Guest Assistance Cards ending, to be replaced with Fastpasses?

[babydoll65]

I'm thinking the first thing they are after is those renting the wheelchairs/ECVs simply to use the accessible entrances. They are the easiest I think to to target first, and I think this could work fairly well for that.

It's the more specialized cases that are problematic, and how they can retain the flexibility while also limiting it to those who truly need it while handcuffed by the law is the big question.

q

How would you go about targeting these people? I'll admit that there are many renting scooters that do not need them. But my mother absolutely needs to rent a scooter so how should someone at disney approach this type of abuse. If it were legal for disney to ask for some sort of proof from a doctor then THAT would end alot of abuse. But due to hippa laws that's what makes it the most difficult. During this trip my mom has already rented a scooter and will probably be using the assesable entrances to certain rides but she will not be using a DAS because she does not qualify for it because cms can visually see her issue.

 

[Gracie09]

q

How would you go about targeting these people? I'll admit that there are many renting scooters that do not need them. But my mother absolutely needs to rent a scooter so how should someone at disney approach this type of abuse. If it were legal for disney to ask for some sort of proof from a doctor then THAT would end alot of abuse. But due to hippa laws that's what makes it the most difficult. During this trip my mom has already rented a scooter and will probably be using the assesable entrances to certain rides but she will not be using a DAS because she does not qualify for it because cms can visually see her issue.

Hippa law has nothing to do with this since Disney is not a medical center, doctors office etc. the ada does allow any establishment to require proof to receive accommodations that give them equal access. You can't just make a disney specific law.

 

[babydoll65]

Hippa law has nothing to do with this since Disney is not a medical center, doctors office etc. the ada does allow any establishment to require proof to receive accommodations that give them equal access. You can't just make a disney specific law.

If that is the case, why is disney not asking for some sort of a general doctor's note. Right now there is nothing stopping someone from getting a scooter from an outside source without having to provide any sort of proof. My mother can provide a doctor's note without giving away her actual diagnosis but disney does not require or want it. But how else can you actually stop the abuse without providing concreat proof yet not violate a patient's rights. Disney does have the right to ask for something no different than a school or job would ask for some sort of note if your out for more than three days.

 

[Gracie09]

If that is the case, why is disney not asking for some sort of a general doctor's note. Right now there is nothing stopping someone from getting a scooter from an outside source without having to provide any sort of proof. My mother can provide a doctor's note without giving away her actual diagnosis but disney does not require or want it. But how else can you actually stop the abuse without providing concreat proof yet not violate a patient's rights.

A doctors note doesn't prove anything. I can make a great looking fake complete with letterhead in under 20 minutes with a laptop and printer. Besides the ada doesn't not permit Disney or anyone to require provide of a disability which Is what a doctors note would be. Besides most ECvs are either outside rentals or personal units. So to whom should the disabled person show the doctors note? And if I want or need a scooter to use in a grocery store or mall I have to show them proof? Or again are you making a Disney specific law?

 

[Gracie09]

There are alway going to be people who try to cheat the system. Look at handicap parking tags. People try and use those when they aren't entitled to all the time and they require doctors to fill out paperwork. It about balancing equal access to rides vs people trying to cheat the system. And if the cm enforce the wheelchairs/scooters (if tht is the only requirement) go trough the lines that are mainstreamed then it will cut down on those trying to game the system because there is no perceived advantage

 

[babydoll65]

There are alway going to be people who try to cheat the system. Look at handicap parking tags. People try and use those when they aren't entitled to all the time and they require doctors to fill out paperwork. It about balancing equal access to rides vs people trying to cheat the system. And if the cm enforce the wheelchairs/scooters (if tht is the only requirement) go trough the lines that are mainstreamed then it will cut down on those trying to game the system because there is no perceived advantage

I was not saying that I want disney to make any kind of specific law. I am talking about people stating that with the new DAS card that it would cut down on guests renting scooters that were faking a disability. All I'm asking is how does someone like my 70 year old mother who absolutely needs one but does not qualify for a DAS not get looked at like she's cheating the system. We used fast passes our last trip and they were ignored by cms when we went on thunder mountain because we had to use the exit to get on the ride and we did not get on earlier in fact we waited about 15 min past our fp time.

 

[jcb]

I was not saying that I want disney to make any kind of specific law. I am talking about people stating that with the new DAS card that it would cut down on guests renting scooters that were faking a disability. All I'm asking is how does someone like my 70 year old mother who absolutely needs one but does not qualify for a DAS not get looked at like she's cheating the system. We used fast passes our last trip and they were ignored by cms when we went on thunder mountain because we had to use the exit to get on the ride and we did not get on earlier in fact we waited about 15 min past our fp time.

I've not seen anyone assert that the new policy would cut down on "guests renting scooter that were faking a disability." Assuming that happens, the new policy would remove the popularly perceived benefit of having a scooter, that they give the user, and his 20 family members, get a front of the line pass. It won't literally prevent a guest who does not have any disability from renting a scooter. As I said above, the DOJ's position is that Disney cannot require "proof" of a mobility disability. So anyone can bring in a scooter or rent one from Disney. The question now is why would they?

