GAC question for those whos disablility isnt visable

[Rychelle924]

Im just wondering if anyone has ever had any negative expereinces with using a GAC if its not obvious that you are differently-abled. I know my son can get some assistance for his hearing impairment which we will use im sure, like a CC box or fm system if he needs it.. But I also qualify for a card, and can benifit from it, but since you cant just look at me and see my medical issues Im afraid to even use it. Im affraid people will make rude comments about it, and i dont want my kids to feel like we are doing something wrong, you know. I know Disney isnt an ideal trip for my body with all the walking, but ill just have to take breaks alot and if a line is too long ill prob have to sit it out, if there is no where to sit down. Now dont get me wrong, I wouldnt use it if im feeling good that day, or at that moment.. Only if I really need it.. but I still feel weird about it.. anyone else feel this way?? I think becuase ive had comments made to me for having a handicap tag in my car and told by a stranger that I "obviously dont need it".. cuz you can look at someone and see heart defects, spinal stenosis, 5 herniated discs, scoloiosis, and Rhumitoid Arthritis right? geesh!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are always idiots who "know more about you than you know". And they are idiots. Luckily they are few and far between, but unfortunately they do exist. You don't know them. They don't know you. You will never meet them again. Your choice is either ignore them or tell them (not necessarily politely) to buzz off.

But also the normal (and official) response from Guest Relations for a person who wants a GAC due to a mobility and/or stamina issue is the recommendation that they rent a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Some people are just rude and no matter where you go they are going to put there 2 cents in. I have noticed that we get more " input" from people when we are at stores around home rather than at WDW. Most people seem to be so involved in what they are doing and enjoying there trip that they don't care what you are doing. That said there are those that just can't help themselves. We have only had a few things happen to us while there, such as a person telling me that it must be nice to have a kid that can get you out of waiting in lines. Little did he know we had waited longer for that ride than he did. You just have to ignore them. You will never see them again so it does not matter what they think and if they are ignorant enough to say something then there is nothing you can say that will educate them about invisible disabilities so don't ruin your day trying. Just have a nice trip and don't worry about the " if's ". Most of the times we go no one says a thing.

 

[Rychelle924]

thank you!!! i really appreciate the replies!!! I will most likely have to rent a wheelchair anyway. By the end of the day I prob wont be able to walk at all without sever pain. Do have have to get one right away with the card, or can i go rent one when i need it? Id like to walk as much as i can.. but have the option avail to get when i cant handle much more

 

[peemagg]

I would rent a chair from an off-site company and just bring it with you. This way you have a place to sit whenever you need it. If you want to walk, you can use it to carry other things. Don't worry about what others think. Do what you need to do to be able to enjoy your vacation, not just survive it.

 

[jmartinez1895]

You can rent a chair when ever you need it, if the CM's feel like you need a GAC they will give you one regardless of if you have a chair or not. The only problem may be that they can run out of chairs and you may need one latter in the day, but they have all been rented. If you decide to rent from Disney, buy all you days the first day ( it is a little cheaper) and then get the chair first thing when you get to the park. I have seen people put the chair in stroller parking while they walk around that general area. Then when you leave that area get you chair and move it. That way you will have it when you need it. I would hate to be at the back of the park and need it and not have it.

 

[ccgirl]

Im just wondering if anyone has ever had any negative expereinces with using a GAC if its not obvious that you are differently-abled. I know my son can get some assistance for his hearing impairment which we will use im sure, like a CC box or fm system if he needs it.. But I also qualify for a card, and can benifit from it, but since you cant just look at me and see my medical issues Im afraid to even use it. Im affraid people will make rude comments about it, and i dont want my kids to feel like we are doing something wrong, you know. I know Disney isnt an ideal trip for my body with all the walking, but ill just have to take breaks alot and if a line is too long ill prob have to sit it out, if there is no where to sit down. Now dont get me wrong, I wouldnt use it if im feeling good that day, or at that moment.. Only if I really need it.. but I still feel weird about it.. anyone else feel this way?? I think becuase ive had comments made to me for having a handicap tag in my car and told by a stranger that I "obviously dont need it".. cuz you can look at someone and see heart defects, spinal stenosis, 5 herniated discs, scoloiosis, and Rhumitoid Arthritis right? geesh!

As you have experienced with the license plates comments. People say rude things. Even at Disney. I always make it a learning point for my children to teach them what not to do. I will even tell them loudly, so the rude person can hear, that is what not to do since all disabilities cannot be seen.

Go, have fun, and do what you need to do to enjoy your vacation.

 

[Rychelle924]

thanks for all the wonderful adivce and comments!!!

 

[I Love Pluto]

You deserve a stress-free trip. Don't let others ruin your day. You're pushing against odds, and you are winning just by being out of the house.

Only YOU know what you need. Have a great trip!

 

[LisaBi]

Little did he know we had waited longer for that ride than he did.

