My dad is blind..

[ahalla]

And we are thinking of taking him and his wife with us next year. We are new DVC members and I was just wondering what possibilities are out there for him. He probably won't want to do too many days at the park and he may get bored with sitting by the pool everyday. Is there anything that would especially appeal to him. Any suggestions to make the trip extra special? Thanks for your help!

 

[SueM in MN]

I realize this person is at the other end of the age spectrum than your dad (the question was about a preschool age child), but this thread has a lot of good information about what is available. As you can see, there really isn't that much in terms of sservices outr.

Some questions that might help people give advice:
What resort are you planning to stay at?
Have you stayed there before or is it new to you also?
How long has he been blind?
Does he read Braille?
Does he use a cane for wayfinding?
What kind of things does he like? Music? Roller Coasters?
Has he even been anywhere similar to WDW in terms of crowds of people?

 

[ahalla]

We will probably be staying at AKV or SSR. My family has stayed at SSR and we will be staying there again in Dec. My dad was in a motorcycle accident 14 years and that accident left him completely blind. When he first lost his sight he was taught braille, but he hasn't really kept up with it. He could probably get by in a pinch. He uses a cane and is very independant. He loves music, may do rollercoasters. He took our family to WDW in 1986 so he knows all about Disney. Hope this helps with suggestions. Just wondering if maybe in DTD there are any comedian or talent/singing shows? Thanks for your help.

 

[dclfun]

I know he can get the headset from GS that narrates the shows and attractions. If he likes music then depending on your timeframe there may be a concert or performance at Epcot in the America Gardens Theater. My Mom is blind also but still enjoys outdoor music alot. If you stay at AKV ( or if you don't and want to just visit there), there are alot of cultural activities with cultural representatives from Africa. They include music, storytelling in rockers around the firepit at night, and "talks" about that country which he might enjoy.---Kathy

 

[PammyJJane]

We will probably be staying at AKV or SSR. My family has stayed at SSR and we will be staying there again in Dec. My dad was in a motorcycle accident 14 years and that accident left him completely blind. When he first lost his sight he was taught braille, but he hasn't really kept up with it. He could probably get by in a pinch. He uses a cane and is very independant. He loves music, may do rollercoasters. He took our family to WDW in 1986 so he knows all about Disney. Hope this helps with suggestions. Just wondering if maybe in DTD there are any comedian or talent/singing shows? Thanks for your help.

Hi Ahalla...my daughter is low vision and blind in sunlight (makes Florida a challenge!). Sue and Tonya from this community board have been wonderful here finding the few resources there are out there - and if I learn anything additional just from experience I'll be sure to share it. I'm going Sept 30-Oct 3. Those guide tapes will be perfect for your Dad, I think - I wonder if it's possible to get some early (if that even makes sense to do). My daughter is too young for them, but I've gone back and forth about getting a Pal Mickey. They should make a Pal Mickey for individuals with low vision/blindness!

I feel for your Dad with Braille. It is HARD. I'm trying to learn it now, to help my daughter read just as I try to help her read her regular books with vision aids.

 

[ahalla]

Thanks Pammyjane...I've been reading a lot of your threads and have learned alot. I will definitely try to get the tapes as my dad loves listening to his talking books. Have a wonderful trip and I look forward to hearing any suggestions you learn! Your girls are very lucky to have you...but then again, I think we are the lucky ones to have our kids!!

 

[dclfun]

I forgot to also say, welcome home to DVC! I really think for your trip with him you'd be better off at AKL just due to the fact that for now, all the villas are in one building. SSR is more spread out although with his cane skills I really don't know his ability to get around a more unfamiliar territory or even if he'll be solo on this trip. BCV's, WLV's, and BWV's are also all in one building making getting around a bit easier. BCV's and BWV's are within walking distance to Epcot if you think he'd enjoy that park the most. It may also depend on which property you own and your ability to make ressies at 11 months vs 7 months out. If you own at AKV though I'd book there then at 7 months if you have another preference, try and see what other resorts might have availability.---Kathy

 

[PammyJJane]

...but then again, I think we are the lucky ones to have our kids!!

I couldn't agree more!!! Although, lol, I AM seriously considering a long Disney weekend in January by myself....

 

[ahalla]

We are owners at AKV which is where we will be staying. My dads cane abilities are A1 and if need be he has no problem asking for assistance. If he comes he will bring his wife but they do tend to do their own thing. I don't think unfamiliar territory will be a problem. Unfortunately the problem now looks like his wife doesn't want to come, hence I don't think he will come without her, as much as we are telling him to come anyways. I love all of your suggestions and look forward to hearing more. We have lots of time to convince my dad to come. Wish me luck!