Kids CLub-Special Needs

[yippeeDCL]

My DS, age 9, has limited use of left arm/hand. Can anyone tell me if the supervision is that so he will be safe and can enjoy the activities?

This is our first vacation since his injury, 4 years ago, I want it to be PERFECT!

Thanks for any help!

 

[scrapperjill]

When you check him into the club I'd make sure you let them know his limitations the best you can. The counslers are very good and do the best job they can to keep everyone safe. I think with the age group that he will be in he'll have more choices of what he can do...where as the younger kids have alot more structured activites...

 

[Cinderelli]

YippeeDCL, we are in the same boat (so to speak, tee hee). Our DS (9, as well) has limited use of his right hand/arm due to a brain tumor surgery 4 years ago. We're booked (just today - yea) on the 5/28/06 cruise. When are you going? It would be awesome if we were on the same cruise. Then my son could meet someone JUST LIKE HIM .

Actually, he gets along very well. He's even playing baseball this spring. It just takes him a little longer to have his left hand help his right hand wrap around the bat. However, if there were activities in the clubs that required rope climbing, etc., he definitely would not be able to do that.

If anyone has specific knowlege about this type of situation (or similar), we'd love to hear about it.

Lissa

 

[cruisenewbie2004]

When we cruised there was a little girl with spina bifida who was in a wheel chair. I think you just need to tell them and it would be fine.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

While my son's needs are different (He has HFA - High Functioning Autism), I have been reassured by many people who have traveled with DCL that the cruise line takes great care of their smaller passengers who have special needs. If you haven't already done so, contact either DCL or your TA for a medical form, they will have your doctor sign it and then they will have someone call you to discuss your son's needs. Be assured that they have probably seen and dealt with most everything and your son will be very well taken care of.

I am taking a one page "highlight" of my son, with his picture on it, outlining certain things about him that might be helpful to the staff. With his picture, they will instantly be able to know who he is, what he likes and what he may want to avoid.

Hope this helps,

 

[yippeeDCL]

YippeeDCL, we are in the same boat (so to speak, tee hee). Our DS (9, as well) has limited use of his right hand/arm due to a brain tumor surgery 4 years ago. We're booked (just today - yea) on the 5/28/06 cruise. When are you going? It would be awesome if we were on the same cruise. Then my son could meet someone JUST LIKE HIM .

Actually, he gets along very well. He's even playing baseball this spring. It just takes him a little longer to have his left hand help his right hand wrap around the bat. However, if there were activities in the clubs that required rope climbing, etc., he definitely would not be able to do that.

If anyone has specific knowlege about this type of situation (or similar), we'd love to hear about it.

Lissa

Hi Lissa! I WISH we were going at the same time, we leave 5/20/05 (4 day Wonder). However, I'll be sure to give you a full report!

My ds does fairly well, also...left hemiparasis (head injury,subsequent stroke) in '01...craniotomy(?) in '04 to stop seizures. We are not back to baseball, yet...I fully expect to be!

Thanks for making me feel sooo no alone!

Shiann

 

[CM_Mom]

When DD was a CM in the Club she often told me stories of the special things they did and the special accomodations they made for special needs kids. There are ofter "Wish" kids on DCL, especially on the Wonder so I would say DCL is very experienced in working with special needs kids. And by the time they're 9 they pretty much know what they can and can't do...although that doesn't mean they don't try anyway.

 

[FFerret]

While my son's needs are different (He has HFA - High Functioning Autism), I have been reassured by many people who have traveled with DCL that the cruise line takes great care of their smaller passengers who have special needs. If you haven't already done so, contact either DCL or your TA for a medical form, they will have your doctor sign it and then they will have someone call you to discuss your son's needs. Be assured that they have probably seen and dealt with most everything and your son will be very well taken care of.

I am taking a one page "highlight" of my son, with his picture on it, outlining certain things about him that might be helpful to the staff. With his picture, they will instantly be able to know who he is, what he likes and what he may want to avoid.

Hope this helps,

DisneyDreams4P&B--I'm going to send you a PM--my little boy (6) has autism as well. I'd put him in the middle of the spectrum, but he's making progress everyday

I think the highlight page is a great idea.
This is the first I've heard of a medical form; going to drop my TA a line to see if he can get one to us.

 

[Cinderelli]

YippeeDCL,

I told my son about your son last night. He got this big smile on his face (but pretended like he didn't care - you know the look). If you just love your trip and decide to rebook while on board (for the savings), keep in mind 05/28/06.

Please do let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear all about it.

Thanks,
Lissa