How do you deal with people questioning your need for the GAC

[metime]

I get questioned all the time when I use my placard to park and my children get really upset. I do understand how people think I am abusing the sytem at first glance because I am a young mom and sometimes by looking at me you would never guess that I have mobility issues, unless I have my cane or knee supports on.

Some days are better than others, while I am sure I will probably not get through the entire trip with out my mobility aids I might not always have them (those knee things get hot and the cane gets akward in crowds). When those visual cues are gone people tend to get very rude. I am wondering if any one has encountered the judgements from other guests when using the GAC.

I geuss since I have been questioned so much I have a bit of anxiety. I am hoping to hear that no one has ever encountered that at WDW, but I am also realistic.

Since I am the only parent taking my 9 year old, I doubt that an ECV would work. I wouldn't be able to safely hold her hand in crowded situations.

On a good note, this will be the first time I have been on a ride in years. It was a goal my Surgeon and I made 3 years ago. I guess we'll get to see how that hardware holds up on EE.

 

[brp]

This is a tough call. On the one hand, I'm sure it gets frustrating. On the other hand, the people who question you really are looking out for the folks like you that need the assistance. While you're not abusing the system, we all know that there are many who do. If the abusers go unquestioned, they're not likely to stop.

I used to have a for-fun job working at rock concerts. At one venue, we managed the parking and,of course, had parking facilities for the disabled. If someone had a placard, we would simply ask for the corresponding paperwork (this is legal here) and assure that the person named was actually present. Amazing how often they weren't.

I'd consider how they're asking, and if it really does seem to be out of concern for the resource. If so, perhaps thank them for caring enough to ask, especially if it's a situation where your need might be less obvious.

Some will probable say that it's offensive, always. But I think this just plays into the hands of those that might abuse the system.

Cheers.

 

[metime]

This is a tough call. On the one hand, I'm sure it gets frustrating. On the other hand, the people who question you really are looking out for the folks like you that need the assistance. While you're not abusing the system, we all know that there are many who do. If the abusers go unquestioned, they're not likely to stop.

I used to have a for-fun job working at rock concerts. At one venue, we managed the parking and,of course, had parking facilities for the disabled. If someone had a placard, we would simply ask for the corresponding paperwork (this is legal here) and assure that the person named was actually present. Amazing how often they weren't.

I'd consider how they're asking, and if it really does seem to be out of concern for the resource. If so, perhaps thank them for caring enough to ask, especially if it's a situation where your need might be less obvious.

Some will probable say that it's offensive, always. But I think this just plays into the hands of those that might abuse the system.

Cheers.

My issue is that my medical information is my business. I usually get, "Why do you have that?" and I do feel that I have a right to not to be asked a personal question like that from a complete stranger.

It is one thing to have some one who's job it is to enquire about my placard and make sure it is issued to me, and quite another to have some rude stanger demand I tell them why I need it.

I just think if it isn't your job to ask then don't.

Just because some people abuse food stamps doesn't mean everyone who uses that resource owes any person who asks an explination.

I think I might just pretend I didn't hear them and go on about my day. I am not one to thank people for their rude behavior.

 

[brp]

My issue is that my medical information is my business. I usually get, "Why do you have that?" and I do feel that I have a right to not to be asked a personal question like that from a complete stranger.

It is one thing to have some one who's job it is to enquire about my placard and make sure it is issued to me, and quite another to have some rude stanger demand I tell them why I need it.

I just think if it isn't your job to ask then don't.

Just because some people abuse food stamps doesn't mean everyone who uses that resource owes any person who asks an explination.

Well, it seems that you already know the answer to the question you posed: Tell them it's none of their business and be done with it.

It's not my job, and I don't ask. I was just positing that some may ask out of actual concern about the use of the resources, and not in an attempt to pry into your business. I'm sure they don't feel that they are "owed" any explanation. Some folks may appreciate that concern. Apparently you're not one of those people.

Cheers.

