I will probably get flamed for this but here goes...

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Someone asked "why use a GAC instead of regular fast pass?".. I will give you my answer.. My son is Autistic. If we used the regular "fastpass" and need to come back to a ride at a certain time, it is normally a disaster... It seems to me that most times are and hour or more later.. By then, we are at another attraction or another part of a park... It is hard to tell these children-that it is time to leave and go somewhere else, especially if they are obsessing at the time.. They don't make transitions well.. Even if the fastpass is for something they really, really want to do- tehy don't understand why they have to leave where they are.. Also, many have time issues.. they don't understand that an hour is just an hour.. To them, it seems like it could be never...

 

[stenickar]

I suppose the same could be said for people who "rent" the wheelchairs and ECV's... if they really needed one, they'd own one.

When I bring my ds who has autism to WDW, I rent a w/c. He does not like people in his space and the w/c keeps him and others safe. He also does not do well with crying babies, if there is a baby crying we will probably have to make a speedy exit. He also walks verrrrrryyyy slowly, it can take up to 20 minutes to walk from the hotel room to the bus stop( a 3-5 minute walk for everyone else in the group). He also has a love for storm drains or any holes where he might be able to drop something into. So you see, walking at WDW would be dangerous not only for him(getting stepped on) , but for others who may trip over him . Using the w/c just makes for a very enjoyable time for him and whomever else may be on the trip with him. He is a very big Disney fan and I am so glad I have been able to share WDW with him.

I'm sure people have seen us walking into an alternate entrance, yes he can walk and he looks " normal", but for all the reasons listed above waiting in a que(sp?) would not work for my ds. He can also get very excited and get laughing so loud that I have had to take him out. He loved the show at the Country Bear Jamboree, but he got overstimulated and we had to leave. I never would have been able to get him to get up and walk out of the show, but in the w/c I just wheeled him out.
So please don't assume that just because it is a rented w/c, that the person in it doesn't really need it.

 

[MBW]

When I bring my ds who has autism to WDW, I rent a w/c. He does not like people in his space and the w/c keeps him and others safe. He also does not do well with crying babies, if there is a baby crying we will probably have to make a speedy exit.

OMG! I had to respond, as my DS is the EXACT same way with crying babies. It's one reason we use alternative entrances or FP as much as possible.

We've never been able to figure out the crying baby thing, but one could be on the other side of a store, and he'd hear it (even if we couldn't at first.)

And the loud laughing thing too! We call it his maniacal laugh. Once he starts, he just seems to stim on it. It might sound happy, but it can get rather stressful in close quarters.

 

[BethanyF]

OMG! I had to respond, as my DS is the EXACT same way with crying babies. It's one reason we use alternative entrances or FP as much as possible.

We've never been able to figure out the crying baby thing, but one could be on the other side of a store, and he'd hear it (even if we couldn't at first.)

There is something about the pitch / tone of a crying baby that gets to my son too. He forgets all his manners, yells for the baby to stop, then proceeds into meltdown. Not fun for us or the parents of the crying baby.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

There has actually been research showing that the frequency of a baby's cry is the same as (or close to) the resonant frequency of the human head. It's a good way for the little one to get necessary attention, but it also explains why it is too much for the children of the above posters. Incidentally, the US army were at one point looking into using the frequency of a baby's cry as a weapon because of this. Sorry, I know it's rather off topic, but I just couldn't resist the temptation to play science geek

 

[Linnie The Pooh]

I'm another mom here who has a son with ASD. He does extremely well in WDW, although, we do have to be inside when it gets dark. I don't use the GAC b/c he does so well, we really don't need it. To be honest, I don't even notice people who do use them b/c as another poster said, I'm too busy having fun to notice what others are doing. I don't think I've ever seen someone using a GAC and I've been to WDW about 10 times or more. I just don't notice stuff like that.

Having a child that looks completely typical, but is not, has made me really appreciate disabilities that we cannot see with our eyes and has made me a lot less quick to judge others. If someone feels they need a GAC, it's no skin off my nose.

 

[KPeveler]

the only time people using a wheelchair or GAC bug me is when it makes others suffer. for example, i do not mean getting to use a fast pass line (so i ride one car later!) but people who use a wheelchair and sit in the wheelchair seating, but have the ability to stand for short periods of time. wheelchair seating fills up quickly, even in slow times. if you are able to stand for short periods (like i am, although i will probly be using a chair next time i am in WDW) then i think you should use a "normal" section to watch fireworks or illuminations, so as to leave wheelchair seating for people who cannot stand at all.

if you cannot stand for the duration of the fireworks, then by all means, please use the wheelchair seating. but if you're like me (or my mom last time, who pinched a nerve in her foot and couldnt walk, but could stand for a while) let a child who is permanently wheelchair-bound sit where he or she can see the fireworks, and thank whatever you believe in that you can stand at all.

