My child with Digeorge Syndrome

[aquanutt1]

We will be taking our 4 year old healthy child as well as our 2 year old with Digeorge Syndrome to WDW next month. The little one due to her syndrome has cardiac issues (had open heart surgery Dec 06) , immune issues, temperature instabilities, crowd anxiety, doesn't walk and the list could go on and on. I was wondering if she would be considered for a for a special pass to get past the long lines. If so what kind of verification would I need to bring from her doctors. She has about 14 specialists and I could get something from any one of them. Standing in long lines would only heighten the opportunity for her to not only get hot or cold depending on the day but also to be exposed to people in mass for a long period of time. This would be our first time bringing her and I won't even know if she will tolorate the rides or crowds, but we want to try with as little risk to her as possible.
Tell me what you think.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi. And to both DisBoards and the disABILTIES! Forum.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The sixth item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including information about Guest Assistance Cards.

One thing that you would definitely need is a GAC or special stroller sticker that alllows a stroller to be treated as a wheelchair.

Once you've read the FAQ, especially the GAC portion, please ask any sepcific questions you want. However, that should help to answer some immediately.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is not a special pass that allows people to completely bypass lines and get on attractions without any wait, except for children who are on wish trips, like MAKE A WISH.

They do have a card called the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that provides accomidations for the needs related to disabilities.
If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, near the top of this board, there is a section about GACs that should answer all your questions.
You don't need a doctor's letter to request a GAC. You do need to be able to explain what needs your child has/ problems you expect so that the Cast Members will be able to figure out what accomidations would best help you.

Even if you do have a GAC, you could still be experiencing crowded conditions in places like restaurants, shops and just walking around the parks in general. Things like guidebooks that help you figure out where to go when the crowds are lowest will help you a lot. There is also a service called Tour Guide Mike (he is a sponsor of the Theme Parks Board) would also be helpful in figuring out how to avoid the most crowded places and times.

 

[munch704]

hi aquanutt1
my daughter is 3 and also has DiGeorge & Cortical Dysplasia. We were just in Disney over Christmas and used the GAC for the first time (4 previous trips w/out GAC) She has low immune system, non verbal and recently started walking. She needs a stroller 90% of the time. We obtained the GAC on our first day and used it without problems or questions daily. We needed stroller as wheelchair and alternative entrance. We found it most useful for the shows when we would have had to carry/hold her for long periods if we had to park the stroller. We did find most CM's very helpful in directing us where we needed to go. This was through the Christmas crowds also when they could have been short with their responses.

We didn't need any dr note or anything to obtain the GAC - only needed to explain what we needed (stroller as wheelchair).

Please go and have a great time. Get the GAC on your first day and use it as needed. It was really a life saver to us. We saw many shows we hadn't on previous trips due to the inability to bring her stroller with us.