Neuropathy

[Kallison]

My Mom has neuropathy and we will be renting a scooter while we are at wDW. What other kind of accomodations should I make for her? Will we be able to get a disability pass at gues services? Does she need a docotor's note? And Where should we check for scooter rentals? Thanks for any help!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITIES. Here are my suggestions related to ECVs; others will probably chime in on other aspects of the trip.

Some information for off-site rentals are:

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in until I had my tag.

 

[Kallison]

Thanks! She already has the permit for handicapped parking in New Jersey. I'm assuming she can use that in Florida also.

 

[Talking Hands]

yes she can use it in Florida. Be sure not to forget it.

 

[SueM in MN]

What other kind of accomodations should I make for her? Will we be able to get a disability pass at gues services? Does she need a docotor's note?

To answer these questions, you need to ask yourself a few questions about her needs.
Using an ecv or a wheelchair will give her access to the accessible entrances to rides. Does she need more than that?
Being able to use the accessible entrances means she would be able to bring the ecv into lines with her (in a few lines, she would have to exchange it for a manual wheelchair at the entrance). She would also be able to board at the exit for some rides (after waiting in line) which allows more time and space for boarding and also having the ecv/wheelchair waiting at the exit for her when she gets off.
If that would take care of her accessibility needs, then you don't need to inquire about a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). They are not meant to (and usually won't) shorten the time in line. They are basically a way to inform CMs of invisible disabilities that people need assistance with. She doesn't need a doctor's letter to ask for one; just the ability to explain her needs.