 

[metime]

Sorry BRP,

I didn't mean to sound so gruff. I know that everyone sees things differently but stern looks form people toward me doesn't really benefit anyone.

I can see how a person who doesn't experience it, would maybe think they are calling out someone who is abusing the system. Before I was in this position I use to sit and look at people who didn't seem to have had any obvious issue and have the same thought.

Thanking them is one way to go, but I get the sense most of the time that there is hostility behind the question, a lot of times there even seems to be some aggression which terrifies me. I had one person yell at me when I was going into the store and waited for me to come out. I know everyone thinks they are sticking up for what is right but it is very much at the expense of those who are not doing anything wrong.

My irritation with this obviously came out at you and I am very sorry about that. I think I am a little too sensative and this particular scenario causes me the most anxiety about this trip.

 

[brp]

No worries. No one should have to put up with aggression and yelling in any circumstance. That's just the ignorance in them acting out.

Cheers.

 

[KPeveler]

I generally come up with sully things to say which lets them know that their question is not wanted... for instance, i may say that i injured my knee beating up nosy people who dont mind their own business (although i would NOT use that one at disney - i tend to use it when i get shouted at in parking lots).

I've had people ask if i really needed my crutches, and i tell them "nope, they're my antenna to the mothership!"

I have also been known to tell people that nothing has worked right since the aliens abducted me...

Generally the person laughs or leaves me alone after that, so it works for me. That is if i even answer them at all.

When someone asked me the other day "what happened?" referring to my wheelchair, I told them "i was born." made them feel bad, and they left me alone!

basically i ignore most of what comes at me, and laugh off the rest.

as a side note, i dont know if you have used a GAC before at disney, but you may find it not entirely helpful. There is no GAC to skip lines, and the distance walked from entrance to ride is the same with or without a GAC, generally... I am sure others here can give you more info!

 

[livndisney]

They way I deal with rude questions....


I ask "why do you ask"? Most people stumble over themselves long enough for me to get away. On the rare occasion when they do recover in time to answer, I just tell them it is none of their business. One time I did give a VERY long detailed answer and that did not seem to go over well LOL.

 

[metime]

I think I just realized that I am actually a little scared to go WDW.

While I am excited, this will be the first time I go somewhere this far away independant of another adult.

I know I need to go and I am sure I will be fine I think I am just a little chicken which is completely out of character for me.

All these stupid 'what if' things keep popping into my head and I think I have psyched myself out.

 

[livndisney]

I think I just realized that I am actually a little scared to go WDW.

While I am excited, this will be the first time I go somewhere this far away independant of another adult.

I know I need to go and I am sure I will be fine I think I am just a little chicken which is completely out of character for me.

All these stupid 'what if' things keep popping into my head and I think I have psyched myself out.

Go and enjoy! Remember to pace yourself. Also remember First Aid can be a life saver in the parks.

 

[robynchic]

On a good note, this will be the first time I have been on a ride in years. It was a goal my Surgeon and I made 3 years ago. I guess we'll get to see how that hardware holds up on EE.

As someone with knee issues (I had my first knee surgery when I was 14, my second when I was 19), I'll warn you now that EE may make your knees knock each other or the bar. In the summer humidity, it was murder on my knees and I had to take two Aleve liqui-gel (my ortho. surgeon said it's okay for me to do it occasionally) and sit down for a little while before I felt okay with standing up again.

Ooh, thanks for reminding me, though, that I'll need to pack my knee braces for our next trip!

 

[metime]

I was asked a lot when when I had to have a mobiltiy aid all the time and I could barely stand up, but it was out of concern and not anger. Most of the time I said "car accident" because I didn't feel like giving my personal story and didn't feel like telling them that I didn't want to tell them.

I can actually stand/walk just fine if I have all my OTC medication and lidocaine pathces. We actually did a test vacation with a lot of walking (Washington D.C.) and I did alright as long as I could take a break.

