Mobility Concerns

[matim]

We are preparing for a trip with son who has down syndrome- he has limited endurance and strength but lots of determination! On past trip we used stroller with a GAP but he is now too big for our stroller. We are wondering if it would be acceptable to bring small foldup stool/cane that he could sit on during long lines and parades. Not opposed to wheelchair but know that he will resist that and not sure how we will survive otherwise. Any other ideas?

 

[dclfun]

We are preparing for a trip with son who has down syndrome- he has limited endurance and strength but lots of determination! On past trip we used stroller with a GAP but he is now too big for our stroller. We are wondering if it would be acceptable to bring small foldup stool/cane that he could sit on during long lines and parades. Not opposed to wheelchair but know that he will resist that and not sure how we will survive otherwise. Any other ideas?

Have you looked into getting a special needs stroller, such as the Maclaren Major? I know there are places in Orlando that rent them, or perhaps your medical insurance would cover one. If it's the wheelchair "look" he's opposed to, this wouldn't look like one and would likely be more comfortable and familiar to him. Otherwise, of course you can bring a fold-up stool or cane. Probably the biggest hassle in queue lines is that the lines will be moving frequently so there won't be much chance for him to sit down.---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Kathy. Other people have brought those sort of canes with seats in, but the problem will be that fairly quickly moving lines may mean a lot of getting up and down. Plus, it would not help you to get from place to place.

if you would like to look into renting a special needs stroller, there is information in post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You might also want to look into rollators - these are rolling walkers with a fold down seat. A lot of people find them a good alternative to a wheelchair.