 

[WaltD4Me]

I was not saying that I want disney to make any kind of specific law. I am talking about people stating that with the new DAS card that it would cut down on guests renting scooters that were faking a disability. All I'm asking is how does someone like my 70 year old mother who absolutely needs one but does not qualify for a DAS not get looked at like she's cheating the system. We used fast passes our last trip and they were ignored by cms when we went on thunder mountain because we had to use the exit to get on the ride and we did not get on earlier in fact we waited about 15 min past our fp time.

You do not have to have a disability to rent a scooter, nor should it be a requirement. When we went a few years ago, my mom just could not handle all the walking in the parks, she had to go back to the resort after 1/2 a day on the first day of our trip because her joints were hurting so bad. The next day we got her a scooter and she was able to stay all day for the rest of the trip. Sometimes you think you can do it, but under estimate the size and scope of the parks. As for not get looked at like she is cheating, not much you can do about that. I know, because my mom got some nasty looks on that trip. People are going to think what they want to, ignore them.

 

[Gracie09]

I was not saying that I want disney to make any kind of specific law. I am talking about people stating that with the new DAS card that it would cut down on guests renting scooters that were faking a disability. All I'm asking is how does someone like my 70 year old mother who absolutely needs one but does not qualify for a DAS not get looked at like she's cheating the system. We used fast passes our last trip and they were ignored by cms when we went on thunder mountain because we had to use the exit to get on the ride and we did not get on earlier in fact we waited about 15 min past our fp time.

Well Disney is powerful but they don't make laws yet. So Disney would not make a law, that would be the government in this case a hange to ada would be the federal govt. if they did I bet dollars to donuts that Disney would fight it as it would give other theme parks an advantage over them- universal, seaworld, Hershey etc
Unfortunately even the federal govt can't control peoples thought or looks. And even if Disney did require proof of disability for a scooter there is no reason to think everyone will know that and looks will continue. Look at how many people think you pay for fastpass. My dd2 is mixed race and brown skinned. She gets looks my other dd who is white doesn't. And when she's old enough to see them I will have to explain about people's ignorance. But I can't get a law passed saying you can't think bad things or look at her funny.

 

[doconeill]

I was not saying that I want disney to make any kind of specific law. I am talking about people stating that with the new DAS card that it would cut down on guests renting scooters that were faking a disability. All I'm asking is how does someone like my 70 year old mother who absolutely needs one but does not qualify for a DAS not get looked at like she's cheating the system. We used fast passes our last trip and they were ignored by cms when we went on thunder mountain because we had to use the exit to get on the ride and we did not get on earlier in fact we waited about 15 min past our fp time.

It would take away or at least reduce the advantage, perceived or real, that someone with a wheelchair/ECV has. Instead of being able to just enter through the accessible entrance, they have to wait. Then there is no need to rent the WC/ECV.

By not allowing faster access, I think this will curtail the practice. However, given that you essentially get a Fastpass out this (if implemented as reported), I actually still see at least some advantage (an extra track of Fastpasses beyond the norm), as it would allow someone to go on a different attraction while waiting. So I'm not sure how effective it could be at this point.

I'm not at all certain what you mean by "needing one but does not qualify" though.

 

[SueM in MN]

We ran into the TSM back up every now and then when my son could ride the attraction. It seemed hit or miss. I agree that I don't see how the DAS could cut down on that. Only adding on more cars to load or changing the queue so that riders who don't need an accessible car (many can't do steps but aren't using a w/c on the attraction) could load at the exit would change this problem.



Just be careful switching drivers. We met a family who was staying at AKL at the end of May early June and the dad fell off the bus ramp and ended up with serious injuries. He had to be helicoptered to a hospital.

If they have an idea about how many people who need that area are expected at a certain time, it would give them time to make some arrangements to handle the number of people.

One way would be to add the second accessible ride car (it exists, it's just not always used).

Another way would be to send guests who are able to get into a regular ride car, but not able to climb the stairs to wait in the accessible line, walk thru the accessible boarding area and board at the exit for the regular line.

When they started doing Return Passes at Radiator Springs Racers in Disneyland, it did space out guests who needed special access, so I don't see a reason why it would not at WDW.

RE: babydoll65 question about wheelchairs and ECVs, you will not need a DAS to use a mobility device in line.

 

[Kristibo42]

My sister has a bad heart and has to use a scooter. To look at her you can't tell but if she was to walk even 10 minutes you can tell. So in December she will have a scooter.

 

[doconeill]

If they have an idea about how many people who need that area are expected at a certain time, it would give them time to make some arrangements to handle the number of people.

One way would be to add the second accessible ride car (it exists, it's just not always used).

Another way would be to send guests who are able to get into a regular ride car, but not able to climb the stairs to wait in the accessible line, walk thru the accessible boarding area and board at the exit for the regular line.

