Guest relations not believing me?

[Jnc91]

We are going to Disneyland on may 13(mothers day). My son has sensory issues and his OT told us to go to guest relations to pick up a gac(I think that's what its called). She said we didn't need a note just tell them he has a hard time in crowds/lines and needs to use the wheelchair(alternative) entrance. Since he looks so "normal" I'm afraid they will think I'm lying. Can they deny us that card?

 

[katrina1122]

Nope, they can't ask because of the ADA.

 

[AJKMOM]

We've gotten a GAC for my 24 year old son at least once a year since he was 4, and no one ever asked us for proof. He is autistic, and you can't really tell until he opens his mouth!

 

[clanmcculloch]

They can not deny you the card. What they can do is ask you to explain why he can't do crowds or regular lines. You have to be able to explain the problem(s) that he'll encounter which would prevent him from going to the attraction. Saying that he has sensory problems and can't handle crowds doesn't give the full picture. What happens in crowds?

You need to be aware of a few things.
1) the accomodation that you're given may not result in you going into the accessible line
2) many rides are mainstreamed so there is no separate accessible line
3) the attractions that have accessible line can result in longer waits in that accessible line than in the regular line
4) not all attractions have accomodations
5) there are no accomodations for between attractions or at dining locations and crowds can become really bad in these areas

Depending on his age, he may benefit from a stroller as a wheelchair tag. This would allow him to stay in his stroller even in lines, basically anywhere a wheelchair can go but a stroller wouldn't normally be allowed. This can be beneficial because leaning back in the stroller can provide him with stable sensory inputs while at the same time providing a barrier between him and the world so he won't get bumped and so that he can somewhat hide away in the stroller to get away from the surrounding sensory inputs. A sunshade really helps with that last point. If it's not too hot then a light cover over the stroller can as well.

 

[SueM in MN]

They can not deny you the card. What they can do is ask you to explain why he can't do crowds or regular lines. You have to be able to explain the problem(s) that he'll encounter which would prevent him from going to the attraction. Saying that he has sensory problems and can't handle crowds doesn't give the full picture. What happens in crowds?

You need to be aware of a few things.
1) the accomodation that you're given may not result in you going into the accessible line
2) many rides are mainstreamed so there is no separate accessible line
3) the attractions that have accessible line can result in longer waits in that accessible line than in the regular line
4) not all attractions have accomodations
5) there are no accomodations for between attractions or at dining locations and crowds can become really bad in these areas

Depending on his age, he may benefit from a stroller as a wheelchair tag. This would allow him to stay in his stroller even in lines, basically anywhere a wheelchair can go but a stroller wouldn't normally be allowed. This can be beneficial because leaning back in the stroller can provide him with stable sensory inputs while at the same time providing a barrier between him and the world so he won't get bumped and so that he can somewhat hide away in the stroller to get away from the surrounding sensory inputs. A sunshade really helps with that last point. If it's not too hot then a light cover over the stroller can as well.

Agree

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.
It was written about WDW, but the general information applies to both WDW and DL.

 

[Mama Who]

And just to reassure you, the whole *point* of the GAC is to help people who "don't look disabled." They *expect* him to look "normal."

 

[bookwormde]

One important aspect is to "declare" that your child has a disability, just by using those words it brings all the ADA protections into place.

 

[KPeveler]

I will say this - the wheelchair entrance does NOT always mean a quieter place, shorter line, easier place to wait, less confusing, or better in any way.

As an example, I went to DL today and I have both a person manual wheelchair and a GAC. Obviously I always go in the wheelchair line, which is often the mainstream line.

I took a photo of the accessible line at Jungle Cruise (which is is considered a "C" ticket ride or so) (also many people with certain GAC stamps end up here). It actually took me 3 photos to get the whole line. And this is pretty normal for a moderate season Saturday. The line was just as long, anhgd in my opinion, busier than the standard line. I will post the photos later to show what the "accessible/GAC" line is. If I could have, I would have gone in the regular line, but it has stairs.

Something to keep in mind is that in DL, the wheelchair entrance is usually in full sunlight. And at the exit, so you are fighting people coming out to get in.

Honestly my sensory issues are helped more by my wheelchair providing personal space than my GAC.

Depending on the age of your child, I think using a stroller as a wheelchair (you get a GAC for that) would be your best bet. That way you use the wheelchair accessible line, but it would give your child personal space to avoid touching, etc. Also, you can have a shade, which may be very important.

On a busy day like you are going, I would expect, no matter what GAC you have, for the wheelchair accessible lines to be as long or longer than the standard line.

GACs are not intended to shorten the wait time, and on a busy day like that, they really won't.

Being able to keep the stroller with you may be your best bet. And it is treated like a wheelchair in this case, so you use accessible lines and get access to wheelchair viewing areas and wheelchair areas in theatres.

 

[bocaj1431]

It was recommended on this thread that you use a stroller for your child with sensory needs. I am not sure if this is the case for your child but, having sensory processing issues can make the use of something like a stroller more difficult for the child.

If that is the case for your child, I would recommend going to guest assistance and explaining to the CM your child's difficulties and use their advice. While it does state on the GAC, the card is not meant to shorten the line or wait, that does not mean the card will not have options that can assist your child. My child has many issues and one of those is sensory processing difficulties. We found the GAC to be extremely helpful. We did travel during September, which makes a difference in the wait times and this may have affected how the GAC supported my son's needs.

I would also follow the advice of using a cite, which provides you with assistance on knowing the best ways to tour the park to minimize waiting in lines.

I hope you have a great vacation!