So true! I remember once, but not which ride, we veered off the normal line b/c of the WC. The folks behind us were grumbling. Well, we met them back at the ride vehicle - we were getting ON as they were getting OFF. What they don't see is that on many rides once the WC's veer off, there is long back hallway or such, and often still long wait to get to the ride. I remember once when SpaceM had almost no wait (maybe 10 minutes regular line). We waited 30 minutes for WC. (And that about did my son in.)

 

[New York Digger]

think of your family First !! I have a child with a disablility..I also get a GAC card every trip.. I will walk on hot coals for my daughter.. so whats a rude comment..............there rude for saying it..

 

[aggordon2]

Don't pay any attention to them, we never do. My ds is autistic and we had to get a GAC the last two trips and if anybody said anything, we really didn't notice them. Why should we? We enjoyed ourselves and that is what counts.

 

[Jonell]

We never noticed other guest being rude when my husband used his GAC, but on our last trip 2 CM were very rude to him. This was the first time in 5 trips of him using the GAC that we encountered this. I did report it to Disney management and they were wonderful and assured me that it would be addressed. I'm hoping this won't happen again. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Rychelle924]

thanks so much everyone!! really, i appreciate all your replies so much!! One other question, when Im getting my GAC, does myson also need a card to use the closed caption screens, or the portable FM boxes and other hearing impaired assistive devices? does he get a card, or just the equiptment?

 

[AJKMOM]

For what it's worth, I have taken my autistic son to WDW about 18 times, and never had anyone say a thing to us.

 

[SueM in MN]

thanks so much everyone!! really, i appreciate all your replies so much!! One other question, when Im getting my GAC, does myson also need a card to use the closed caption screens, or the portable FM boxes and other hearing impaired assistive devices? does he get a card, or just the equiptment?

In our experience, there are several closed caption screens set up at each attraction that uses videos. So, just look for those. You used to have to turn them on and off, as needed.
For the reflective captioning, he would need to work with the attraction CM to get it set up, but I don't think a GAC is necessary for using that or any other assistive devices for those with hearing impairments.

Hopefully, someone with experience will come long and give you a more complete answer.

 

[Sandy321]

thanks so much everyone!! really, i appreciate all your replies so much!! One other question, when Im getting my GAC, does myson also need a card to use the closed caption screens, or the portable FM boxes and other hearing impaired assistive devices? does he get a card, or just the equiptment?

Its been 2 years since we used them. From reading the information on allears
http://allears.net/pl/listen.htm
http://allears.net/pl/handheld.htm

for these items - you go to the Guest Service in each park - put a deposit down, and you get that back when you return the device. Our experience 2 years ago was that the 2nd one was heavy and it wasnt always in synch - so we ended up carrying that - more information was gathered with the other senses (sight) and mom telling and pointing!

Reflective Captioning
http://allears.net/pl/reflect.htm
is what we continue to use! We do not get a GAC - but we know which attractions have them, and again, our first experience was some CM's wasnt aware of the device - so when checking in we told the CM we needed reflective captioning - we were then asked to stand and wait with the wheelchair entrance...

then when we were in the theatre (usually 5 min or less) we looked for where the backwards (usually red) was located (on the right side or on the left, or in the middle) Now, if the CM's were informed, they would ask us to sit in a certain area - and then they go to get the mirror -

it works the same as our tv closed captioning - its very helpful for when Donald Duck is speaking in Philharmagic!!

 

[Scarlett81]

Wow, I was just thinking of starting a thread about this very topic.
yes, I've had bad experiences.
I have cystic fibrosis, and unless I'm on IV medication with a chair, I don't look sick from the outside all the time. Its a blessing and a curse.
I get dehydrated extremely fast, even in 15-20 mins. I can walk fine, unless I'm on IVs. I get frequent coughing attacks, need medicine doses at different intervals which take up several hours per day, and I can't stand still for long or even shorter periods. The max time I can be in disney is 4 hours. So with little kids thats not alot of time! But I need to get back to my room to do my meds and physical therapy. We manage and still have a fantastic time.
I get a letter each year from my docs to give to guest relations at disney. One year, I had an awful experience that left me in tears and actually left me upset for hours after I had gotten in the park. I gave the cm my letter and asked for my gac.
She looked me up and down, said 'you don't look disabled to me', and said I couldn't have the gac. I calmly told her to read the letter, and said I get a gac every year. She rolled her eyes and said fine but only gave it to me for 2 people though I have a child. So that means that my hubby, me, and our daughter wouldn't be able to be together at all on anything!!!! I was so upset. (bc I know she could put more than 2 people down! plus she saw my baby-was I expected to go alone on each ride for our trip? or carry my baby alone on each ride?)
I protested of course. She leaned close to the glass and said 'i know what you're doing. be happy i gave you this card for 2 people. this is for people with REAL DISABILITIES or terminally ill children, not adults.' I was SHOCKED. I asked her 'what are you saying?!?' She replied 'well, whats your disability?' (though I already gave her the letter!) I firmly told her that according to the disabilities act she had no right to ask me that, and I needed the manager. When I said the words disabilities act she seemed to get scared and said forget it, and was about to just hand me the card for 3 people. But I insisted on seeing a manager. The manager came out, asked me what I wanted, read my letter and gave me a gac for 6 people.
I was crying at that point, I think just from embarassment, and tiredness. I should have told the manager word for word everything that cast member did, but I didn't. I just left. It was awful and it ruined our day.
There have been several attractions where the gac just doesn't help. I think at times its been legitimate and I know there's times its been the cm at the front of the ride at that particular time. But 90% of the time we have good experiences.
There's only once I can think of where a fellow traveler at a ride made comments to us. But to be honest, I couldn't care less. I've gotten thick skin from women at grocery stores over the years who've called me a liar for using my disabled parking tag. This is pretty common with people that have Cf. Its sad and a big frustration.
We're going to dw again in the fall, this time with our newest little one who'll be 6 months old at the time. We're soooo excited, but I'm also nervous about this aspect. We haven't traveled with 2 kids yet and I don't want to get sick or exhausted but also want to give the kids a wonderful time. I really don't want to be embarrassed again like that. Especially now that my daughter is older and understands more.