I have stopped taking all medication so I know it will work when I am in WDW.

I only need them to stop/slowdown the moving walkways and I can't do stairs. It is getting in and out of rides that will be tricky. The stairs on the busses will be hard but I think I can handle it for the time that we are there.

I don't mind standing as long as I haven't pulled a muscle but the Dr. gave me stuff for that too just in case. The NSAIDS should help with my knees as long as I avoid stairs when possible. I am sure by the end I'll need my knee supports and maybe even my cane but I don't like using them unless I have to.

 

[metime]

As someone with knee issues (I had my first knee surgery when I was 14, my second when I was 19), I'll warn you now that EE may make your knees knock each other or the bar. In the summer humidity, it was murder on my knees and I had to take two Aleve liqui-gel (my ortho. surgeon said it's okay for me to do it occasionally) and sit down for a little while before I felt okay with standing up again.

Ooh, thanks for reminding me, though, that I'll need to pack my knee braces for our next trip!

I haven't had knee surgery (yet) my issue is with weight distribution and stairs. Since my spine is completely fused my knees bear and odd amount of weight when I go up stairs. It hurts and they do swell but only if I go up stairs not from bumping together or walking although If I go up or down too many stairs they will hurt when I walk.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would respond: "It is legally issued, medically necessary, and please explain in detail why you are challenging me!"

And in a parking situation it is perfectly legal for the parking attendant (or law enforcement officer) to ask to examine the placard (or registration for a vehicle) and ascertain that the person to whom it is issued is present. And I have seen local Deputy Sheriffs, after a person has parked do this and if the person is not present confiscate the tag, issue the driver a $250 summons, and make the person mover the car.

 

[ireland_nicole]

maybe it's because of the fact that our GAC is for our kids, but we've never been "challenged" about it. Yes, sometimes they don't see the sticker that our stroller is our w/c, but once they see the sticker, it's fine. It sounds like you primarily need a GAC for no stairs, and they shouldn't challenge you about it, but will ask to see your GAC to see the stamp on it. I wear mine around my neck in a lanyard pouch.

 

[peemagg]

Don't be scared about going to Disney. I too have a hidden disability and had no questions or anything about it. In fact I probably deserved a few because we did the Segway tour at Epcot and I didn't tell them I had one. I can't stand for long periods of time and with the help of some vicodin I was able to make it, but you should have seen the looks on their faces when we were done and I pulled out my cane. It was priceless.

If it is another guest who is questioning you, I would come up with something about what business is it of theirs. If I had wanted everyone and their brother to know I would put it on a t-shirt, but I am kind of sarcastic sometimes.

Just go and have fun and forget about others ignorance. I bet you won't have any trouble at all.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you need more information about Guest Assistance Cards, there is a section in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

as a side note, i dont know if you have used a GAC before at disney, but you may find it not entirely helpful. There is no GAC to skip lines, and the distance walked from entrance to ride is the same with or without a GAC, generally... I am sure others here can give you more info!

Yes, that is an important point. The distance is usually going to be roughly similar. With a GAC, you will be able to avoid stairs and you will also be able to board the attractions with moving walkways at the exit where the moving walkway can be slowed or stopped. But, the distance will be roughly the same, with or without the GAC.

Here are some links that might be helpful:

Thread about attractions with no place to sit while waiting (includes info about distances walked in line).

Estimates of walking distances per day at WDW.

Past thread about attractions with moving walkways - it is an older thread, but the information is still valid.

I only need them to stop/slowdown the moving walkways and I can't do stairs. It is getting in and out of rides that will be tricky. The stairs on the busses will be hard but I think I can handle it for the time that we are there.

The older buses have stairs, but there are a large number of buses that are newer and have ramped entrances at the front for getting on and the rear for getting off. You always have the option to wait a bit longer to get a bus without stairs.
If you are using Disney's Magical Express to get to and from the airport, be aware that there is a steep flight of stairs to get on and off. Post # 16, page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread includes a picture of the DME bus stairs. The flight of stairs is higher than average on those buses because there is luggage storage underneath the seating area.

