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

[seashoreCM]

>>> "There's one of those cheaters who just get a wheelchair to go ahead in line."

1. Reply: "There's someone who would love to have clogged arteries or a bum knee (or whatever disability you can think of)"

2. When the CM's at the wheelchair rental area can't ask why someone needs a wheelchair, that is when cheaters get wheelchairs.

3. When the CM at the parking lot can't ask what a handicapped placard is about then the parking lot might become full and others with placards can't get in.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[SueM in MN]

>>> "There's one of those cheaters who just get a wheelchair to go ahead in line."

1. Reply: "There's someone who would love to have clogged arteries or a bum knee (or whatever disability you can think of)"

2. When the CM's at the wheelchair rental area can't ask why someone needs a wheelchair, that is when cheaters get wheelchairs.

3. When the CM at the parking lot can't ask what a handicapped placard is about then the parking lot might become full and others with placards can't get in.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

First thing to keep in mind is that having a wheelchair or a GAC is not meant to (and usually doesn't) get someone ahead in line.
That is the perception, but it is usually not the truth.
When someone using a wheelchair or GAC uses a different route into the attraction than the usual one, it means that the usual one doesn't meet their needs related to a disability. In the case of someone who needs to avoid stairs, it may be that the usual route has stairs. In the case of someone who needs a quieter place to wait, it means the usual route can't provide that.

By law, no one is allowed to be asked to prove their disability in order to get accommodation for their needs. In the case of wheelchair rental, I have heard of people who rented one they didn't need abandoning the wheelchair when they found out it had no 'advantage' to them and they really did not get to skip lines. Besides, the WDW park rental ones are darn heavy (about 40-50 pounds to push around empty).

Parking in handicapped spots is a different situation. They still are not allowed to ask what the disability is, but they may ask who the handicapped permit belongs to and ask for proof that person is present.

There are probably relatively few 'cheaters' when you look at the whole number of people using mobility devices, GACs, handicapped parking and other accommodations.

The problems come from people's false perceptions:
People don't understand accommodations and assume they are 'privileges of handicapped'.

People are jealous of what they perceive as 'privileges', see them only as 'advantages' and assume large numbers of people would lie or cheat to get them.

Since they assume the accommadations are advantages and since they assume many people would lie or cheat, they assume that most people they see using them are cheating to get an 'advantage'. Many people are so sure that the majority of people are 'cheating' that they overlook even visible disabilities (as has happened to us).

 

[metime]

I like that GAC can be tucked away and I don't expect to use it too much just on the moving walkways, as balance is a big issue, and stairs. Most of the rides should be fine for me to get on easily.

The cane is for my back while the supports are for my knees. My back is actually doing better than my knees for the moment as far as pain goes. but my knees aren't too bad as I am well aware that I only have so many moving parts left. LOL

I baby my knees and I don't mind using the supports except that they do tend to rub the back of my knees after a full day. I end up trading one pain for another.

 

[metime]

There are probably relatively few 'cheaters' when you look at the whole number of people using mobility devices, GACs, handicapped parking and other accommodations.

The problems come from people's false perceptions:
People don't understand accommodations and assume they are 'privileges of handicapped'.

People are jealous of what they perceive as 'privileges', see them only as 'advantages' and assume large numbers of people would lie or cheat to get them.

I'll admit I used to think that same thing but karma is a #$%&.

I would gladly trade all the glory and glamour of the closer parking space.

Even if you were faking, riding in an ECV or wheelchair is a huge pain in the bumm. It gets old real fast when you can't move nearly as quickly in either one, unless you use a wheelchair all the time, everyday. Why would anyone who doesn't have to do that?

There were lots of times where I just chose to tough it out on foot because I needed to get in and out. Try grocery shopping for a family of four with one of those small baskets they put on the front that is partially taken up by your cane. If you need them they are great, but if you don't it is like a ball and chain if it isn't really contributing to yoiur mobility.

