. That is the only thing DAS will do. It allows the DAS holder to avoid the main queue line by waiting the same wait time, outside the line. As others have mentioned, you still need to go through the FastPass line which may be long and crowded. And it won't do anything for the rest of the time you're in the parks.

I am aware of this. I have read the FAQ's (which, BTW, are mostly about wheelchairs and autism issues that do not relate to my situation.) That is why I gave no disability or diagnosis in my OP. I said that she cannot be jostled, which means she needs a safe place to remain while waiting for a ride. I also said that I know that her limited vision is not covered with a DAS. I know that I need to talk the CM's at each ride for that. Further, I said very clearly that I knew that the DAS was only for lines.

I am aware that we would still need to go through a line. Any FP line will be shorter than a SB line, and, will therefore, offer less chance of her being bumped by others. As I said in my OP, we have done this before very successfully with a GAC. At DLR two years ago, we were given a return time for RSR. It worked beautifully. We waited out the two hours doing other things in the park, and then went through a FP line to the ride.

I am reading about several situations where families are talking to Guest Services about getting a DAS and they are being questioned very heavily, and in my mind, in a way where the CM's don't seem to believe the needs they are hearing. I am worried that her needs, which were taken care of with a GAC, will not be accepted with a DAS. I am aware that a DAS is not a "one size fits all" item. I am trying to determine if her needs, the need to be in a place where she will not be closely surrounded by a lot of people, are sufficient for a DAS.

I appreciate the suggestions. While a wheelchair does seem to provide protection, I believe it could just as easily be knocked. Mobility is not her issue, nor is stamina. I know it seems strange to have her even go to DLR or WDW with her needs, but we've done it before successfully. I am hoping we can again.

 

[buffettgirl]

I am aware of this. I have read the FAQ's (which, BTW, are mostly about wheelchairs and autism issues that do not relate to my situation.) That is why I gave no disability or diagnosis in my OP. I said that she cannot be jostled, which means she needs a safe place to remain while waiting for a ride. I also said that I know that her limited vision is not covered with a DAS. I know that I need to talk the CM's at each ride for that. Further, I said very clearly that I knew that the DAS was only for lines.

I am aware that we would still need to go through a line. Any FP line will be shorter than a SB line, and, will therefore, offer less chance of her being bumped by others. As I said in my OP, we have done this before very successfully with a GAC. At DLR two years ago, we were given a return time for RSR. It worked beautifully. We waited out the two hours doing other things in the park, and then went through a FP line to the ride.

I am reading about several situations where families are talking to Guest Services about getting a DAS and they are being questioned very heavily, and in my mind, in a way where the CM's don't seem to believe the needs they are hearing. I am worried that her needs, which were taken care of with a GAC, will not be accepted with a DAS. I am aware that a DAS is not a "one size fits all" item. I am trying to determine if her needs, the need to be in a place where she will not be closely surrounded by a lot of people, are sufficient for a DAS.

I appreciate the suggestions. While a wheelchair does seem to provide protection, I believe it could just as easily be knocked. Mobility is not her issue, nor is stamina. I know it seems strange to have her even go to DLR or WDW with her needs, but we've done it before successfully. I am hoping we can again.

Then, I'm completely confused as to what you're asking. Your thread title is "Does this qualify for a DAS?", but you already seem to know everything about the DAS and what it does, and what it doesn't do.

None of us can really tell you if her needs will allow her to get a DAS. You need to just explain what the needs are to the CM at guest services. It sounds like you're really asking, "what do I say to get a DAS" and what it seems like everyone is trying to say is that you just need to say what her needs are. Specifically.

 

[Aladora]

I appreciate the suggestions. While a wheelchair does seem to provide protection, I believe it could just as easily be knocked. Mobility is not her issue, nor is stamina. I know it seems strange to have her even go to DLR or WDW with her needs, but we've done it before successfully. I am hoping we can again.

I was coming here to post that maybe a wheelchair is her best option because it would provide her with a little with of a barrier to getting bumped.

