Inconsiderate people!

[DaveH]

Guys being healthy I can not imagine the problems you guys have. If asked I try to always help because I have no idea how to help. As for the bus driver calling about another bus, as I understand it none of WDW busses have radios. Years ago they did but not now.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not positive about right now, but I am quite sure that the bus drivers are reach-able. A year ago, we were waiting for the bus at DD and the first bus to come had a malfunctioning lift. The dispatcher called to see how long the next bus would be. We could hear him talk to the driver, explaining our problem. When the bus arrived, it had no lift. So, the dispatcher called for another bus and we could hear him say, "Now you do have a working lift, don't you?"
I think they have something a little more sophisticated than the old "squacking" radios they used to have.

 

[DisneyAnna]

I humbly thank you for your praise.

Bottom line though is, that if your child has a sincere curiousity about a disability, LET THEM ASK.
And please don't be so quick to judge based upon appearances--sometimes the diability isn't obvious.
Someone whom I greatly respect, Barry Neil Kaufman, said something to the effect that 'If we weren't so quick to judge one another, we wouldn't have to ask for forgiveness later'. Kinda deep and profound, but it makes sense, dontcha think??
And mhopset, you made my day!!THANKS!!!

 

[adisneyfan2]

I gotta add my two cents (again!) I have a DS with Asperger's (or is it high-functioning autism??) We have taken advantage of the GAC on our last two trips, and put up with plenty of rude stares & not-so-subtle remarks, (see posts under "rude stares" thread) but I have to say with just one single exception, the cast members were absolutely wonderful, even though the "problem" was no more visible to them than the ignoramus in line. I am also grateful that my DS is so happy to be at WDW that he is oblivious & doesn't let any moronic losers ruin his day!


Everybody is equally entitled to enjoy Disney, whether from the vantage of a WC or through the unique eyes of an autistic child. If it takes a GAC to allow your loved one to enjoy Disney, then so be it. I am thrilled that Disney makes them available, because they allow my very special child to enjoy WDW as much as all the other kids do!

 

[DisneyAnna]

adisneyfan2:

WELL SAID, and BRAVO!!!!

I agree, EVERYONE should be allowed to enjoy the Disney experience, regardless of their vantage point. Perhaps I am biased, but since WDW is known to be the Happiest Place on Earth (ok, maybe its Disneyland) I think that people will disabilities are even MORE entitled, as it is such a magical place where you 'check your troubles at the door', and everything is happy and wonderful and amazing.......

I know when we go with our DS, life seems happier, and better and magical!
And all of our 'issues' seem to fade into the background....basically life is good!!

Btw, whereabout in Illinois are you? I'm waaaaaaayyy North of Chicago--could actually walk to the Wisconsin State line!! (that is, if it waasn't so hot, and I wasn't so lazy!?!?!?!)

 

[daughtersrus]

DisneyAnna,
I'm in IL also. Western suburbs off I-55.

 

[doombuggy]

I would not be so quiet if I was in any of your shoes either. I am taking my grandmother, who has Parkinson's to WDW next spring, and God help anyone who makes a comment in my hearing. Her Parkinson's isn't as bad as Ali's, or even Michael J. Fox, and it's not very noticable at this point. She has not had a vaca since the last time she went to WDW back in 1973, so I want her to have a really good time. Everyone on this board has given me lots of advice ont his - I'm sure I will be asking more in the comming months! Thanks, guys! You ROCK!!!!!

 

[DisneyAnna]

Doombuggy:

thanks for seeing our side of the issue--sometimes as a parent of a disabled child, I feel like I have to really evaluate a situation to be sure I'm not going to offend anyone (by pointing out to them that THEY offended ME!!)

I have learned to pick my battles very carefully.

In any event, I wanted to wish you a happy, memorable and awesome vacation with your Grandmother---may if be filled with the most Magical of Memories for you both!!

~~DisneyAnna

 

[SueM in MN]

Hope you have a great trip, doombuggy.
Glad the people on this board could help you out.

 

[Mskanga]

I am a perfectly abled body person and my children do not have any problems either, however last year waiting to go to MGM , we waited for the bus and there was a lady with an ECV, yes you guessed it...some people had the nerve to whine about taking too long to load her ECV on the bus. Although I did not know this woman , I did tell those people that they should be grateful THEY didn't need an ECV or a wheelchair to move around, let me tell you I had never seen so many faces look down ashamed!
I just cannot understand some people's behaviour....and yes a lot of disabilities cannot be "seen", so never judge people unless you know them!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Yahoo! Well said.

 

[DisneyAnna]

WOW!!!

I hereby nominate mskanga for President of the Compassion Police!!!
How truly brave of you to make a stand for that woman with the ECV!!!
I think you should be a guide for guests with Disabilities!!!

(you can tell i am impressed when i use so many exclamation points!!!)

 

[mamajoan]

GOD LOVE YA, MSKANGA!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

For our courageous mskanga, a friendship award for being a friend to strangers:

And for the people who whine and get cranky about wheelchairs and ecvs, we have 2 awards:

The Black Stone Award, for people who have one of those where their heart should be and

the Cranky Monkey Award, for people who left their heart home when they came to WDW.

