DVC Handicapped rooms

[pugdog]

Ok I know that there are some DVC members here that can answer this for me.

We are going to be buying back into DVC and need some help figuring out which resort. We used to belong at BWV so we know what they are like but need help with the others.
The question is which resort is better for someone in a wheelchair. We need a roll in shower that is big enough for a shower comode. We know the 1 bedroom works and the studio does not at BWV. So are the other newer resorts the same as that or different?
Plus what are some of the pros and cons that you see at each resort?
Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Chuck S]

pro: OKW has large restrooms and roll-in showers in the W/C in the studios.

con: It also has 2 queen beds in the studios, so there may not be as much room to maneuver in the sleeping areas. It depends upon the make up of your traveling party. For us, the 2 queen beds are great, but Mom is ambulatory in the room, we leave the W/C in the car.

 

[dclfun]

OKW has a different layout- it is much larger and easier to navigate in a w/c, esp. in the larger units where you can actually get to and use the kitchen. In the other DVC properties you could get in the kitchen but then there's not enough space to open the refrigerator, etc. The layout in SSR is a little different also, at least in the accessible studio bathroom with roll in shower. If the bathroom is the main concern, I'd see if MS ( or if you haven't bought back, your guide) can give you the dimensions of the roll in showers. I will be taking a look at the mock-up of AKLV's pretty soon and will post here if I find out anything about the accessible villas or if the general size/layout looks any different than BCV, BWV, WLV. Unless you are purchasing a resale you would be limited at this time to purchasing at SSR (or soon open to the general public, AKLV). Also the amount of time remaining on the membership is different depending on where you purchase.---Kathy

 

[BCV23]

Is a shower commode similar to a transfer or shower bench?

Anyway, if at all possible I would try to make a tour of the different resorts. Perhaps call ahead and ask to be shown an accessible room if possible. If one is unoccupied, I think you'll have good luck in being shown one.

We own at BCV and the rooms are smaller than OKW making some corners tight for our daughter. But she can use the studio bathroom or master bath...both have fold down shower seats. I "think" the baths at BCV are similar to those at BWV but we haven't stayed there.

It is my understanding that you can actually buy any DVC resort but they are actively selling only SSR and AKV. Apparently you must just explain that you are only interested in xxx and be prepared to wait for availability. You may also buy any resort through the resell market.

I looked at the models for AKV and the shower for the masterbath in the 1 BR has a zero entry...this was not an accesible room! That whole bathroom looked quite accessible to me including pocket doors in places. It was also a spacious room in general. I though it would be heaven for our DD. The studio looked doable too but it is a little hard to judge. In addition, the accessible rooms usually are configured differently anyway.

I would also try asking this on the DVC boards. There are so many DVC experts there and you may get more responses.

One last thing...the mantra on the DVC boards is buy where you want to stay. I would take my time if I were you and ascertain which resort will work best for bathroom access, transportation options that fit your touring style, etc..

 

[shovan]

You are going to have to ask to see all types of rooms at BCV, for sure. The studio we had a large roll-in shower, while the 1 BR had a very small roll-in shower. The small shower/commode chair we use, fit into the shower but it was a tight fit in the 1BR.

 

[pugdog]

Is a shower commode similar to a transfer or shower bench?
QUOTE]

No. It is basiclly a wheelchair that goes into the shower. DW can't use the benches because they are to small and she has trouble keeping her balance on them. So we need to find roll in's that are bigger then normal, none of those precast ADA ones that are in alot of hotels.

 

[SueM in MN]

Is a shower commode similar to a transfer or shower bench?
QUOTE]

No. It is basiclly a wheelchair that goes into the shower. DW can't use the benches because they are to small and she has trouble keeping her balance on them. So we need to find roll in's that are bigger then normal, none of those precast ADA ones that are in alot of hotels.

I know what a shower commode is. They are usually hard plastic with a back and a 'donut' seat, 4 small wheels.
I have pictures and measurements of the roll in showers in the OKW and SSR rooms. (I am feeling really guilty now because I should have posted it by now, but we are busy with oldest DD's wedding plans).
We were in an accessible 2 bedroom at OKW and an accessible 1 bedroom in SSR. None of them were precast. They are tiled with ceramic tiles. One problem that might make the space narrower is they have a fold down shower bench.