How does she do on rides if she can't get bumped? Or is it only being bumped and potentially knocked over that is the concern?

 

[camouseketeer]

I was coming here to post that maybe a wheelchair is her best option because it would provide her with a little with of a barrier to getting bumped.

How does she do on rides if she can't get bumped? Or is it only being bumped and potentially knocked over that is the concern?

Thanks for the idea. She doesn't go on rides that are bumpy or jarring.

Buffetfgirl, my goal in posting was to try and find out more about the qualifications of getting a DAS. It is a new item, therefore I wanted to know more about it, as it relates to my situation.

Perhaps I should have titled my post more specifically. I am not trying to "cheat the system," nor am I trying to find the "right words to get what I want" or find out "what generally qualifies for a DAS." I am trying to find out if our need is one that is accepted under the new DAS policy. I would think that some modifications are acceptable and some aren't and that some people on these boards would know the difference.

I was hoping for some first hand accounts that could tell me if a similar situation was accepted or denied.

I am sure it will all work out because with or without a DAS, we will have a great time.

 

[Aladora]

Thanks for the idea. She doesn't go on rides that are bumpy or jarring.

Buffetfgirl, my goal in posting was to try and find out more about the qualifications of getting a DAS. It is a new item, therefore I wanted to know more about it, as it relates to my situation.

Perhaps I should have titled my post more specifically. I am not trying to "cheat the system," nor am I trying to find the "right words to get what I want" or find out "what generally qualifies for a DAS." I am trying to find out if our need is one that is accepted under the new DAS policy. I would think that some modifications are acceptable and some aren't and that some people on these boards would know the difference.

I was hoping for some first hand accounts that could tell me if a similar situation was accepted or denied.

I am sure it will all work out because with or without a DAS, we will have a great time.

Sorry for the wacky grammar there...proofreading is obviously something I need to do!

Hope you have an amazing time, no matter what!

 

[smitch425]

Thanks for the idea. She doesn't go on rides that are bumpy or jarring.

Buffetfgirl, my goal in posting was to try and find out more about the qualifications of getting a DAS. It is a new item, therefore I wanted to know more about it, as it relates to my situation.

Perhaps I should have titled my post more specifically. I am not trying to "cheat the system," nor am I trying to find the "right words to get what I want" or find out "what generally qualifies for a DAS." I am trying to find out if our need is one that is accepted under the new DAS policy. I would think that some modifications are acceptable and some aren't and that some people on these boards would know the difference.

I was hoping for some first hand accounts that could tell me if a similar situation was accepted or denied.

I am sure it will all work out because with or without a DAS, we will have a great time.

Even the calmest of rides are bumpy and jarring. I would not do any of the boat rides because they can be hit hard near the unloading zone. I guess I'm not understanding why she can't be bumped. I thought it was because of a falling risk, which would be eliminated by the use of a wheelchair. Can you help us to understand a bit more. Clearly, none of us are understanding it right.

 

[buffettgirl]

Thanks for the idea. She doesn't go on rides that are bumpy or jarring.

Buffetfgirl, my goal in posting was to try and find out more about the qualifications of getting a DAS. It is a new item, therefore I wanted to know more about it, as it relates to my situation.

Perhaps I should have titled my post more specifically. I am not trying to "cheat the system," nor am I trying to find the "right words to get what I want" or find out "what generally qualifies for a DAS." I am trying to find out if our need is one that is accepted under the new DAS policy. I would think that some modifications are acceptable and some aren't and that some people on these boards would know the difference.

I was hoping for some first hand accounts that could tell me if a similar situation was accepted or denied.

I am sure it will all work out because with or without a DAS, we will have a great time.

I'm honestly not trying to be rude, so I do apologize if it's coming off that way.

What I'm trying to say is that "your need" is probably so specific, that there probably aren't any first hand accounts of others who have the same situation. What I'm also trying to say, and what I think others are trying to say, is to tell you how the DAS works now, and what it is used for now. There is no master list of what needs are accepted under the DAS. If the DAS meets your need, you'll be given a DAS.