 

[Mskanga]

You guys made my day, Thanks!!! You know , my friend and I always used to complain about the kids making a mess and always cleaning up after them and one day her grandmother was tired of listening to us complain and she said to us:

You know you are both absolutely right , the kids always make a mess and get dirty , it would be much better and you would be happier if they were confined to a wheelchair right on that corner and they wouldn't be able to make a mess or get dirty, now THAT would be much better, wouldn't it??

She really shut us up real good, we haven't complained since because we always remember what she said.
Now I have to tell you that you guys have taught me a lot here too , dd and I saw a woman not too long ago in walmart , both her legs were amputated and she was in a wheelchair. DD ( age 4 back then ) asked what happened to the lady's legs and I told her that some people have car accidents and they loose their legs because they get very hurt and then they get special legs with wheels to help them move around and go to places just like the rest of the people, that sometimes they may need a little bit of help and that we should help them . Would you believe that the woman actually thanked me for giving her such a straight caring answer? She said usually people make the kids shut up and they walk away ignoring her.

 

[adisneyfan2]

You are the greatest! I wish there were more people like you in the world. We wouldn't need this thread if there were!

 

[s&k'smom]

Bravo MsKanga. About 6 years ago my niece Keelin passed away. She had been in a pediatric nursing home since age 2. This was a wonderful, caring place that took good care of her. Her siblings (there are 3) went up often and she came home regularly. I went with them once and something stuck out in my mind. Upon arrival the kids ran right up and to there sister's room. Making a ton of noise of course. But nothing bothered them. Like my niece many of these beautiful children were total care. Nothing fazzed these kids. Later sitting out in the yard my sister the baby of the family was babbling away to Keelin in baby talk just looking at her like any other sister. After reading this thread it reminded me of this experience and what a lesson my niece taught her siblings. That is doesn't matter what or who you are. Tubes, wheelchairs, breathing machines. All that matters is that they loved her. It was a beautiful experience for me to see and to know that she taught them tolerance.

 

[daughtersrus]

I've heard many times that I'm so "lucky" because Emily can't get into trouble and make a mess. I'd much rather clean up a mess than take her to therapy three times a week!

My daughter's physical therapist has become a friend of the family. We've watched her family grow also. She's had two more children since we've been seeing her. Third child had some medical problems that required surgery shortly after she was born. She's prefectly healthy now. Her last child is what most people would refer to as a "handful". She's 4 years old now but she's still into EVERYTHING! If you can think of something naughty, she's done it. From taking the fish out of the fish tank to "play" with them to emptying the cabinets in the entire kitchen. We talk often about what she's been into lately. I can't believe how Emily's PT can laugh about it. She said that when things are really bad and she's at her limit, she has to take a few minutes and thank God that her daughter IS able to get into trouble. I'm sure that if she wasn't a pediatric PT, she would think differently but because she's seen so many children that will never walk or sit let alone empty a cabinet out.

Her daughter does have some speech problems caused from apraxia but we joke that at least she doesn't need OT. Anyone that can catch a fish with her bare hands has pretty good small motor skills!

As a parent of a disabled child, I don't mind one bit when children ask questions. I answer them as honestly as I can so that it's easy for them to understand. I usually will say something like "Emily's legs don't work like your's do". If they ask why, I will say something like "because that's the way the God made her". That usually is enough. If parents try to avoid the subject, their children will grow up to be afraid or uneasy around handicapped children. Although Emily has never spoken a word, she's taught so many children some very important lessons.

Sorry to ramble! Thanks to all of the caring strangers that we've met alone the way!

 

[plummer925]

I didn't even finish all of the posts and already had to reply!

Last September (almost a year ago!) I had my tonsils out (at 27 - imagine that!) and a needle removed from my foot (no idea how it got there - doctor assumes I stepped on it at some point and it just healed over it...long story lol). Anyway, the two doctors did the surgerys at the same time since I was already out....

I got out of the surgery and couldn't walk or talk (I was sure a sight!). After three or four days BORED at home, my DH took me to Walmart (a thrill...lol) - I couldn't walk and being about 250 pounds I had an extremely hard time with the crutches...so he went in and got me a wheelchair to use for the shopping trip...

The saying about not judging until you've walked a mile in anothers shoes (or in this case - "wheeled" a mile in anothers chair!) really fit. I was AMAZED at how rude people were! And I was shocked to find that I couldn't reach things on the shelves....it was very difficult, and that was only for about an hour!!

Before that incident I was polite to people in wheelchairs (I was sure to move out of their way, etc)...Now I am more so - I ask if I can help them manouver around or get something that they may not be able to reach, etc....

I, for one, would never judge anyone in a wheelchair...I think everyone should be REQUIRED to use one for a day - and REALLY use it - not get out of it for anything without help - that would make people be not so judgemental...

just my two cents....

Crystal

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Crystal.
I agree that the world would be a much better place if each person had to spend a day totally experiencing what it is like to live with a disability.