GAC - Doctor's Note?

[Chris728]

I plan to get a GAC for my son with Down Syndrome (recommended by a friend). Due to his low muscle tone, he cannot stand or walk for long periods of time.

I wondered if I need to bring a doctor's or therapist's note with me in order to get the GAC card, or can I just explain the situation to the cast member when we are there?

Thanks!

 

[fakereadhed]

You go to guest services before you enter the park. They will want to know symptoms over diagnosis so that they can give you helpful accommodations. You don't need a doctor's note. Some people bring them if they are uncomfortable discussing the condition with the CM, but really you could write your own note and pass it to them. I found them to be very friendly and helpful. DS has low tone, and they gave us a sticker tag for the stroller to use it as a wheelchair.

 

[Tink316]

I had a similar question...so thanks for the info!

Also, did you use a park stroller or bring your own when they let you use as a "wheelchair"

Thanks!

T.

 

[fakereadhed]

Also, did you use a park stroller or bring your own when they let you use as a "wheelchair"
T.

I brought my own, but I'm sure it doesn't matter. Since my DS is actually likely to fall and get injured the more tired he gets(and weighs over 45#!), I wanted to have my own stroller to get in and out of the park.

 

[SueM in MN]

As was already mentioned, you don't need a doctor's note to get a GAC. You just need to be able to explain what your child's needs are.
If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, there is a whole section of FAQs about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) that should answer any questions you have.

It doesn't matter if you use your own stroller or rent one at the parks. If it would be helpful to use a stroller as a wheelchair, you can do that with either. In the section of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about renting wheelchairs, there are prices for renting strollers at the parks. There is also a mall picture of the park rental strollers posted there. Besides the single stroller that is in the picture, they also rent doubles that are the same, just wider.
If you don't have a stroller that your child fits in and you want to rent one, there are some links in the disABILITIES FAQs thread to off-site companies that rent special needs strollers (basically like giant umbrella strollers).