Possible Sub-Forum for disABILITIES! Please Read Carefully and Comment

[Cheshire Figment]

This is a subject SueM in MN and I have discussed even prior to my becoming a moderator. We would like opinions and comments before going forward. Please read this and think about it for a while before responding.

We have noticed that about 20% to 25% of the threads are not Disney related but involve concerns about children with physical, mental and/or emotional problems. Some start out that way, and others start as Disney related but then take on a new life.

We do not want to discourage these threads, as in a way they are indirectly Disney related. Just as other forums have sub-forums, we have been thinking of asking the Webmasters to create a sub-forum with the title “Special Needs”.

It would be for asking and giving advice concerning life or lifestyle needs of people, especially children. Examples would involve difficulties with schools or neighbors, or just how people can adapt in a non-Disney situation. It could also be used for venting when a school does not cooperate. Of course people would still have to be civil; if there are disagreements the ideas should be discussed or challenged, not the person doing the posting.

The main board would be used for posts having a direct question or report concerning WDW. This will assist people who are looking specifically for Disney or WDW related information.

Please think about this for a while before responding. Please not only state if you agree or disagree but also explain your reasoning. Before we approach the Webmasters on this we want to be able to give them information about what our (regular) users think of this idea.

Just as disABILITIES! has a subtitle of “Share tips and information on touring Disney World with disabilities”, if you feel this sub-forum would be useful also suggest both a title and subtitle.

Also realize that although we think it would be a good idea, we do not ourselves have the authority to create a sub-forum, but we can go to the Webmasters and show both need and support for it to happen. They may decide that since it generally takes an item three or four days to move off our first page that they do not want to create a sub-forum.

Thank you,
Sue and Mike

 

[pokemon_master]

I think it's a nice idea; one of the reasons why I didn't come to this board in the first place was because I thought my posts had to be linked to the parks themselves.

If you can do a RSS feed for it that would be great! :

 

[Meezers]

I also agree! I have gotten some great help here for adults with post traumatic stress!

Good idea....let me know if I can help!

 

[Tissa]

I think it's a great idea. Sometimes posts get lost in the crowd and if there was a sub forum it would be easier to look and search for park specific issues.

 

[karynnix]

I hate to disagree, but I don't feel like this board is so busy that the posts get lost. My posts usually stay on the first page for a few weeks. I like having all of the posts in one place.

 

[Chuck-PA]

Great idea. Here's hoping that it does happen.

 

[Carnator]

sounds good to me

Dec 06 for

 

[mamaminnie]

I hate to disagree, but I don't feel like this board is so busy that the posts get lost. My posts usually stay on the first page for a few weeks. I like having all of the posts in one place.

I agree with karynnix.

 

[Selket]

I like the idea. I know when some of the other boards had a spin off- like the Codes and Rates for the hotels board - I thought I wouldn't like it but actually it works out well. If it is a sub-forum of this board it is easier to find. If it is put with the Community Board area (wherever that is - I forget) then it might get overlooked....or will take longer to get used to anyway.

I think people with general questions would be more likely to post them.

On the other hand there are already excellent and active forums out there dealing with my specific issues for my child (diabetes, peanut allergy, asthma). But I think some folks on this board have a bond with others (in similar situations or across situations) so they might like seeking advice from there Disboard friends.

I guess it shouldn't be limited to special needs of children but to all users with special needs issues/questions.

I don't have a title - you're getting paid the big bucks here CF so you come up with one!

 

[terri01p]

Well I for one would love to have a " special needs forum ", as a parent of a "special needs child ( really an adult ) " there have been things I would have love to discuss with others but because it hasn't been disney related I haven't because I do keep in mind that this is a disney "fun" forum. I really have no outlet in my city to talk to others about my dd, and would love to be able to talk about some sensitive areas without the embarrassment of knowing that it was really nothing to do with wdw and shouldn't have been posted.

 

[XYSRUS]

I, too, like the idea. Although I would maybe name it something else to show the "special needs" are more everyday stuff people need help with. Either way I vote yes!

 

[riu girl]

I hate to disagree, but I don't feel like this board is so busy that the posts get lost. My posts usually stay on the first page for a few weeks. I like having all of the posts in one place.

What about instead simply changing the name of this board to disABILITIES and community board?

 

[Talking Hands]

As long as it is a subforum under DISabilities and is not a specific focus on just special needs kids I think it would be a good idea. After all some of us do not have special needs kids but have DISabilities that we would like to vent about occasionally.

 

[kimbac3]

sounds good to me

Kimba

 

[Purple Princess]

I also agree with karynnix. This board isn't busy to where we are taking up space by asking others opinions etc.

I tried to stay on topic, actually i did, but still got scolded or whatever for asking a question to a poster about the restrooms at Disney etc.

I see no need at this time to start a seperate area. I actually feel sad for those who may have posted wanting others thoughts and opinions on a situation with their special loved one. Now this is like slapping them in the face for doing so.

Just my thoughts on the subject.......

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think it's a reasonable idea, and would support the "Special Needs" subforum on the disABILITIES forum.

I realize this forum isn't as widely-used as some of the other DIS forums, but I do see what appears to me to be a fair number of non-Disney-travel related posts. Creating the subforum would enable members and visitors seeking Disney-specific information to find it easily - on the main board - while separately giving everyone a forum for support, for sharing non-travel information, for just letting being able to 'talk' about issues.

I don't agree it'd be like a slap in the face to anyone. Instead, it seems the subforum would give EVERYONE a place to discuss things that are bothering them, ask for advice, etc.

 

[Poohnatic]

I agree with Karynnix. This board isn't so busy that a subforum is needed.

Yes, it'd be good to have a separate special needs area, but everyone has always been extremely helpful with any SN posts. Unlike some of the other forums, there isn't anything that would truly be off topic if it's in the disability spectrum.

Suzanne

 

[kaytieeldr]

Moderators: If we did get a subforum, couldn't it alse be used for general venting? I mean, I'd like to be able to discuss, oh, general misuse of handicapped parking - but since my observations aren't Disney-related, posting on a subforum UNDER disABILITIES makes more sense than posting in the main forum, and much more sense than using the Community Board...

 

[michelle9343]

I think the sub forum would be a good idea.

 

[Brightsy]

I think a subforum is a wonderful idea. As many others have said, it'll make things easier for folks coming in looking for Disney Specific info if they don't have to wade through all the non-Disney related stuff.
Yes, there are a lot of groups, boards, and other lists out there catering to the special needs community but this place, DisBoards, is special. I've come here w/ Non-Disney related subjects many times. I've gotten more support here than almost anywhere else. Our shared love of the Mouse is another link that connects us all.
A forum where being off topic, Disney wise, gives us all another safe place to vent, to seek advice, to share those warm and funny stories.
W/ a subforum we can have our cake and eat it too!

Sara