 

[OneMoreTry]

There has actually been research showing that the frequency of a baby's cry is the same as (or close to) the resonant frequency of the human head. It's a good way for the little one to get necessary attention, but it also explains why it is too much for the children of the above posters. Incidentally, the US army were at one point looking into using the frequency of a baby's cry as a weapon because of this. Sorry, I know it's rather off topic, but I just couldn't resist the temptation to play science geek

There was another study that demonstrated using PET scans that a baby's cry has different effects on male vs female brains. I don't know how that would explain the effect on an autistic child, but it does explain why my wife would get more upset when the kids cried than I did.

 

[stenickar]

OMG! I had to respond, as my DS is the EXACT same way with crying babies. It's one reason we use alternative entrances or FP as much as possible.

We've never been able to figure out the crying baby thing, but one could be on the other side of a store, and he'd hear it (even if we couldn't at first.)

And the loud laughing thing too! We call it his maniacal laugh. Once he starts, he just seems to stim on it. It might sound happy, but it can get rather stressful in close quarters.

Oh boy, sounds like our boys are a lot alike. Ds can hear a baby crying a mile away. That is why the que line does not work for us. He also wears head phones 90% of the time we are in Disney.He has gotten better , he loves it when I pretend to cry , and now doesn't always have a meltdown when he hears a baby crying. I also see that you were originally from Maine-what part?

 

[Goosie Lucy]

for our trip to WDW. This will be our first time and don't really know what to expect. DD was diagnosed this fall with Asperger's. She freaks at the baby cries, too. She also doesn't like standing around waiting with people really close to her. I don't want special privs, like getting on rides faster. I would use it to have a place where she isn't crowded and won't bother other people if she's upset. I just went to my son's eval report today and he was diagnosed with PDD. I decided right then that I'm going to get the GAC, if we need it it's there, if not that is awesome. I just worry that someone will think we're trying to 'cheat the system' if we use it. The kids look like any other 5 and 6yo. When they're having 'issues' we get looked at like, "control your brats!" I have letters from the kids' psychiatrists, I suppose I could just copy those off and pass them out to any hecklers, eh?

 

[stenickar]

DD was diagnosed this fall with Asperger's. She freaks at the baby cries, too. She also doesn't like standing around waiting with people really close to her. I would use it to have a place where she isn't crowded and won't bother other people if she's upset.

This is exactly what we use the GAC for. It also gives DS space to do "his thing", usually just jumping up and down to release some energy. It also keeps us away from anyone else who may be having a rough time(crying, whining etc...)


. I just worry that someone will think we're trying to 'cheat the system' if we use it. The kids look like any other 5 and 6yo. When they're having 'issues' we get looked at like, "control your brats!" I have letters from the kids' psychiatrists, I suppose I could just copy those off and pass them out to any hecklers, eh? [/QUOT

I got cards from a website to pass out to people who ? why I am not paying attention/disciplining my child. PM me if you would like the website. It is very informative and straight to the point. I carry some with me all the time.

If anyone ?'s you "cheating" the system, tell them you'll gladly change places and stand in line, while they "cheat" and take your child on the ride. I don't think you would get many offers to trade places .

Most of all just have fun, don't worry about what others think. As one of the CM's said " you'll never see these people again after today".

 

[Goosie Lucy]

It also gives DS space to do "his thing", usually just jumping up and down to release some energy. It also keeps us away from anyone else who may be having a rough time(crying, whining etc.)

See, this is would totally work for DD. She can be a little bothersome while waiting in line because she, too, likes to jump or twirl to pass the time. She's not super-coordinated so she ends up bumping people. A separate waiting area when she needs a break would be great.

CYPM, I'd love that site address!

 

[MBW]

I think we PoAs (parents of autistics) need a little ABA ourselves to get us over the guilt complex we seem to have . Words like "cheat" and "special privileges" can then be eradicated from our vocabulary, especially when it comes to our kids. I've argued on this board that the GAC doesn't go far enough when it comes to special needs kids - that kids with autism and other severe behavioral/cognitive conditions shouldn't have wait the same length of time, and be able to ride again without getting off, particularly if the park isn't crowded. (We always go during slow seasons, so CMs generally do this for our kids anyway.)

