Hearing Impaired Svc's?

[hmerritt]

We're taking our son, who has Aspergers, ADHD, DSI & is hearing impaired in one ear. He is sound sensitive to some degree as far as his Sensory overload but seems to do really well when wearing earphones. Does Disney have earphones for their rides & shows?

Heather

 

[teri]

There are assistive listening devices available for some attractions.
There are links to the official and unofficial disabilities information on my Disabilities FAQ which include sections for people with hearing disabilities.

Actually, if he has auditory defensive reactions (sound sensitivity), you might be better off using sound-muffling earphones or earplugs in most attractions. I must have 100 pictures of my son with his fingers in his ears and a huge smile on his face...

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with teri that the sound in most of the rides/attractions is pretty loud. You might want to have the assistive listening devices for the places that have them, but you will probably have to just "play it by ear" to see how things work out for him.

 

[Talking Hands]

The ALDs are not of a type that would muffle sound. You would need to bring your own for that. Or an alternative would be earplugs.
Just for your information, if your son would tolerate them and since this is an ongoing problem, audiologists have speciial earplugs that can be made to muffle sound and keep out selective dbs of sound. They are made for musicians as a protection for their ears and run about $125 a set according to our audiologist. They are made to fit the ear exactly. THis might help your son.

 

[mambrose]

Hello my whole family is going to Disney in December- over Christmas- and from what i understand this is probalby the busiest time of year. I have a nephew who has many issues- including sensory issues and hearing issues- he has to wear an FM set- I don't know if anyone is familiar with what that is- it is different than a hearing aid- usually the person speaking to him wears part of the device as well- I know that is not goign to happen at the shows at Disney- but i was wondering if there was special seating that i was able to reserve for the shows. he really needs to be as close as possible to hear anything- and again he has sensory issues so any backround noise is what he is going to hear. Please help. There are 7 children going on the trip with us- so it is goign to be crazy enough- i need to plan as well as possible.

 

[Talking Hands]

No you cannot reserve seating. You can request a GAC. You will need to bring him to Guest Services at any park and explain what accommodations are needed. (ie he has a hearing loss and needs to sit as close to the stage as possible) Also check with Guest Services as the FM may be compatible with some of ALD equipment. If he understands sign language some shows are interpreted as well.

 

[SueM in MN]

Wow. This is a very old reserected thread (from 2002).
If you haven't already checked it out, there is information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs near the top of this board.