The perceived 'shorter line' would not make up for all the headache of getting around in one of those things. I used those EVCs in a lot of situations, it is awkward no matter how experienced you are. I feel like if someone wants to do that then let them shoot them selves in the foot with their own stupidity. They are going through a lot of trouble to get absolutely nowhere.

 

[scojos]

i just wanted to add, in 2 weeks last year we only had 1 incident. it was during a massive downpour whilst i ate my dole whip, a young man of about 20 drove his ecv far to fast into the sheltered area. my ASD son made a very loud comment, thats dangerous he could have hit us, he went over to the lad and was facinated by the ecv. the young lad apologised if he had scared him, but said he didnt like thunder and was scared himself. he explained to ds9 how the ecv worked, and why he had it (car accident as a child - couldnt walk long distances, he then took ds for a "ride" and brought him an ice cream. that chnaged my image of ecv drivers, and i hope the young mans opinions of asd kids, it was a magical if wet 20 mins, watching 2 people of different ages, different problmes meeting and uniting. a moment of disney magic.
if we were all more accepting, then life would be easier.
i send the OP hugs, i hope you have a magical trip - we were never made to feel "un-normal" or different and we too carried our GAC in a plastic wallet around our necks, it made us feel more secure as CM could see and deal with us without explanations, but too each, his own.
tracy

 

[Chancedabowsa]

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.

no , dat's not correct. the parking attendent does not have the authority to ask ya questions. they may do it , but , there is no need to answer and they got no rights to detain ya. if a law enforcement official asks ya, then you can show your id.

in so far as others questioning the use of the resources, those should mind their own business . it's not their concern. any questions they have bout their concerns over the "use of the resources" should be directed to the police.

yer medical information is yer own business and it's too bad that some feel they can ask you such brazen questions. i hope ya have a great time and do not feel nervous. use the resources without hesitation. enjoy your vacation, dear.

 

[livndisney]

no , dat's not correct. the parking attendent does not have the authority to ask ya questions. they may do it , but , there is no need to answer and they got no rights to detain ya. if a law enforcement official asks ya, then you can show your id.

in so far as others questioning the use of the resources, those should mind their own business . it's not their concern. any questions they have bout their concerns over the "use of the resources" should be directed to the police.

yer medical information is yer own business and it's too bad that some feel they can ask you such brazen questions. i hope ya have a great time and do not feel nervous. use the resources without hesitation. enjoy your vacation, dear.

From the Florida Statues site:

A law enforcement officer or a parking enforcement specialist has the right to demand to be shown the person's disabled parking permit and driver's license or state identification card when investigating the possibility of a violation of this section. If such a request is refused, the person in charge of the vehicle may be charged with resisting an officer without violence, as provided in s. 843.02.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statuTes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC1955.HTM&Title=->2009->Ch0316->Section%201955#0316.1955

 

[ILuvMulan]

My son has a very obvious disability, he has bilateral prosthesis (he was also in his wheelchair) and the only person to give us a hard time was a cast member. (My favorite saying is... "you can't cure stupid, they don't make a pill for that"). Anyway, we have been three years in a row and only had the one incident. I don't think you will have any problems most people are too busy having a good time to worry about you and your GAC. If this is your first trip just know that you will be walking miles and miles each day (Washington, DC was a very good warm up) and take any equipment that you may or may not use on regular basis. Although my son rarely uses his wheechair, he always ends up needing it at Disney.
Go, relax, and have a wonderful time.