I don't mind standing as long as I haven't pulled a muscle but the Dr. gave me stuff for that too just in case. The NSAIDS should help with my knees as long as I avoid stairs when possible. I am sure by the end I'll need my knee supports and maybe even my cane but I don't like using them unless I have to.

I'm sure you already know this, but (as I nurse) I fell like I should remind you that anything you do to avoid or relieve pain will be more effective if you use it before you are in pain. If you keep going until you are in pain to use your aids, it will be too late.

And to answer your original question:

Some people have an answer ready like - "IF you want one, you have to take the bad knees that came with this one."

Some people keep their GAC out there where it is visible. That is likely to get more attention and more comments.

Our youngest DD uses a wheelchair, but has additional needs that make a GAC necessary. Most people don't even see her GAC because I get it out only when we need it for an attraction. I keep it in a pocket of my purse where I can get it out quickly to show CMs and pop it back in just as quickly.
When we don't need it for an attraction, it stays in my purse.

We have not gotten any comments about the GAC. We have gotten comments about DD's wheelchair - even though it is a very obvious custom wheelchair with a special seat back and cushion and extra straps to keep her feet in place. We have seldom gotten comments about need, but the one that sticks in my head was when we were at Epcot in Germany and I was sitting with her on a bench while my DH went to get her a pretzel. She was sitting on the bench with her legs crossed when 2 guys came by and one said to the other, "There's one of those cheaters who just get a wheelchair to go ahead in line." He did not know us and obviously had not used a wheelchair because he would have known that having one doesn't get you ahead in line.
He was just assuming that because she was not in the wheelchair, that meant she didn't need it. What he had not seen was that we had to lift her onto the bench because she can't transfer by herself and she can't even cross her legs by herself once she is sitting.
Interestingly, the most 'positive' comments/attention we ever got was one trip when I had tripped the night before our WDW trip - I was walking with DD and her legs scissored and got tangled in mine. We both fell, but I managed to turn and take the majority of the damage. She ended up with a black eye and a bruise on her cheek. I ended up with a badly bruised shoulder and arm. I wanted to just become invisible because I felt embarrassed and guilty about our injuries. It took a while for me to figure out, but it turned out that people thought our injuries (and her wheelchair) were the result of a car accident! I don't know why, but one person asked me if anyone else had been in the car with us and how badly they were injured. So, you never know what people will come up with.

There are many more good experiences than bad ones, but the bad ones stick in your head. Remember, whatever they say, you know what your needs are and you are the only person whose opinion matters.

 

[Leajess99]

I can so understand the way you feel when getting dirty looks and questions about your placard. I deal with it as well. I had one older woman literally yelling at me about how I scammed my doctor into giving me one. I finally just let her have it and told her where to go to then went into the store. My kids were upset at the way she was yelling at me and I felt bad for the way I reacted but I was tired of her berating me over something that was none of her business. I refused to use a scooter thing at WDW last year because I did not want to deal with any of the looks. I was in excruciating pain and barely able to walk by the end of the day but I made sure I did not ruin my kids' 1st trip. I also made sure I had lots of OTC meds because most of the meds the doctors prescribe hurt my stomach. I can only really tolerate Advil Liqui-gels. Thankfully they do offer some relief.

Please try not to worry about what others think (I know easier said than done) and if they question you about the GAC just respond with it is not your businees and have a good day.

 

[Notatourist]

I am undergoing chemo. This is one of those times where not having my hair works because NO ONE has questioned my placard.

 

[retired and happy]

We have three ...soon to be four...children in wheelchairs. We do what we need to do for them and anyone who questions it can jump off a bridge. We do nothing illegal or against any rules and it's our business!!! We've heard comments like using a wheelchair to get on a bus first. If they want to get on first, let them take the infirmities as well as the chair!