Handicapped & Stayed at DVC property?

[rsmrybyl]

Hi all.

I am planning a vacation for my extended family. 5 Adults (one senior citizen - wheel chair bound, diabetic, stroke) and 2 children ages 5 and 2.

We are considering trying to rent from a DVC property like the Villas at the Beach Club so we can all stay together. Has anyone ever rented there who has had a handicap? Are they truly handicap accessible (ie. roll-in showers?).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

All Disney Resorts, including all DVC resorts include a percentage of units adapted for the disabled. These would include roll-in showers with fold down seats, washbasins with knee space under and grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower. Often 'disabled' rooms have 'lockout' doors connecting to larger appartments.

If you need them, housekeeping will supply booster rings for the toilet and boards to stiffen the bed mattreses.

If your 'senior' has had a stroke, check the handing of the unit and get confirmation that the grab bars are the correct side of the toilet for easy transfer.

When I visited Disney with my manual chair, I used to keep it dry in the shower by putting a 'mickey' cape over it befor sitting down. If you use a powerchair, ask housekeeping if they have an old chair you could get wet.

For my last trip, I hired a commode type chair from Walkers (an offsite medical Hire Company), which fitted over the toilet and could be used in the shower too.

Andrew

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
Since you are thinking of renting from a DVC member, here ares ome things to keep in mind:
1) The member will be the one communicating to Member Services to make the reservation and make your requests for you. (From what I have read), Member Services (MS) doesn't usually communicate directly with the renter.

2) For that reason, it's important that the member understands what your needs are. You might want to write everything out an fax or email it to the member.

3) If you request a wheelchair accessible unit, we've always been told that is reserved at the time the request is made and it is guaranteed. If you decide that you don't need the features of a fully accessible unit, make sure your requests are listed as Medical Needs (or similar language). Check your reservation confirmation when you get it to make sure it says what you expect/need.

4) Special Needs requests for DVC are made thru MS, but you can still call WDW Resort Special Reservations:
(407) 939-7807
(407) 939-7670 [TTY] with questions about how the rooms are arranged, etc.

Most of the resorts have different levels/types of accessible rooms; from ones that look the same as a regular room, but just have extra grab bars in the bathroom to the fully accessible rooms that Andrew described. It sounds like you are looking for full accessibility, but if you decide you can make do in a regular room, I would not suggest a regular room anywhere except OKW for someone who needs to use a wheelchair. We are DVC members at OKW and have stayed in regualr and totally accessible rooms there. The rooms at OKW are very large and they are able to add the accessibility features to the room without needing a larger room. A year ago, we stayed in a regular 2 bedroom at VWL (whcih is basically the same size as the rooms at BWV and BCV) . It was kind of tight and a challenge for DD to move her wheelchair around in the room (and she has a very narrow adult wheelchair). So, unless you are at OKW, I'd suggest w wheelchair accessible villa.

If you need to rent equipment, you can contact one of these medical equipment providers:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

 

[rsmrybyl]

Thanks so much for your input and advice. I greatly appreciate it!

 

[SueM in MN]

You're welcome.
Hope you have a great time.

 

[LindaDVC]

Are you on the DVCtalk list?

If so we might have already been in touch re: the possiblility of renting points.

I am an Occupational therapist and my husband is a quadraplegic so know quite a bit about special needs. If you haven't rented yet email me privately.

Linda