Will there be people who attempt to cheat the system? Sure. But the National Park Service cut back dramatically on non-disabled people obtaining Golden Access Passes by requiring individuals to sign a statement, under penalty of perjury (a felony), that they were in fact disabled. Now Disney probably couldn't do anything with such legal teeth, but they could threaten a lifetime ban from the park. Would it be enforcable? Who knows? How many people, though, would be willing to find out, and risk that lifetime ban?

An even easier way to prevent fraud would be to request some form of proof - not a diagnosis or letter from your doctor saying what your medical condition is, but an SSI or Medicaid card, a handicapped parking placard or something like the Golden Access Pass (most states have them too - we have one from California as well.) If you or your child is disabled enough to need a GAC at Disney, chances are you've acquired some form of disability assistance in your real life, particularly one of the above (we have all them, actually.)

And for my Mainiac neighbor, we're Portlanders. We're currently in SoCal as we've taken our family on the road for a few years, ostensibly to write a book on traveling with special needs kids.

 

[KPeveler]

An even easier way to prevent fraud would be to request some form of proof - not a diagnosis or letter from your doctor saying what your medical condition is, but an SSI or Medicaid card, a handicapped parking placard or something like the Golden Access Pass (most states have them too - we have one from California as well.) If you or your child is disabled enough to need a GAC at Disney, chances are you've acquired some form of disability assistance in your real life, particularly one of the above (we have all them, actually.)

no offense, but you used the term "disabled enough." that term bugs me. what is disabled enough? I dont think the state should decide who is disabled enough, and actually it is illegal for them to make a decision for anything other than state aid. you cannot force someone to prove their disability to get accomodations.

 

[MBW]

no offense, but you used the term "disabled enough." that term bugs me. what is disabled enough? I dont think the state should decide who is disabled enough, and actually it is illegal for them to make a decision for anything other than state aid. you cannot force someone to prove their disability to get accomodations.

There is a legal definition of "disabled" under US federal law. The definition set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) does not distinguish between type, severity, or duration of the disability. It states:

“The term ‘disability’ means, with respect to an individual –
(a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual;
(b) a record of such impairment; or
(c) being regarded as having such an impairment.” (P.L. 101-336, Sec. )

In order to obtain some US services (such as SSI and Medicaid) you do in fact have to prove you meet this definition of disabled. In order to obtain certain priviliges (discounts and free entry) into state and national parks and lands, you must swear under penalty of prosecution. To get a handicapped license plate or placard, you must have a doctor sign a statement specifying that your disability necessitates reserved and accessible parking.

In order to keep, or even expand, the accommodations the GAC offers, I think Disney should consider the example of other governmental organizations. This does not require the disclosure of the kind of disability, but does require that it impacts one or more major life activities, and that there is some kind of record (which is what I addressed with my second option.)

 

[taximomfor4]

There is a legal definition of "disabled" under US federal law. The definition set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) does not distinguish between type, severity, or duration of the disability. It states:



In order to obtain some US services (such as SSI and Medicaid) you do in fact have to prove you meet this definition of disabled. In order to obtain certain priviliges (discounts and free entry) into state and national parks and lands, you must swear under penalty of prosecution. To get a handicapped license plate or placard, you must have a doctor sign a statement specifying that your disability necessitates reserved and accessible parking.

In order to keep, or even expand, the accommodations the GAC offers, I think Disney should consider the example of other governmental organizations. This does not require the disclosure of the kind of disability, but does require that it impacts one or more major life activities, and that there is some kind of record (which is what I addressed with my second option.)

That would be lovely, but for my dd, we have not applied for SSI/Medicaid/BCMH, etc. We have pretty good health insurance. It gets sticky for us because her "diagnosis" is "nonspecific syndrome" which includes Gross and Fine motor delays, sensory integration Dysfunction, left eye coloboma, intention tremors, .......... She walks fine, runs funny but fine, and Irish Dances pretty well!! So no HC placard needed. She has no accomodations at school (used to, but they are balking now because she is having obvious problems in 3rd grade but is NOT in danger of failing).

She could not do WDW without a GAC. We would never even attempt it.

That said, I would always be perfectly willing to bring medical stuff -- I have PT/OT reports, letters from her specialists to her pediatrician, etc. I would show them to anyone who asked, if it meant dd could still have a GAC to make WDW possible for her!

 

[MBW]

She could not do WDW without a GAC. We would never even attempt it.