 

[dclfun]

It is very difficult to travel in a w/c throughout WDW. It's tiring to sit all day and drive through crowds of people carefully so as not to nip anyone's ankles, even when they dart quickly in front of you or throw their leg over your joystick ( yes, I had one woman in a hurry "drive" my chair with her crotch!). As Sue mentioned, there are no advantages, only the perceived ones. As to the bus, while it is law that those in w/c's be boarded first, we area the last ones off, so will be the last ones into the park from that busload or back into our resort. I have noticed lots more people using ECV's lately, which makes me think finally some of the stigma is gone and people with mobility challenges are realizing they have just as much right to enjoy the theme parks as anyone else. As to the GAC, I would never have mine visible unless I need to show it. I prefer to be discreet about those "perceived advantages" which are really only allowing me equal access. Have a magical vacation!---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

From the Florida Statues site:

A law enforcement officer or a parking enforcement specialist has the right to demand to be shown the person's disabled parking permit and driver's license or state identification card when investigating the possibility of a violation of this section. If such a request is refused, the person in charge of the vehicle may be charged with resisting an officer without violence, as provided in s. 843.02.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statuTes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC1955.HTM&Title=->2009->Ch0316->Section%201955#0316.1955

Thanks.
You saved me looking it up.

 

[metime]

no , dat's not correct. the parking attendent does not have the authority to ask ya questions. they may do it , but , there is no need to answer and they got no rights to detain ya. if a law enforcement official asks ya, then you can show your id.

in so far as others questioning the use of the resources, those should mind their own business . it's not their concern. any questions they have bout their concerns over the "use of the resources" should be directed to the police.

yer medical information is yer own business and it's too bad that some feel they can ask you such brazen questions. i hope ya have a great time and do not feel nervous. use the resources without hesitation. enjoy your vacation, dear.

The law here is that and officer has the authority, but only a police officer, and they can only ask to see the picture in the placard and make sure the person is there. I think it is up to each state

 

[Chancedabowsa]

From the Florida Statues site:

A law enforcement officer or a parking enforcement specialist has the right to demand to be shown the person's disabled parking permit and driver's license or state identification card when investigating the possibility of a violation of this section. If such a request is refused, the person in charge of the vehicle may be charged with resisting an officer without violence, as provided in s. 843.02.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statuTes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC1955.HTM&Title=->2009->Ch0316->Section%201955#0316.1955

a parking enforcement specialist is not the same as a parking attendent. a parking attendent has no authority to even ask let alone demand anything.

 

[livndisney]

a parking enforcement specialist is not the same as a parking attendent. a parking attendent has no authority to even ask let alone demand anything.

From the Statues link provided:
Whenever a law enforcement officer, a parking enforcement specialist, or the owner or lessee of the space finds a vehicle in violation of this subsection, that officer, owner, or lessor shall have the vehicle in violation removed to any lawful parking space or facility or require the operator or other person in charge of the vehicle immediately to remove the unauthorized vehicle from the parking space. Whenever any vehicle is removed under this section to a storage lot, garage, or other safe parking space, the cost of the removal and parking constitutes a lien against the vehicle.

 

[dclfun]

From the Statues link provided:
Whenever a law enforcement officer, a parking enforcement specialist, or the owner or lessee of the space finds a vehicle in violation of this subsection, that officer, owner, or lessor shall have the vehicle in violation removed to any lawful parking space or facility or require the operator or other person in charge of the vehicle immediately to remove the unauthorized vehicle from the parking space. Whenever any vehicle is removed under this section to a storage lot, garage, or other safe parking space, the cost of the removal and parking constitutes a lien against the vehicle.

This is absolutely true. A parking attendant at WDW *CAN* legally ask to verify if the person to whom the placard is issued is in the vehicle and entitled to use the "medical parking" designated for those guests. I'm glad for this-it leaves those spaces open for those who truly need them. There is no violation of privacy here either as no one is asking to verify your disability or questioning your right to have the placard. If there is a violation, the vehicle can be towed.

Sorry to veer from the OP's concerns but this is an important topic. Again, there is a perceived benefit here that isn't actually a benefit. The medical parking at WDW merely provides space for a w/c lift and a way for those using equipment that would prevent them from getting on a tram, the closest entry into the parks. The tram is often faster and less walking.---Kathy

 

[quasar4legs]

I think the important thing to remember is that lots of people ask dumb questions all the time...............not just to people using GAC etc.

