Overwhelmed with DAS and WC pass etc.

[katiead78]

So I have reading up trying to figure out what accommodations my son will qualify for and what will be best for him. My son is 7.5 yrs old with mild cerebral palsy, ADD (no hyperactivity just attention), and some emotional instability. We went to DL in 2010 when he was 2. He was given the old pass for disabilities and we were able to skip most lines and it was such a blessing for him. Today he can walk, although VERY slow and not very far without giving up. We still use a stroller to do the mall or zoo etc. He also needs to sit and will not stand in a line without falling over on others. His attention span is poor so he starts doing inappropriate things when bored and then becomes overly emotional when corrected. He is in La La land half the time. He wears a orthotic (brace) on his leg and we own a wheelchair but since he is small for his age we rely mostly on the stroller. I would like to make this trip as enjoyable for him as possible. I have read that people are unkind to people that have strollers as wheelchairs but this is MUST for him. Would it better to bring the wheelchair instead of the stroller? We have a double stroller because I also have 2 yr old so bringing the wheelchair is double the work. (we are traveling from TX)
It's so much to read about the Disability card and wheelchair card and Fast Pass. His needs are primarily mobility and standing issues but also his attention and emotional issues. Would those be enough for him to get the Disability pass or should be just get a stroller as wheelchair card and do Fast Passes. With all his issues it would be nice to see him at least get a break at Disney. Thanks for your help!

 

[OurBigTrip]

If he needs the stroller, I wouldn't hesitate to use it, along with a stroller as a wheelchair tag. If he is able to handle the lines while in the stroller, I personally wouldn't ask for the DAS, but you know best what his needs are. If you try to get the DAS, keep in mind that you will need to explain his needs as they relate to waiting in line, not his diagnosis.

I will say that the DAS is there to provide access, not necessarily to provide a break due to his issues.

With or without the DAS, FP+ will be your friend!

 

[aaarcher86]

If he needs the stroller, I wouldn't hesitate to use it, along with a stroller as a wheelchair tag. If he is able to handle the lines while in the stroller, I personally wouldn't ask for the DAS, but you know best what his needs are. If you try to get the DAS, keep in mind that you will need to explain his needs as they relate to waiting in line, not his diagnosis.

I will say that the DAS is there to provide access, not necessarily to provide a break due to his issues.

With or without the DAS, FP+ will be your friend!

Mimics my thoughts.

The issues other than mobility sound very similar to many children dealing with lines and the bustle of Disney. I'd probably just bring some coping tools that you typically use at home. For us, the 3DS, kindle, etc and use a stroller as a wheelchair. I haven't heard too many reports of people being unkind about the stroller, and if that would make him more comfortable than a wheelchair I'd stick with it.

 

[houstonmama]

I would definitely let them know that he needs to be in his stroller at all times so you can get a sticker that lets you use the stroller as a wheel chair. If you have that sticker on your stroller you can take it into all the buildings and ride lines and won't have to park it with all the other strollers. I'm guessing it would be too much walking for him. There are times when the stroller parking isn't very close to the ride. You have to give them the specific reason he needs to be in the stroller like, for example, he can't walk for very long or long distances.

As far as the DAS card, it basically works as a fast pass. You will have to go to guest services at the park to get it and you will get the wheelchair sticker too. I prefer to go to City Hall at MK. They have always been very friendly. You will have to tell them specifically what his challenges are when it comes to waiting in line. You mentioned he gets bored and this leads to some inappropriate behavior, this is the type of information you need to provide. My DS3 is autistic and when he gets bored, like when we're just standing in line, he'll start screaming very loudly and kicking his feet. He's not trying to hit anybody but it has happened before. This is the type of info I provide and I have received a DAS that way we can wait in another place where he can move around or get a snack or something.

I hope you have a great trip!