Gac

[MinnieVanMom]

I just need to ask, why does the GAC bring out the best and worst in people? I posted over on the DL board about being told to bring a letter from the Dr and it has turned into a holier than thou debate. Why? I thought the GAC was to help DS when his disability prevents him from experiencing the park the way NT can. Why all the debate about not having to use it or using it? Truly, we are all in the club together, why not just support each other.

Rant over.

 

[Brightsy]

I'm sorry things got messy.

A Dr.s letter isn't needed. Every park I've been to from WDW to Kennywood to 6Flags hasn't asked for one. They can't ask for one.
I simply tell them my DS is autistic and explain his needs.
I don't know why so many people get so worked up about it.

 

[Schmeck]

I'm not seeing the 'debate', if it's this thread you are talking about:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2202380

I'm just seeing parents showing how they are teaching their children how to handle issues, etc. I actually applaud the parents who are doing this. Not saying the OP here isn't, of course, but I really don't see any 'holier than thou' attitudes.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I think I am just feeling bad because of all the ABA we do with DS to teach easy things, there is just no way we can go without a GAC. Maybe I am just jealous of others and how well their children are doing. I am sorry, it just makes me upset some days because we really do try hard. I think deep down that I really do just hate the fact that we do have to have a GAC, I wish we didn't live in the world of autism and just want our life to be like everyone else. I just wish I could have bragging rights and say my son can stand in line and not touch strangers constantly. Again, I am just jealous that other parents of autistic kids can wait and mine just can't.

 

[SandrA9810]

Kari went into GR one time to get a GAC card for my sister's kids. 3 have autistic like disablities (but it's inheridated), and the lady wanted to know what was wrong with the kids, they looked normal. Until she tried speaking to Gaby who was like 7 at the time and got a bunch of sounds out of her.
Kari even found this rude, since they're not supposed to ask what's wrong. And we were a rather large party thanks to 5 kids (3 adults). But with 3 of them having problems it shouldn't have been an issue even if there were 8 of us.

 

[SueM in MN]

According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), someone with a disability may be asked a few things, including what sort of assistance they need.
They may not be asked what their disability is and they may not be asked for proof of the disability. If someone chooses to provide proof, they may, but the CMs may not ask for anything and the CMs may choose to not look at it. Often the letters are not very helpful because they only talk about the diagnosis and not the needs of the person. Letters are also sometimes so short they are not helpful, ask for things that are not possible or are so long that it is not reasonable for a CM to read it.

There is a lot of variation about whether people (even with the same diagnosis) feel they need a GAC. Because everyone is different, there is no one right answer. Some people feel they can't go to WDW without a GAC and others use it only for a few select situations or are able to manage well without it.
It's not a 'holier than thou' or 'some people are not doing enough' situation. It's just that everyone is different and dealing with their own reality.

 

[brergnat]

I think I am just feeling bad because of all the ABA we do with DS to teach easy things, there is just no way we can go without a GAC. Maybe I am just jealous of others and how well their children are doing. I am sorry, it just makes me upset some days because we really do try hard. I think deep down that I really do just hate the fact that we do have to have a GAC, I wish we didn't live in the world of autism and just want our life to be like everyone else. I just wish I could have bragging rights and say my son can stand in line and not touch strangers constantly. Again, I am just jealous that other parents of autistic kids can wait and mine just can't.

I know how you feel. I responded to your earlier post, not to attack you, but to provide some insight as to how I KNOW that others are abusing the GAC when I know they shouldn't be. I have chosen to teach my son to wait at Disneyland, because it is very "routine" for us. We go there very often, due to living only 15 min away. We have had AP's since he was born, so I have used the parks as a learning tool for him, and it has helped immensely for it to be part of his routine. Not everyone has this luxury, I know. By the time I learned about the GAC, my son "had it down" in terms of our Disneyland routine...waiting in lines, eating there, experiencing the attractions, etc.

BUT, please, I know what you are going through. It's so hard. Don't think for a second that just because my son can "wait in line without a GAC", that we have it easy with him. I find myself wishing EVERY DAY that we could be like a normal family, and do things that "normal families" can do. I tried recently to take my son to a movie in a theatre (Up), and it went horribly bad. He freaked out, and I have no idea why. My three year old was fine, but we had to leave, and I felt awful because it's just ANOTHER example of "something else" we can't do because DS can't handle it. More feeling sorry for my younger son, and more pity party for me...

We can't stay in a normal hotel room, like "most families". Our autistic son can't sleep if we are in the same room as us. Means we have to spring for a suite when we travel. And, since that costs $$$...we can never go anywhere.

We recently took our FIRST plane trip as a family, because DS had an anxiety about airplanes for the past two years, which he finally just got over a few months ago. We had our first family trip planned to WDW which was supposed to happen last month, in celebration of DH coming home from a year long deployment, but we had to cancel it because DS was so scared of flying. We took a short local flight instead, and he did fine, but I couldn't take the chance that he'd freak out on a cross country plane trip...

