Handicapped Room

[Buckeye Fan]

Has anyone stayed in a HC room? My MIL and FIL are going to Dis with us over spring break and she has a very difficult time getting around. We're staying at SSR and I'd like to request a room that's on the first floor and close to a pool, as she will never be able to make it through the parks.

Any suggestions, recommendations, tips??? Lastly, when you call MS, is this a request or because she truly cannot come if we don't get a HC room, will they go ahead and reserve the room?

In advance, thanks for your help!
Bridgett

 

[CarolAnnC]

When you make your ressie with MS they will go ahead and check with the special department to verify Handicap Accessible rooms. Keep in mind that they may be on any floor since SSR has elevators, however.

 

[BroganMc]

As Carol said when you call MS for your ressies, ask them to block off an accessible room for you with Special Services. (They put you on hold while they talk to SS for you.)

Keep in mind there are varying types of accessible rooms at SSR. It mostly has to do with the bathrooms.

A minimally accessible room has a bathtub with grab bars and higher seat commodes.

A fully accessible room has a roll-in shower (i.e. there is no step threshold but instead has a slope in) with grab bars, higher seat commodes, raised sinks with room underneath for wheelchairs to roll under, and raised electrical outlets.

Both units may or may not have lowered beds. The fully accessible unit has a lower 18-20" beds. Normal is 26".

The fully accessible units (I use them since I cannot do steps of any kind) tend to be on the first floor. (My guess is because of fire codes wanting wheelchair users to be easy to evacuate.)

MS can also reserve a regular room with ground floor and near bus stop for medical reasons if distance is your only need.

Furthermore, if the only issue your MIL has is walking distances, you're better off just renting her a scooter/ECV for the length of your stay. That way she will be able to enjoy wherever she goes in WDW without worrying her stamina will falter.

My otherwise perfectly functional 75 yr old dad uses a scooter our entire trip. He doesn't need the accessible units, but walking all day through the parks would seriously deplete him.

 

[castleri]

We were in the Grandstand section in Sept in the building with numbers 85-88 as the starting numbers. It was a great location from the pool standpoint as when you exited the elevators the pool was straight ahead about 20-30 feet. If you need zero entry for the pool you may want to request near the main pool as I think that is the only one with that option available.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Thanks, everyone, for your GREAT suggestions and information. I'm really glad there are so many options for her, as we are really excited to be able to take them with us!

 

[SueM in MN]

What size room are you getting - studio, 1 or 2 bedroom.
And, you mentioned she needs a handicapped room, but what specific things does she need?
As BroganMc mentioned, there are different types of handicapped rooms designed for different levels of need. Someone who is using a wheelchair and needs to be able to access things like sinks while sitting in the wheelchair or needs to be able to make a transfer from the wheelchair to a toilet or shower without standing up has a lot different needs than someone who is just a little unsteady on their feet.
Depending on her needs, you may not want a fully accessible handicapped room (with a roll in shower). While those are important for someone who needs to transfer from a wheelchair, you can get more water on the floor, which can make it a slipping hazard for someone who is unsteady. I do have some pictures of the SSR 1 bedroom fully accessible handicapped room that I can share. They are not on the internet, so I would need to put them on as attachements.
The disABILITIES FAQs thread has information/descriptions of the different type of handicapped accessible rooms on post 7. There is also a list of the types of things that can be provided.
There is information about renting ECVs and wheelchairs. She/You may not think she needs one, but if just walking to the pool or bus is too much for her, she will really need one in the parks.
Since SSR has elevators in all the buildings, first floor is not really a problem. Even if you have a building close to the pool, the resort is large and the door into your building may not be right near your room.