Dream Factory + non-verbal child

[Andrina]

Hello! I am writing concerning my non-verbal, special needs child. (8 yrs) My Doctor referred us to the Dream Factory who grants wishes to children who are chronicaly ill. The Doctor referred us over a year ago, but I have been hesitant to apply because my daughter cannot walk, talk, feed herself, etc. etc. BUT--one of the few things that gives her pleasure is bright lights, music, and loud sounds! So we have decided as a family that we will go to WDW for Her-come heck or high water because it is something we can do as a family that she will really enjoy!

Has anyone out there had a wish trip granted to a non-verbal child? My child has no way to communicate--but when we put on Disney on TV (especially Baby Einstein!) she smiles and laughs and bounces.

Thank you for listening.

Andrina

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a great place to start.
I can tell you that many people have taken non-verbal children with similar abilities to your daughter to WDW.

The first place I would suggest you look is the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board (if you don't see it right away, just follow the link in my signature to get there). In post #3 of that thread, there is a lot of information that should be helpful. The most helpful will be under the heading of Make a Wish and other Wish Trips. You will find some links to past threads and trip reports and, the most helpful, is a link to the WISH Trippers Unite thread on the Community Board where you will find lots of people who have been on or are planning WISH trips.

To help those of us here who want to give advice, I have a few other questions for you:
About how tall is your daughter?
Does she use a traditional wheelchair or a special needs stroller?
Can she be moved out of the wheelchair/stroller or does she really need the support of it all the time?
Does she have any 'attachements' like feeding tubes that might make it more of a challenge to move her?
Does she like fast movement or not?
How 'fragile' is she for rides that might have fast or rough movement?
Are there things she does not like or is afraid of (like dark or getting sprayed with water)?
Do you have other children, and if so, what are their ages?

The final thing I would say is that many times people think only of Magic Kingdom, but there are things she may like a lot at all the parks, so keep that in mind.

 

[Andrina]

Hi Sue M!

Thanks for your questions! My daughter is about 4 feet tall (48 inches) and weighs about 47 pounds. She is in a special needs wheelchair--or she will be--it arrives next week!

You are right about thinking about the Magic Kingdom for most but I think my daughter will best enjoy Epcot and Hollywood because she likes lights, sound and colors--think indoor rides with lots of color and noise. She does need assistance and I am not sure about some rides because she cannot "hold on" without help. But the louder, brighter etc --the better. We are also hoping to get good seating for the nighttime "light" shows and parades as that will really be a joy for her!

I will check out the other areas--and if anyone has had success in getting approved with a non-verbal child I would love to have any tips.

We would like to take our whole family: Mom, Dad, Sister (15) and Brother (13) They were actually the ones who said we need to take her. It will be a once-in-her-lifetime chance for us all--as they will be out of the house soon.

Thanks for listening! Andrina

 

[Wee Annie]

Andrina,

very different situation for us, but perhaps a bit analagous. My daughter, who is 3 and has leukemia, was just granted a wish trip to WDW by MAW. She's not very verbal, and basically didn't speak at all when the volunteers came over. So it was pretty much them trying to interact with her, but their taking directions from me re her wish. I think they would easily defer to your judgment about what would make her happy. I certainly wouldn't let the fact that she can't verbally communicate with them hold you back from going forward with this. I'm sure they have dealt with this before, and will allow you to "speak" her her, and interpret her desires.

Do go forward with this! Good luck!

Ann

 

[jodifla]

Hello! I am writing concerning my non-verbal, special needs child. (8 yrs) My Doctor referred us to the Dream Factory who grants wishes to children who are chronicaly ill. The Doctor referred us over a year ago, but I have been hesitant to apply because my daughter cannot walk, talk, feed herself, etc. etc. BUT--one of the few things that gives her pleasure is bright lights, music, and loud sounds! So we have decided as a family that we will go to WDW for Her-come heck or high water because it is something we can do as a family that she will really enjoy!

Has anyone out there had a wish trip granted to a non-verbal child? My child has no way to communicate--but when we put on Disney on TV (especially Baby Einstein!) she smiles and laughs and bounces.

Thank you for listening.

Andrina

I think your daughter would really like WDW and that you should definitely go. When we were there in January, there was a family that had their daughter with them who was nonverbal and in a wheelchair. The whole family seemed like they were having a great time!

 

[gusdmh]

Adrina,
I have a stepson with special needs. We've been to Disney World (11) and the Disney Cruise (3) many times. Believe me, I'm not rich (just plenty of credit...well, not anymore).
My son is non-verbal and non-mobile. Five years ago he got a feeding tube since he was refusing to eat anything we gave him.
We love the attention the Disney characters and cast members show him and us.
On my last cruise, I met another family (seven total) with a younger boy that had many more special needs. They were from Maine and the Make a Wish Foundation paid for the family and extended members to go on the 7-night cruise, as well as a few days at Disney World. Locally, my son's classmate got an RV through the Make a Wish Foundation. There is an age limit. I don't think your child is 18 or over though. Your child should be able to get her wish!
Any questions, just PM me or send me an email.
Gus