Question about GAC

[mommytoe]

I told my dh I would ask on here. Two of my dc have asthma (all three have allergies) and they can get out of breath easy. They have inhalers to carry around and I plan on having them rest. They will all be on their allergy meds.

The question is should we get a GAC for the asthmatic ones? What advantage would that be? Dh said it would allow me to stand in line for them if they need to sit in the shade for a moment. Is that true? Could I hold their spot in line if they had a GAC?

Also I wonder if I should put a note someplace on dd about her asthma in case she getts lost. She is old enough to know when she needs her inhaler, but sometimes needs help getting it in time. It would be a good idea for CMs to know the problem if she getts lost and her airway closes (happens at times and the inhaler won't help at that point.)

If it makes a difference the dc are ds age 13 and dd will turn 9 right before we go. My other dd 4 only has allergies that cause problems for her.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
If you haven't already, check out the information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread located near the top of the board.

The GAC is actually a tool that gives CMs some information about the types of accomidations or assistance that are needed by someone who has an invisible disability or special needs.
In most cases, you would not be able to take your child's place in line (the lines are often not easy to get in and out of). There is a GAC message that allows for waiting in a shaded or cooler spot when it is very hot and sunny. That might be helpful (although most of the lines are covered and it would not help with getting hot just walking around).

If you are worried about people not knowing about your child/children's needs in an emergency, a Medic Alert would be a good thing to get. The ones actually from Medic Alert come with a 24 hour a day telephone number with specific information you have put into their database about your child (things like what the problems are, doctor and other contact info). That would be a lot better than a note on your child - if she was not able to tell someone what her problem was, she probably would not be in shape to tell them where to find a note about it either.

 

[travelitis]

My son has asthma, and I don't see how a GAC would help. He always carries his inhaler in a fanny pack to keep it right with him, and we keep another on us. The medic alert bracelet or necklaces would be the best bet. (need to get new ones for my kids - Thanks Sue!)

If the kids are having enough asthma probs that the line is an issue, then it's probably not the right time for the ride either. There are first aid stations where they can lie down and rest if needed. My kids find places to sit in the lines many times (curbs or the floor). Utilize the Fastpass, and waiting in lines won't be such a big event. Walking between the attractions will be harder on them than the lines.

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping up because someone asked about nebulizers