What I wondered is can't they send a non-accessible car to the accessible loading area? I thought they could send any car over with the push of a button. But when we did it, we had to wait for the single accessible car, when we didn't need it (DFiL could transfer, it just took time) - and of course for everyone in front of us, including the extra loading time for those that DID need that car.

 

[babydoll65]

It would take away or at least reduce the advantage, perceived or real, that someone with a wheelchair/ECV has. Instead of being able to just enter through the accessible entrance, they have to wait. Then there is no need to rent the WC/ECV.

By not allowing faster access, I think this will curtail the practice. However, given that you essentially get a Fastpass out this (if implemented as reported), I actually still see at least some advantage (an extra track of Fastpasses beyond the norm), as it would allow someone to go on a different attraction while waiting. So I'm not sure how effective it could be at this point.

I'm not at all certain what you mean by "needing one but does not qualify" though.

Sue had stated that anyone with mobility issues doesnt need a GAC because a cm can clearly see that she has a issue and since the scooter takes care of the problem a gac is not needed. She recently had back surgery and about eight months ago knee replacement surgery. At age 70 I think she's doing pretty good but by know means could handle all the walking around parks. This is why we need to rent a scooter but was told she didn't need a gac. I'm totaly fine with that since we always used the fp system. Most attractions she can ride her scooter in and others like pirates of the Caribbean she has to switch to a wheelchair and go through the regular line.

 

[doconeill]

Sue had stated that anyone with mobility issues doesnt need a GAC because a cm can clearly see that she has a issue and since the scooter takes care of the problem a gac is not needed. She recently had back surgery and about eight months ago knee replacement surgery. At age 70 I think she's doing pretty good but by know means could handle all the walking around parks. This is why we need to rent a scooter but was told she didn't need a gac. I'm totaly fine with that since we always used the fp system. Most attractions she can ride her scooter in and others like pirates of the Caribbean she has to switch to a wheelchair and go through the regular line.

But the GAC is going away, being replaced by the DAS or whatever it is called, which will be different and she may qualify for it then, at least for attractions where she can't go through the main line and transfer.

We don't know yet who qualifies for the DAS or not.

 

[SueM in MN]

What I wondered is can't they send a non-accessible car to the accessible loading area? I thought they could send any car over with the push of a button. But when we did it, we had to wait for the single accessible car, when we didn't need it (DFiL could transfer, it just took time) - and of course for everyone in front of us, including the extra loading time for those that DID need that car.

They can, but it takes a little while to change the track over (sort of like switching a train onto a spur line).

CMs have told us they are allowed to 'call' a non-accessible car over to the accessible boarding area in specific circumstances.
Because of the time it takes to change over from a car with seats to one a wheelchair can go into, they are allowed to call one non accessible car over each time they have to switch the seat out.

Currently they don't send guests from the accessible area to the regular area for boarding, but if they could, they could make the accessible loading area more efficient by using the accessible vehicle for several wheelchair parties in a row.

 

[babydoll65]

But the GAC is going away, being replaced by the DAS or whatever it is called, which will be different and she may qualify for it then, at least for attractions where she can't go through the main line and transfer.

We don't know yet who qualifies for the DAS or not.

I asumed in some aspects it would still run the same as far as mobility issues. This is where this DAS really confuses me. I'm not sure under this new system weather she would qualify or not. We're going the second week of November which is a very slow week. We use crowd calendars and just set up our fp+ rides so other than .maybe a handful of rides she's even willing to do there's only a few that she would need to enter from a different entrance.

 

[buckeev]

Good for you for allowing your son to become exposed to "life" and according to the professionals, your actions more than likely helped him overcome his developmental issues.

For many families, the learning curve for "teaching life skills" to our Autistic kiddos can be massive. Every day. School, home, doctors offices-(boy-oh-boy, those are so much fun).
On some things, our son is slowly becoming somewhat flexible.
Other things...no "so much"...At WDW, we get to "his" parade viewing spots 90-120 minutes before the parade starts-rain or shine, hot-or-cold, etc. We wait, then watch and watch again as the parades double back, if they do. They eat up a ton of time, so I'm really hopeful the FP+ system will offer a decent option for viewing. We'll see.
We've tried to get him more flexible on that, but it hasn't worked.
But some things, (Chef Mickey's for example), he'll wait an extremely long time usually with no meltdowns...No rhyme or reason though, (at least to us). He doesn't ride very many rides, so that helps, but the few he likes-he wants to do over-and-over. Depending on how the new DAS presents and evolves, we'll try to make whatever realistic adjustments he'll tolerate. We also have options in the area that he'll enjoy-US obviously, but Sea World and Lego Land, neither of which he has been to. We just hafta prepare ahead of time for whatever we can, and roll with the punches when we get there.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

GAC to DAS? Whats DAS stand for?

 

[buckeev]

GAC to DAS? Whats DAS stand for?

Disabled Assistance System