What you need to do, (or rather your mother) is decide if that very specific accommodation that the DAS offers now, to not wait in the main queue line, will cover her very specific need. Then you need to express that to the folks at Guest Services.

No one can tell you for a fact what will happen when you get there, we can only say how the system works right now.

 

[camouseketeer]

She has a bubble surgically created in each eye that maintains her vision. If she is knocked (hard and unexpected) the bubble could burst and she would lose the limited vision that she has.

She does not drive, but she does ride in cars, planes, and trains, and calmer, expected movements like those that happen when driving (including driving over speed bumps) are ok. It's the unexpected actions like getting run into or knocked by someone's elbow or backback or stroller that are worrysome. (You should see her anxiety at my daughter's softball games. She stands very far away. She really can't see the game, but she is afraid of getting hit by a foul ball.) Like I said, she wouldn't ride any roller coasters or most E ticket rides, but rides like Dumbo and Peter Pan are safe for her.

I was just hoping that the farther away from a large group of people she was during a long wait, the safer she would be.

I don't see a wheelchair being an option because what would she do while the rest of us were on a ride? She couldn't push it because she couldn't see in front of it. She see well enough to walk on her own, and, with her cane to create her space buffer, she has successfully shopped or walked around in lower populated areas of DLR just fine.

I agree that her situation is unique. We can only go in, explain our needs, and hope for the best! Thanks to all.

 

[sukhakuli]

Maybe you should rethink going to Disney. I don't think she will be bumped in lines. People are just standing, KWIM? But she probably couldn't ride any of the rides, since they can all have sudden stops, and in any of the crowds she could be jostled. I'd be more worried about the heavy crowds after fireworks and parades and things. Or being there after dark. It doesn't sound like you need line accommodations, but more crowd accommodations, and I don't see how Disney can possibly provide that.

 

[camouseketeer]

Maybe you should rethink going to Disney. I don't think she will be bumped in lines. People are just standing, KWIM? But she probably couldn't ride any of the rides, since they can all have sudden stops, and in any of the crowds she could be jostled. I'd be more worried about the heavy crowds after fireworks and parades and things. Or being there after dark. It doesn't sound like you need line accommodations, but more crowd accommodations, and I don't see how Disney can possibly provide that.

We've done both WDW and DLR successfully in the past two years. I am hoping we can again!

 

[smitch425]

She has a bubble surgically created in each eye that maintains her vision. If she is knocked (hard and unexpected) the bubble could burst and she would lose the limited vision that she has.

She does not drive, but she does ride in cars, planes, and trains, and calmer, expected movements like those that happen when driving (including driving over speed bumps) are ok. It's the unexpected actions like getting run into or knocked by someone's elbow or backback or stroller that are worrysome. (You should see her anxiety at my daughter's softball games. She stands very far away. She really can't see the game, but she is afraid of getting hit by a foul ball.) Like I said, she wouldn't ride any roller coasters or most E ticket rides, but rides like Dumbo and Peter Pan are safe for her.

I was just hoping that the farther away from a large group of people she was during a long wait, the safer she would be.

I don't see a wheelchair being an option because what would she do while the rest of us were on a ride? She couldn't push it because she couldn't see in front of it. She see well enough to walk on her own, and, with her cane to create her space buffer, she has successfully shopped or walked around in lower populated areas of DLR just fine.

I agree that her situation is unique. We can only go in, explain our needs, and hope for the best! Thanks to all.

If the first line is accurate, I am very afraid for her. Wheelchairs can go through most ride lines. The risk you are taking is huge. I wish you the best, but uou should he aware that ALL rides run the risk of a hard, sudden stop.

 

[sukhakuli]

We've done both WDW and DLR successfully in the past two years. I am hoping we can again!

Did she have this problem then?

I'm just not convinced that a DAS is going to be necessary for you. If sharp sudden stops in a ride vehicle aren't a worry, then then minor bumps she may get in a ride line aren't going to be a concern, either.

How hard does she need to be hit to affect her vision?