Help Please!! - Follow on from podcast 7/8/09

[Pixie Holler]

Hi Guys, my first time on the boards but have listened to the podcasts since I came home last May to find my husband in tears because a gentleman by the name of Bob Varley just died. Now at the time I didn't have a clue who this man was, nor had my husband ever met him, but he listened to him every week and I thought that if someone who my husband had never met could cause him to get so upset, he must be part of something pretty special - so here I am.

My question is this, Julie Martin did a quick fire piece on 7/8/09 on children with special needs and getting passes from Guest Relations. I didn't get the whole piece as my two were argueing in the back of the car (occupational hazard of parenthood), but what I wanted to know was what qualifies as special needs?
I ask because we are coming to Florida for 3 weeks in October and my youngest son has attention difficulties in that he can't focus on everyday stuff for more than a couple of minutes at a time and really doesn't get why certain things like stopping when Mum says so is important - everyday stuff we kinda take for granted. He has support at nursery and is making real progress but the thought of having to potentially stand in a queue when after 3 minutes he will start getting agitated is starting to give me the fear. Normal you might say for a 3 year old, but he does take it to new levels, the end of which I am frazzelled, he is distraught and the poor people who were trapped in the confined space with us are all wishing they vacationed in Peru!!
I am someone who would never abuse a facility that has been set up for individuals with special needs or disabilities. My son has no outwardly signs of having anything wrong with him, will engage in conversation with anyone, but who cannot sit down for more than 2 minutes at a time, focus on a picture for less than that and gets incredibly frustrated at the slightest thing.
I guess I'm asking for guidance because I've never done this before. What constitutes 'special needs' and will we get frowned upon for even considering something that could make the difference between time away from the UK and a truely magical experience?? Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.

 

[Madi100]

From what I understand of it, you decide what the disability is. Because it is a disability, you don't have to prove that there is a problem. You just stop at guest relations and tell them that you need a Guest Assistance Card. You won't have to stand in lines, but it's not always going to mean that you get front of the line access. They will just make it easier for you. When you get to the ride you'll show them the card. I had a friend who needed to get a pass for her niece who can't stand for very long. She looks like a completely average 3 year old, but she doesn't have great muscle control. So, they were allowed to use her stroller as a wheelchair. They were able to keep her in the stroller most of the time.

You should check out the disABILITIES board. I think you will find that very helpful.

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

[wishspirit]

Hi fellow English Dis Fan!

I am just posting to say hi and welcome to the group! Bob was special to a lot of us here on the boards. My friends couldn't understand why I was so upset, but especially on boards as friendly as these, you do feel like you have lost someone close, even though you never met face to face.

I would definitely check out the DISabilities board, they give some great advice over there! Madi100 above you gave the best advice, it is all down to your families individual needs. I work with lots of kids with ADHD or hyperactivity, and they leave me worn out from just 10 till 3! I completely understand the need for any extra assistance, so don't feel afraid of using anything Disney can help you with.

Best of luck on your trip!