 

[zstyles]

I guess I am the type of person that I don't really care what other people thing about me! Ill never see them again so be it! We are going in October with our autistic daughter and will all have a GAC (I am new to this whole thing so am learning alot from these boards preparing, this is a WISH trip from the sunshine foundation.)...so if anyone gives me a dirty look I am pretty good at giving it back a GIANT smile!(that usually confuses people no matter WHAT situation your in) they just look really confused after that!

 

[janabananas]

Wow, I was just thinking of starting a thread about this very topic.
yes, I've had bad experiences.
I have cystic fibrosis, and unless I'm on IV medication with a chair, I don't look sick from the outside all the time. Its a blessing and a curse.
I get dehydrated extremely fast, even in 15-20 mins. I can walk fine, unless I'm on IVs. I get frequent coughing attacks, need medicine doses at different intervals which take up several hours per day, and I can't stand still for long or even shorter periods. The max time I can be in disney is 4 hours. So with little kids thats not alot of time! But I need to get back to my room to do my meds and physical therapy. We manage and still have a fantastic time.
I get a letter each year from my docs to give to guest relations at disney. One year, I had an awful experience that left me in tears and actually left me upset for hours after I had gotten in the park. I gave the cm my letter and asked for my gac.
She looked me up and down, said 'you don't look disabled to me', and said I couldn't have the gac. I calmly told her to read the letter, and said I get a gac every year. She rolled her eyes and said fine but only gave it to me for 2 people though I have a child. So that means that my hubby, me, and our daughter wouldn't be able to be together at all on anything!!!! I was so upset. (bc I know she could put more than 2 people down! plus she saw my baby-was I expected to go alone on each ride for our trip? or carry my baby alone on each ride?)
I protested of course. She leaned close to the glass and said 'i know what you're doing. be happy i gave you this card for 2 people. this is for people with REAL DISABILITIES or terminally ill children, not adults.' I was SHOCKED. I asked her 'what are you saying?!?' She replied 'well, whats your disability?' (though I already gave her the letter!) I firmly told her that according to the disabilities act she had no right to ask me that, and I needed the manager. When I said the words disabilities act she seemed to get scared and said forget it, and was about to just hand me the card for 3 people. But I insisted on seeing a manager. The manager came out, asked me what I wanted, read my letter and gave me a gac for 6 people.
I was crying at that point, I think just from embarassment, and tiredness. I should have told the manager word for word everything that cast member did, but I didn't. I just left. It was awful and it ruined our day.
There have been several attractions where the gac just doesn't help. I think at times its been legitimate and I know there's times its been the cm at the front of the ride at that particular time. But 90% of the time we have good experiences.
There's only once I can think of where a fellow traveler at a ride made comments to us. But to be honest, I couldn't care less. I've gotten thick skin from women at grocery stores over the years who've called me a liar for using my disabled parking tag. This is pretty common with people that have Cf. Its sad and a big frustration.
We're going to dw again in the fall, this time with our newest little one who'll be 6 months old at the time. We're soooo excited, but I'm also nervous about this aspect. We haven't traveled with 2 kids yet and I don't want to get sick or exhausted but also want to give the kids a wonderful time. I really don't want to be embarrassed again like that. Especially now that my daughter is older and understands more.

I am in a similar situation. I am in CHF and have cardiomyopathy. I take meds, *try* to eat right & exercise routinely, etc. I do not look sick, I just look like a 30-something, pudgy lady. However I get fatigued easily and have difficulty breathing and get sob without a/c or upon exertion. Let me tell you doing laundry and especially bending over is a pain!!

I was going to try to get a GAC and see if that would help me, in my situation. I have decided that I am just going to rent a wheelchair. Not necessarily due to problems getting a GAC card but I don't know if one would really help me. I am pretty sure I will be fine in the pavillions and ride lines but getting around the parks is going to be the part that will tire me the most. I wasn't sure I was going to get a w/c at first because I didn't want to take it from someone who "really" needed it but I might need it and dont want my trip ruined because I pass out from exhaustion. just my 2 cents