Everything we do requires planning, discussion with DS, and agreement from him before we can do it. If he does not want to do it, we can't do it, or he totally melts down and has panic and anxiety attacks. He's not even 5 but he (his condition) basically runs our lives. Trust me, I wish more than anything that we didn't have to live like this.

DH and I were discussing taking a Disney Cruise, so we brought it up to DS...apparently, BIG SHIPS are #1 on his "most feared" list now...and he won't even discuss it. When we mention boats, ships, cruises, etc., he immediately says "I want to stop it!".

Disneyland used to be the ONE place that I could escape to, but recently, DS doesn't even want to go there. He cries whenever I ask him if he wants to go. I think something there is causing him some sensory issues or anxiety, but he can't verbalize what exactly it is.

 

[Brightsy]

I'm one those with a child who can wait. It's become routine for my son to wait for rides. That being said if he has a wait that is too long, more than 15 or 20 minutes, and there is no sign of moving or the end coming he can be a nightmare. My son has learned that if he wants the front seat of a coaster it'll be a longer wait. He's ok with it, so long as he can see at least part of the coaster. If his goal is in sight he's ok for a time.
I can't tell you, tho', how many times we've waited for a ride, got to the front to have my guy change his mind. *sigh* Never happens on coasters, but it has for a lot of other things.
We still have tons of challenges. I get the GAC because I might need it. I hope that I won't but I might... it makes life a lot easier for us.
My son sometimes does so well that it's easy for others to forget he has any problems at all. This usually results in me getting a lecture from some family member on how to control my child better. They know he has autism, but they don't see him often. They'll see him and he'll be all good and patient and sweet... then out of the blue he'll implode and they think I can do something about it because he was just so good just before. Ugh.

 

[christymarie]

LOL, my older son is notorious for waiting in line (with much wiggling, flailing, jabbering, and unintentional running into those around us) and then when he is 2-3 people from the front of the line deciding to bail on the ride and refusing to go on it. Seriously thought my head was going to explode the first time that happened. We realized that the waiting and anticipating that makes most kids excited about going on a ride actually psyched him out. He made the experience so huge in his own head that by the time he got to the ride itself he was too afraid to ride it.

With the GAC we are able to distract him from the idea that he is waiting since most of the time we are not even in line (usually a holding area) and he is able to go on the rides without bailing.

 

[SueM in MN]

With the GAC we are able to distract him from the idea that he is waiting since most of the time we are not even in line (usually a holding area) and he is able to go on the rides without bailing.

Just for clarification, not all attractions have a separate place to wait. For those that do, it is very nice.
Also, since what is written on the GAC is based on the individual person's needs, not everyone will have that written on their GAC. For more information about GACs, you can look in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That thread is near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

 

[pudge the fish]

I think maybe that people read about all these people who get the gac so they can get in front of the line or get a WC or ECV so they can be first in line.
I think that makes people who don't understand how kids can freak out when in a line or can't stand still or have to be in stroller when they are 10 or 12 think people are faking or just can't make their kids behave.

I can barely stand to be in tight lines - Think Jungle cruise -I did this few weeks ago and wanted to run screaming from the people all around me -
I can't imagine being a kid who can't filter how to avoid a meltdown. I have to close my eyes and repeat over and over I will be ok-but then crammed in a line with no escape -I really have to keep my eyes shut!

Some kids can do different things- no one is the same and everyone handles things differently. No one can tell you or anyone what will work with their kid.
thats why the GAC works - for everyone involved-

again

 

[SueM in MN]

I think maybe that people read about all these people who get the gac so they can get in front of the line or get a WC or ECV so they can be first in line.

Yes, people assume that's what happens, so they get upset thinking someone might get something.
But, people who actually use wheelchairs, ECVs and GACs understand that they often actually wait longer using those things. They just get to wait in a place that would be accessible/reasonable for them to wait in.

 

[pudge the fish]

Yes, people assume that's what happens, so they get upset thinking someone might get something.
But, people who actually use wheelchairs, ECVs and GACs understand that they often actually wait longer using those things. They just get to wait in a place that would be accessible/reasonable for them to wait in.

Oh I know about waits-my Good Friend who is in a WC and can't transfer has had to wait a long time- we go into a seperate line with her and to some it may seem we are bypassing the line BUT: for it's a small world we waited as there were 7 WC /ECV's in front of us, jungle cruise same thing 5 in front of us, carpets, 6 in front of us. with only 1 ride vehicle for WC it can a very long time to get a ride. She & I wait while others go off and ride what she can't. there are times they ride 2-3 rides while we are still waiting.