That said, I would always be perfectly willing to bring medical stuff -- I have PT/OT reports, letters from her specialists to her pediatrician, etc. I would show them to anyone who asked, if it meant dd could still have a GAC to make WDW possible for her!

Unfortunately, we want to stay away from the "diagnosis" stuff, as that will get Disney in ADA hot water. But it seems that though signing a binding statement would actually work for you. That's why I would suggest a combination policy of official documentation and signed statements. If you have the official docs, just show them; if not, then be willing to sign a statement that you require one or more of the accommodations provided for by the GAC.

However, to clarify all this, I think the GAC currently works fine, and, to my knowledge, is not abused. I would only want to see such changes if Disney decided to do away with accommodations for "invisible disabilities" altogether, because of real or perceived fraud, or was considering expanding or more appropriately advertizing the accommodations, but wanted more control. In fact, I don't think enough people who could benefit know about it, and, would be willing to suffer some mild hassle to verify the boys' disabilities, so that more people could make informed decisions and determine if the GAC is appropriate for their needs. (I've always been uncomfortable about how we couch our discussions of the GAC here, for fear there are lurkers looking for a way of cheating the system.)

 

[Forevryoung]

I went to Disney in June '05 with a friend's family. The daughter has CP (can't stand without assistance, learning disabilities...). She was 10 and we transferred her for the majority of the rides so that she would get the full experience. We went off on our own at the MK one day while the rest of the group rode rides that she couldn't do (splash/space...). We got on the train with another family with a child in a wheelchair. Their child (he was in his late teens) was obviously, very severely disabled. My friend's daughter started to stare at this boy sitting next to her who was drooling and softly moaning. I tried to divert her attention with conversation, instead she decided to teach me a lesson.

She asked the boy next to her "what's your favorite ride?". There was no answer from the boy but the parents spoke up instead. "He can't go on many rides because he can't get out of his chair." My smart girl (first trip) said, "I think he would like IASW and Buzz, you can wheel onto them." The boy's parents agreed that he probaby would, politely asked what her favorite ride had been, and we all fell silently deep in thought.

Then she asked "How do you know if he likes something?" And the wonderful parents took the time to explain their silent teenager to a 10 year old.

When we got off the train, we waved to the family, who was going to go around again. She simply stated, "I really hope his wheelchair fits on Buzz, I think he would like it."

At Disney, what would "disabled enough" be when EVERYONE thankfully has the opportunity for enjoyment.

 

[MBW]

At Disney, what would "disabled enough" be when EVERYONE thankfully has the opportunity for enjoyment.

I take this is a slap at my previous phrasing, but I don't get your point. Do you believe the boy in your anecdote wasn't getting appropriate accommodation? Did you or your family need a GAC and weren't able to get one? I'm sorry if I'm rather thick today.

Disney's current policy is that mobility disabilies are accommodated via the regular lines or alternative entrances. Where people seem to get their nickers in a twist is over what are deemed "invisible disabilities", which is why Disney came up with the GAC. The OP seems to believe just about everyone somehow apparently qualifies for a GAC, which I believe is pretty much nonsense. However, if we want to engage in that view, then shouldn't we be advocating for stricter regulation on Disney's part?

As for my phrasing, I was being ironic; it seems as though in this society we're constantly forced to proved we're "[insert adjective] enough", particularly when it comes to getting basic needs filled. For those of us with children with severe invisible disabilities, such as autism, I suspect, since we have to jump over a whole array of hoops just to convince school boards to pay for our children's very expensive appropriate education, we have the documentation necessary to get decent accommodation at Disney.

On top of my boys' disabilities, I have R/R MS. But I never would consider getting a GAC for myself, as I don't think, at this point, that I'm "disabled enough" to really need it, even though it would probably help, especially during warm periods. But for them, as I've said before, getting a GAC makes the difference between us going, and not going. It's a necessity, not a benefit.

 

[Forevryoung]

No slap in the face and I'm sorry you took it that way. I guess I just meant that right now thankfully everyone who needs (and at the same time wants) acommodations can get them-

My point was that even to those who are disabled, there are gray areas. Chris can transfer, does that make her not disabled in the grand scheme of Disney? (rhetorical question).

I need a GAC to go to Disney, nobody would ever guess that though. There are 9 people in this world who would understand (2 doctors, 3 immediate family members, 3 friends and my boyfriend). The rest would think I was cheating the system. Those of us with disabilities create our own worlds where we usually function very well- Disney is outside that bubble and limitations are created in that scene as well that we must try and adapt to.

I'm sorry if my words weren't clear- my mind is overworked. I shouldn't have posted.