Need help.... disappointed with DVC / Disabilities line....

[goldilocks_63]

I called DVC to reserve a 2BR with first floor access, and asked to conference in Handicapped assistance.

Handicapped services refuse to guarantee me first floor access for FIL (4-bypass surgery and diabetic / bad knees - can't walk), unless I reserve a handicapped villa.

But he's 6'5, so Handicapped villa doesn't work well because counter tops are too low.

Why, when reserving 10 months in advance, can't they reserve me first floor access for medical needs on a non-handicapped room?

I'm really upset, and thinking of selling DVC.

Goldi

 

[ducklite]

First off, it depends on which DVC resort you are booking.

First floor at BWV can actually be further away from everything than main (2nd) floor.

Except at OKW, all DVC properties have elevators, so there's really no reason to have a first floor room.

Anne

 

[goldilocks_63]

OKW, and they're not going to parks. Just want to read a good book on the balcony, watch the golfers go by, and go to the pool.

It's the stairs they can't do.....

The handicapped assistance was no help at all!!!

 

[dclfun]

I'm surprised that member services wasn't able to be more helpful. I have requested a non-handicapped villa at OKW before even though I'm in a power wheelchair because the bathrooms aren't an issue there for me. I have always gotten a confirmation that says "first floor or building with elevator for medical reasons". You might want to call back and explain that they can't do stairs but don't need an accessible bathroom ( and don't want the lowered countertops) but you MUST be guaranteed either first floor or building with an elevator due to a guest in your party with a cardiac condition and a medical need. ---Kathy

 

[goldilocks_63]

I called, DVC, called Disabilities, and called OKW front desk....

Sorry they won't / can't guarantee first floor, unless it's Handicapped accessible.....

Still fuming...

Goldi

 

[Schmeck]

Do they have elevators in the buildings? If so, then he should be able to access the second floor without a problem.

 

[dclfun]

Only the few new buildings at OKW have elevators. The majority do not. I guess then it would be best to reserve an accessible unit to be sure there are no steps involved. I wonder if this is just for the larger units. I reserved a studio for later this month ( and reserved it only a few weeks ago) and received a confirmation stating "first floor for medical reasons". I had clearly stated I did not want/need an accessible room. ---Kathy

 

[goldilocks_63]

Last year, I had requested first floor for medical reasons, and it was on my OKW reservation....

BUt when we checked in at 4 p.m. on Sunday, they put us on the 3rd floor!

So that's why I was trying to work thru disabiliites this time...

But apparently, they are no help.

Disgusted, Goldi

 

[dclfun]

Well, with me in my power chair there's no way I could access a 3rd floor villa. I don't know how they've made the arrangements in the past but I pulled out my confirmation again for Aug 15th and Aug. 20th and both say "first floor or elevator for medical reasons" but do not indicate an accessible villa has been requested ( which it has not). I was put on hold by MS while they called the disabilities line over at CRO. I have a feeling that the only way a room can be "blocked" via the disabilities line is to have it listed as accessible - after all that is what the disabilities line CM's do- block rooms for guests with disabilities. The CM at MS must have still noted my request though and she is aware I am travelling in a power chair and thus cannot do stairs. Perhaps it is due to people requesting first floor just for the heck of it who don't really need it like you do. Unfortunately that sort of thing happens and then those of us with disabilities who really need that space are no longer able to confirm it. ---Kathy

 

[Nanajo1]

I had an unfortunate incident last Nov. which I detailed on this board. Requests for 1st floor for Medical necessity are noted but not guaranteed unless Special services blocks an accessible/HP room. I've been told that OKW is so large that unless a GV is the unit wanted then there should be no problem with a first floor request. However , I did end up with a second floor unit one time and when the CM saw me in my ECV she said "I'll fix this!" Medical requests rooms(not HP rooms) are supposed to be put aside but who knows with room ready vs room assigned.

 

[goldilocks_63]

You are correct that I don't need a first floor access, but my FIL does ....

Just want to clarify, because your post seems to indicate that you think I am making an unnecessary request.

I asked them if they needed a doctor's note, and they said no....

Also, I was willing to wait for an appropriate room, but was told no, there weren't any....

So again, I was trying to avoid this problem by making reservations 10 months in advance, so it could be planned for.... BUt they will / can't / won't / do so.

I guess only some disabilties are worthy, and others are not....

Goldi

 

[Nanajo1]

Goldi,
I think you misread Kathy's post. I read it as she was saying other people, unlike you, request first floor as a convenience not for medical reasons. I found it very obvious that your party has a medical need for first floor unit.

 

[dclfun]

Goldi- yes, you did misread my post. I was writing that your party does need the first floor room for medical reasons, etc, etc. ---Kathy

 

[goldilocks_63]

Sorry Kathy and all,

I guess I'm just too frustrated right now.

I'm sure it'll work out. I think I'm going to get a studio a day early so that I can work with the front desk before my FIL checks in, and explain the situation.

Goldi

 

[SueM in MN]

We've been members of DVC at OKW since 1992 and until this past March, have never requested a wheelchair accessible villa. We have always requested and gotten "First Floor or elevator building for Medical Reasons."
The only time we did not was in 1992 when it was just listed as a request, not as a medical request. Since then, we haven't had any problems and we have sometimes arrived very late in the day.
It is true that the only ones they guarantee is if you have reserved a fully accessible unit. It would be better if they would also guarantee first floor, since some people need a first floor, but the fully accessible room is not appropriate for them.
If you are renting a Grand Villa at OKW, the only way to insure you have one on first floor or wheelchair building is to reserve a wheelchair accessible unit since those are the only one you can access without stairs.

Here are links to several past threads about medical requests at OKW.
Room Request for Medical Needs.
Situation which occured at SSR.