 

[WishesQueen]

My situation is different then the rest of you, but my family loves the GAC card. Thankfully we have never had a problem with other guests or WDW cast members.

My dd12 has albinism, we need to keep her out of the sun and even under a covering the glare is sometimes very hard for her. She's visually blind and needs to sit front and center for most of the shows. We usually have a Dr. note but NEVER need it. Guest Services told us years ago to always bring the one from the following year (if you travel there every year) and it works well.

We travel to WDW every year because its hard to find somewhere to go on vacation that doesn't include a beach. WDW makes it very comfortable for my family and we never feel that there is something she cant participate in.

I am glad we don't wait on alot of lines, but I wish we didn't need the GAC card and that she didn't have any disabilities. But when you have lemons make lemonaid!!!

Good Luck to everyone!!!

 

[nursymel]

I feel as if I have been making a lot of lemonade lately.But,that's okay.We have to make the best of what we have been given.I love to actually read nice stories on here.Disney for our family and MANY is the most magical place on Earth.The CM's definitely go out of their ways to make sure everyone,disability or not has a wonderful experience!
94 days til Boardwalk Villas!!!!!but who's counting

 

[PatMcDuck]

Well, those of us that have it rough, know how you feel. I have 2 teens with health problems or a disability. Both "qualify" for GAC accomodations most of the time. One has Downs and is also autistic, the other has a serious rheumatological disease, and steroid complications led to 3 major bone surgeries). I was at WDW last week (without the kids) and I was talking about some lines or something, and I said "well, we are lucky because we don't wait for.." (something, I forget) and then I started LAUGHING at myself! LUCKY! HAHAHA! Lucky to have 2 disabled or sick kids! (one trip both were in wheelchairs for example) Lucky? I have to change the 19 year old son's poopy pants every day when he wakes up! Funny what becomes normal.

And he also won't go to sleep if we are in the same room, thank goodness for DVC...........

I think many think GAC is a front of the line pass, and that is why the posts come from all angles at times on DIS, trying to let many guests know this is not the case. We are going to WDW over New Years, and DD wants to go off on her own. She asked me if she could have her own GAC and go off with her cousins. (she will be almost 18). I had to explain to HER, that it all depends on how she is doing in 6 months. She may be healthy enough to not "qualify" for GAC accomodations. (her brother, sadly, will always need the GAC help).

 

[bookgirl]

We got one last Jan. My stepdad (who is a cancer patient) has torn ligaments in his knee. He really didn't want to do WDW in a wheel chair so we got a GAC. He just needed to spend the least amount of time standing/walking. The GAC gave him the help he needed, and when we were out in the parks itself we took lots of sit down breaks to give him a breather. We are hopeing to go again next Jan. I will be getting him another GAC for sure. We will also pay for a preferred room if we stay Value or request a front room at WL or AKL.

 

[TiggerCate]

I think people are sensitive because of the potential for abuse. I have to say that every once in awhile I read about someone wanting or getting one, and it raises my eyebrows, but I just keep my mouth shut.

 

[SpecEdismyLife]

I know how you feel. Personally we would not be able to take our son with severe Autism and profoundly deaf, without the GAC. That being said, if a line is less than 20 minutes we wait. That is about his limit and really 15 minutes is more ideal around other people and we wait that long even with the GAC. After that amount of time and full blown, laying on the ground due to sensory issues. I do not feel bad when we have to use the card either. We work very hard every single day with our son, trying to make his as "normal" as possible and quite frankly he never will be. I would trade the GAC in a second and wait for an hour and a half or two hours if it was an option but it is not. We would not be able to take him to WDW (where he has made his biggest strides) without the GAC. Use the GAC and don't feel bad about it. You know you are not one that is going to abuse it.

 

[buffettgirl]

I think also the turmoil over this comes from parents themselves. I am sitting here mulling over if I will get a GAC for my son when we go to disney next week. (he has type 1 diabetes) I have a whole list of pros and cons and I still cant' decide. On the pro side - waiting in hot july sun with insulin degrades the insulin a LOT. on the con side - the simple act of begin in the parks in the hot july sun will degrade the insulin and there is no GAC that will allow him not to be in any heat LOL. So I go back and forth in my mind..does he need it? Is it the right message to send to him? is it the right message to send to the world? and then I go back to 'screw what the rest of the world thinks, what matters is protecting DS and making sure he is healthy while we're at disney. And yet, then I hear from parents who say "Oh just get it - you really do wait less" and that's despite what everyone says ...that the gac doesn't lessen wait times, I have tons of parents who use it who tell me it does. So back adn forth, back and forth.

so...I think this is where a lot of turmoil comes from on these threads. Many of us just simply hate the thought that we even have a child who could potentially need a GAC..I know I do...I hate that thought.

sigh.. I wish it were easier. I wish we could have a talk about these things without it becoming a fight.