It was great to see...

[Schmeck]

that WDW is in the process of hiring many CMs with disabilities of all types, including autism. We saw lots of CMs 'earning their ears', most with physical disabilities, but a few with more learning-type issues, and that really made my day. Here at home, most of my students with disabilities have only the local grocery store chain to look for work. Imagine their excitement if they were told they could work at WDW!

My favorite moment was at Animal Kingdom. A young man earning his ears was rattling off lots of info about the bats in the bat house. I would hazard a guess that he had autism, and he was also in a wheelchair. His training buddy was asking him questions, and he had an answer before she could even finish asking him! I hope he has a successful career at WDW - he looked like he was really enjoying himself! We certainly enjoyed having him there, and thanked him.

 

[KPeveler]

I am working on getting a job in Disneyland, so hopefully there will be a new CM there as well in a wheelchair!

 

[jmartinez1895]

That's great. I'm happy to hear of any major employer being able to look at persons over all ability and not just at the surface. I think it is also great for kids who might have the same conditions to see a person in the work force and know taht they can do it too.

 

[Schmeck]

I am working on getting a job in Disneyland, so hopefully there will be a new CM there as well in a wheelchair!

That sounds awesome, best wishes for your success!

In the past we've seen a nice contingency of CMs using wheelchairs, and some of the food courts have had accessible registers for these CMs, which worked out great for the guests using mobility devices as well. This is the first time I've witnessed so many CMs with more learning/less physical issues. There was a very sweet man clearing tables at the pretzel food court at the German Pavilion, we had a great talk about hurricane Earl. He reminded me of one of my former students, with such a nice way about him.

There was a very pleasant female CM with some disabilities at a gift shop too - even though it took her a bit longer than usual to ring up our purchases, she was a perfect cashier. She asked us all the right questions, thanked us, she was just the nicest CM we met, and I meant to write down her name/workstation, because I wanted to send Disney a letter about how great she was. But my husband was acting like a dementor (Harry Potter reference) because he was fed up with all the shopping we were doing, and we had a bit of a 'discussion' right afterwards, and I forgot. Anyone know her name so I can send a letter? She was of average height, thin, brown hair, had a very deliberate way of moving (maybe CP?) and just sparkled.

It was just great to see Disney embrace people of all abilities. As I mentioned before, we have limited options for our students after they graduate. We have some great adult programs, but they don't fit our most able students for the most part.

 

[POOHsie]

I have seen a Disney CM in a red power chair at the back of Fantasmic! He was pretty quick on his wheels, being helpful to people coming in.

 

[SueM in MN]

We've seen quite a few CMs over the years with different disabilities.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I always like to hear when someone with an issue has been in the position for awhile. At work, we've had lots of people come through with an assortment of issues and out of the 10 I know about, only 3 are still around. Its just nice to hear when it works out in the long term.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

It's great they are giving opportunities like this, it also helps to spread awareness. I am sure other CM's would benefit from this also from an understanding point of view.
In the long term it will help visitors with disABILITIES or parents like us of a child with special needs.

 

[Brightsy]

That's great! My DS8 w/ autism has a dream of working at WDW someday, He wants to operate the Tea Cups and design roller coasters. LOL!

 

[BillSears]

I've always wanted to work at guest services. I'm fairly knowledgeable about the parks and I'd love to be the guy who explains to people that the GAC/wheelchair/ECV is not a front of the line pass or that using a wheelchair is not demeaning and it's the best solution for stamina issues.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've always wanted to work at guest services. I'm fairly knowledgeable about the parks and I'd love to be the guy who explains to people that the GAC/wheelchair/ECV is not a front of the line pass or that using a wheelchair is not demeaning and it's the best solution for stamina issues.

Sounds good to me

 

[Joanna71985]

In the past we've seen a nice contingency of CMs using wheelchairs, and some of the food courts have had accessible registers for these CMs, which worked out great for the guests using mobility devices as well. This is the first time I've witnessed so many CMs with more learning/less physical issues. There was a very sweet man clearing tables at the pretzel food court at the German Pavilion, we had a great talk about hurricane Earl. He reminded me of one of my former students, with such a nice way about him.

I think I might know who you're talking about