Parents of kids with Down Syndrome - were you able to get a DAS?

[chocolatemint]

Hi All! This is our first trip to the World as a family and I'm more than a little apprehensive about all of this.

DD can use the stroller (and we'll def have to get a stroller as a wheelchair tag), but she has issues with overheating and some other things that would make life so much easier if we could wait elsewhere (like in a first aid station, store with bathroom access, etc).

We're going during a low crowd time, but it will be hot. We try to make life as "normal" as possible for DD and will usually just wait with everyone else, but I'd like the DAS as a backup just in case we have issues.

My concern is that I have been reading that people have been denied for the very same issues.

I don't look forward to the DAS conversation AT ALL and especially not with the threat of a denial hanging over me. I am afraid of being embarrassed or embarassing DD (or her siblings). I am concerned that it's going to be an emotionally difficult experience.

Could you all tell me how you explained your child's issues to the CM, and how you felt during the experience? Thanks in advance!

 

[lanejudy]

DAS is not diagnosis-based, so you will have to explain your daughter's needs. Keep your explanation as specific as possible with regards to waiting in a standard queue environment and why the stroller-as-wheelchair tag won't help.

Some suggestions:

• Plan for the heat. Most lines are not outdoors in the heat of the sun. You'll encounter most heat in your travels around the parks. Take mid-day breaks to get out of the sun. Use a cooling scarf or towel. Stay hydrated -- CS locations have free ice water on request.
• Be aware that First Aid may not be the optimal place to wait out a DAS unless you are in that area. It can be a long walk back-and-forth from there to various attractions.
• Stores are indoors and air-conditioned, though the doors may be open. They also tend to be crowded, especially if pushing a stroller. Most are not connected to a restroom. Most restrooms are separate buildings or at least have outdoor entrances.
• Plan your FP+ each day.

If you haven't found it already, the WDW - Disability Access Service thread has a lot of information. And the disABILITIES FAQs thread may have some helpful tips as well.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

as had been said the DAS is need based I was denied the DAS the first time I asked for it about an hour I went back to GR and explained why it was not working for me. they gave me a DAS card after I went back. If they tell you no say ok thank you and go and do disney and if it is not working then you can go back and say this is not working for me because of XYZ. you may find that you are in the het more out side of the lines then inside the lines. but there is no magic words that you can say that will give you a DAS card even though I have one I am in the system I still get questioned every time I go and depending on the CM that day so days are easer then others

 

[PatMcDuck]

Yes, I get a DAS for my adult son with Down syndrome (and Autism). But, he has specific difficulties that I describe in detail as to why he needs it. It was never (only) because he has Down Syndrome. I think some with Down's would "qualify" based on their specific needs, and some would be helped enough by a WC or stroller as WC, and others seem to not need it at all (I wish).

When I explain my son's situation it makes me glad he does not understand what I am saying.

 

[KPeveler]

When you do request a DAS, be very specific about what could/will happen *in a queue.* Just the diagnosis does not tell them anything. "If she is in an overcrowded queue, she could react like XYZ." I find that helps the most.

 

[tobikaye]

I don't look forward to the DAS conversation AT ALL and especially not with the threat of a denial hanging over me. I am afraid of being embarrassed or embarassing DD (or her siblings). I am concerned that it's going to be an emotionally difficult experience.

If possible, you could have your kids all wait to the side of the line and only call her when you are done talking to the CM. This way, you can talk with the CM and not have the kids actively listening. For the most part, when I have been in Guest Services, unless someone was talking extremely loud, I have not really heard much of the conversation between guest and CM while in there.

 

[KPeveler]

In the past, I have written things down for the CM. I give them the note, tell them it is from me, NOT a doctor's note, and say I have problems verbalizing things. You could write a note for the CM describing your child's needs, and say that it is a note from you and your DD is uncomfortable with you describing all of it out loud. They may still have questions, but that may help alleviate the problem.

 

[specchalakani]

I went in may with my 21 year old daughter with Downs. i had no problem getting it, I did,however, have issues with the DAS itself. I was there right after it went to the Bands so I assume that most of the kinks have been worked out. Good luck!

 

[Baklava]

My kid does not have Downs but one of her little besties does and I know his family had a positive DAS experience within the last month or so.

 

[chocolatemint]

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it. I guess if we are denied we can always ask again later.

It's so strange to make plans to accommodate DD -- she usually can keep up with everyone else just fine, but we've never walked so far in such high temps before. I really hope using the DAS isn't necessary, but I guess it's better to plan for contingencies than not.

On the happy side -- I think she's going to have a BLAST!! I'll let you all know how it goes when we return.

 

[wiscbugs]

You won't get denied....my daughter has Down Syndrome and we have been to both World and Land multiple times and I just say we need to get a DAS card and they give it to us, no questions asked! I hope your daughter loves Disney as much as mine does

 

[wiscbugs]

Have fun!