Pool Gates

[Jecca]

I'm a long-time DVC member and took my 10 year old on a mommy-daughter solo trip this past December. I knew WDW was in the process of installing fencing around all of their pools, but this was the first time I got to see and use them at BWV. I'm assuming they're the same all over, though. They are *completely* inaccessible to someone using a wheelchair, as I do. Thankfully, my daughter could reach the clasp, but I would have no way of entering on my own. As someone who has traveled to Disney alone and who frequently takes her kids to the pool as the only adult, I'm finding this problematic.

I was able to speak with the director of recreation at the BoardWalk and he told me that Disney is aware of the issue, but that the problem is a conflict between a Florida state code for pool safety and the ADA. I completely understand this and obviously want the pools to be safe for young children. But I also want to have uninhibited independent access to the pool areas. There has to be a solution.

Does anyone know anything about this issue? Any idea who to contact to push them on finding a solution?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I was able to speak with the director of recreation at the BoardWalk and he told me that Disney is aware of the issue, but that the problem is a conflict between a Florida state code for pool safety and the ADA. I completely understand this and obviously want the pools to be safe for young children. But I also want to have uninhibited independent access to the pool areas. There has to be a solution.

1) We told the latch has be 4' high.
2) So far, no remedy.
3) Little children cold enter the pool area with the lower latch when no life guard is present and drown.
4) ADA does not need to be followed when there is a safety issue.

 

[DisneyOma]

If you are staying a resort with the fenced in pool, check at guest services and request that someone go with you to open the gate. Do you need assistance for exiting as well?

I would think they could create a tapstyle-like lock lower down that would require a special code on a band or key - one only given to adults with disabilities who need assistance with the gate. Then the gate could open on its own like the accessible-button doors do.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

They have these at the Grandstand pool at SSR and I find it hard as a disabled person too. I have found myself praying on the mercy of passers by to ask for help or people sitting by the pool. I do admit though it's frustrating you can't be independant I have got stuck outside a few times with an empty pool and no passers by.

 

[BabyFu18]

Are the locks the same at all pools? At the GF this past summer I was able to reach the lock for the pool gate from my wheelchair, it's at the top of the gate it was a stretch but I was still able to reach the lock, open the gate wide, push myself through and wait to make sure the gate closed (it always closed on its own). I know people with little to no upper body strength or use of their arms probably wouldn't be able to do it, but I'm in a wheelchair with good upper body strength and thankfully I was able to get into and out of the pool gate by myself. I know it's got to be really difficult for people who cannot get into and out of the gates by themselves though, hopefully Disney is working on some type of fix for that soon though that doesn't compromise pool safety.

Edited for spelling mistakes, sorry!

 

[GranJan]

I don't think having to ask someone to open it for you is such a problem to insure that small children don't enter the pool area alone. It's just one of those things you have to deal with. We have a pool at home & had a fence around it for the grandkids safety. It made it much more difficult for me with my walker & eventually a power chair. After the kids got older, we removed the fence around the pool although the yard is still fenced. I'm sure there is usually someone near that doesn't mind helping out. I frequently have to rely on strangers to open doors to restrooms. AK has doors on all their restrooms. I was told it was due to the animals. My husband has to try to hold the door open for me without going inside, which isn't easy. He waits outside to help me get out but usually another kind person opens it for me. When you're disabled, there will be times you have to ask for help. Getting into the pool area won't be the only time. I know we'd all like to be independent as much as possible but sometimes making things safe for children may make them inaccessible for you. There may eventually be a solution to this problem but until that time, there's nothing wrong with asking for help. If you feel uncomfortable asking other guests, then ask a CM.