Never Asked for a GAC before

[Anjelica]

because I never thought about my husband needing one. However, he is legally blind and his eyesight is obviously not that great (he has optical nerve damage). While he can't drive a car he has gotten through daily items through adjustments (sitting closer to the t.v. or movie screen, special software for the computer called Zoomtext and a reader for making items larger).

For my upcoming trip I was searching to see if there was any large print maps, etc. and I stumbled upon a write up regarding GAC for visually impaired people more for like just the shows (I assumed this would be for Beauty and the Beast, etc.).

Is there anyone else out there that has personal experience with either GAC or other items Disney provides for visually impaired people (he can't read braille so he either uses a magnifying glass for menu's or has me read them to him)? Is the GAC an appropriate item for him?

The other thing is if he does get a GAC for shows will he be split up from us (two kids and me)? He may not want to use it if he has to sit by himself but he may if he could bring one of the kids with him as well (17 months and 4 years).

TIA
Anjelica

 

[disneyfool_1202]

He won't be seperated - if he needs special seating for shows, then he's allowed to bring his family (I believe it's up to 5 people). As far as I know Disney doesn't have any visual assistive devices - that should be up to him to bring. But they can arrange closer seating for shows or attractions that use a movie screen (when it would be beneficial for him).

 

[Anjelica]

Thanks for the response - also thanks to those that have sent PM's - been very VERY helpful. While I don't wish this on anyone I appreciate the feedback others that have been in similar situations have.

He can bring a note from his doctor but I did read on the sticky notes that its not beneficial, etc. correct? The CM's just take the word or does he need to demonstrate anything (I know sounds stupid but just seemed wierd to me).

 

[KPeveler]

all he needs to be able to do is explain his needs (sitting close to the front in shows, etc), and you do not need a dr's note. however, HE will need to be there to request a GAC, you cannot do it for him without him there...

question for people who have used GAC for vision problems - can you use wheelchair areas for things like parades, since you need to be closer to see? i was specifically thinking of illuminations (i am helping a friend with vision problems plan a trip sometime in the future, and was just wondering)

 

[SueM in MN]

People have reported varying success with using a GAC for close up seating. Some have reported it worked really well and others felt it worked better to just explain the need to the CM and ask which way to turn to get to the front row once they entered the theater.
For most of the theater type shows (like Little Mermaid, American Adventure, Muppets 3D), the wheelchair seating is in the very back row. This is different than in shows like Beauty and the Beast, Pocohontas at AK and the stunt shows where there is wheelchair access in both the first row and the last row.
I mention this because we have been in situations where someone with a vision disability was wanting to be seated with the guests with wheelchairs for a show where the wheelchair seating was in the back.

all he needs to be able to do is explain his needs (sitting close to the front in shows, etc), and you do not need a dr's note. however, HE will need to be there to request a GAC, you cannot do it for him without him there...

question for people who have used GAC for vision problems - can you use wheelchair areas for things like parades, since you need to be closer to see? i was specifically thinking of illuminations (i am helping a friend with vision problems plan a trip sometime in the future, and was just wondering)

I don't have a vision problem, so I can't tell you for sure whether or not you can use the handicapped viewing areas. I would probably argue for it for safety reasons. Since the streets at MK have curbs, it would be safer for someone with a vision disability to be in a little more protected area (where someone will not be pushing close to them and maybe they could end up off the curb).
I can tell you that the wheelchair/handicapped viewing areas for parades put you right at the curb, so you are very close. There is a rope along the front of the area which would serve as a little bit of a guide for where the curb is.
For daytime parades, check the location of the sun. In some cases, you may be facing into the sun where the glare might be even more difficult to deal with for someone with vision problems.
For Illuminations, the viewing areas are right up at the fence along the water. We have never used the viewing area right at the entrance to WS, but I know it is a clear ahead view with nothing in the way. That one is likely to be most busy (why we have chosen not to use it). We have used the one by Germany. That was close and gave a good view, but we were under trees. There were tree branches in out field of view. That didn't make much difference for us, but it could make viewing more difficult for someone with vision problems.