My blonde sister and her dark brown haired husband have 3children with bright red hair. You could not believe the attention, or for that matter the dumb questions they get asked. You can imagine the sort of stuff.....What colour hair does the mail man have? etc etc. Everybody thinks they are the first to make some dumb joke about red hair.
Sometimes people just used to come up and stare at the kids and say "They have red hair". Ahhh yes, thanks for pointing that out. Or they would make jokes about red headed people having bad tempers etc etc.

Anyway my point is that there are lots of "dumb" questions and statements made on a regular basis so don't let it affect your vacation. Go and have fun and just remember if someone asks a dumb personal question you will not be their first of their last.

Cheers

 

[Disneydonnam]

I also have this happen to me. I have had 20 knee surgeries. If I have pants on you can't see the scars or my brace. I have had people comment in Disney World that I am faking and just don't want to wait my turn in line. People comment everywhere and I have just started to learn how to ignore them.Just go ahead with your vacation and don't let it bother you.

 

[metime]

I think a few scary experiences has made me more sensative.

I know these people just have a deep sense of wright and wrong but some people take it too far and go beyond asking a stupid question into being confrontational and agressive.

 

[Disneydonnam]

I had a man once take his shirt off to show me his scar on his shoulder. Then he comments at least my scar is hidden by my shirt. Being a female I bet those scars cause you a lot of embarassment.

 

[livndisney]

I think the important thing to remember is that lots of people ask dumb questions all the time...............not just to people using GAC etc.
My blonde sister and her dark brown haired husband have 3children with bright red hair. You could not believe the attention, or for that matter the dumb questions they get asked. You can imagine the sort of stuff.....What colour hair does the mail man have? etc etc. Everybody thinks they are the first to make some dumb joke about red hair.
Sometimes people just used to come up and stare at the kids and say "They have red hair". Ahhh yes, thanks for pointing that out. Or they would make jokes about red headed people having bad tempers etc etc.

Anyway my point is that there are lots of "dumb" questions and statements made on a regular basis so don't let it affect your vacation. Go and have fun and just remember if someone asks a dumb personal question you will not be their first of their last.

Cheers

I think this is REALLY important to remember. People ask dumb questions about anything! But with few possible exceptions (as discussed earlier) we are not under any requirement to answer those questions. People may stare, people may comment and that is not something we can control. But we can control how we react to it. If they have no right to the answer, tell them so or ignore and walk away.
I know alot of times we want to "try" and educate, but there are times I was just want to be a "family in the park" and not someones lesson for the day. I know I like to go to WDW to try and forget, not have our differences brought to our attention in public.

To the OP if you do encounter a situation where you feel unsafe, alert a CM. Let them handle it. I will say on the upside, I have seen total strangers coming to the assistance of those with needs and telling the nasty people to "back off and leave them alone".

Also I don't think these people have a sense a right and wrong and that is the issue. They have a deep sense of "It's all about me" and why don't I get to do XXXX? If they did care about right and wrong they would research the laws and help advocate for more equal access.

I will close with my fave quote "You can't fix stupid". Go, enjoy your vacation and ignore the turkeys.

 

[metime]

I know alot of times we want to "try" and educate, but there are times I was just want to be a "family in the park" and not someones lesson for the day. I know I like to go to WDW to try and forget, not have our differences brought to our attention in public.

This is exatly how I feel most of the time. When I eventually started replying "car accident" the kids asked why and I said "because sometimes I just want to go into Wal-mart and buy toilet paper and go home like everyone else". My issue is complicated and I would have to pull out pie charts and give an informational seminar that the general public would still not understand.

It is difficult teaching your kids not to lie and then doing it, but we all got stuff to do and for the most part I take a longer time doing it so explaining my rare medical condition 5 times a day to people who wont get it anyway really isn't on my agenda.