question about the parks and disabilities

[kikiV]

My sister was recently attacked by a bird and fell and broke both wrists. She had surgery and now wears to soft splints. Needless to say she has no use of her hands. They had a trip to DW planned for this sunday and everythings paid for including the military salute tix. which expires end of Sept. My question is- does she qualify for any special pass with regard to lines. She could only do things like haunted mansion etc..... but is terrified of someone bumping her arms. She also can't let them hang down for too long also so she needs to sit. She probably should just not go but the $$$$$$$.

I called disney and the girl on the phone was very unhelpful and said my sister would have to go to guest relations and see what they thought.

Is there anyone else I can call that can tell us anything more helpful? or does anyone know what she could do?

 

[tobikaye]

I would suggest you read Sue's information in the FAQ sticky:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

The sixth post down "GAC (Guest Assistance Card)" goes over the type of pass you are asking about. These are only available in person at one of the WDW parks at Guest Relations.

 

[peemagg]

She should take or get slings for her hands. If she isn't in slings already, I would get them for the parks, at least one. This would give her someplace to support her hands and away from people.

Her biggest issue is not going to be the rides, which a GAC may help with, but it is going to be the times in between rides. There isn't anything that a GAC can help her with there. If her family can walk close to her on either side to act as buffers and even another one from the front if there is at least 4 of them to protect her is about all her options. She could also rent a wheelchair to give her another way to protect the hands. The sides of the chair would act as a buffer for her, but someone will have to push her. If she goes the wheelchair route, I suggest that she rents from off-site to give her some protection on buses.

If I think of anything else, I'll come back and let you know.

 

[livndisney]

My sister was recently attacked by a bird and fell and broke both wrists. She had surgery and now wears to soft splints. Needless to say she has no use of her hands. They had a trip to DW planned for this sunday and everythings paid for including the military salute tix. which expires end of Sept. My question is- does she qualify for any special pass with regard to lines. She could only do things like haunted mansion etc..... but is terrified of someone bumping her arms. She also can't let them hang down for too long also so she needs to sit. She probably should just not go but the $$$$$$$.

I called disney and the girl on the phone was very unhelpful and said my sister would have to go to guest relations and see what they thought.

Is there anyone else I can call that can tell us anything more helpful? or does anyone know what she could do?

There is not a "special pass for lines". If she needs to sit to rest her arms, I would suggest renting a wheelchair. This would also provide her some "shelter" from other people bumping her.

Another thought-she may have problems riding some rides. If she cannot use her hands, it will be hard for her to "hang on" on rides like SM and BTMRR. She may also have an issue with rides that require you to pull down on the lap bar. Will she have someone to ride with her to do these things and help her on the actual ride?

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides the things already posted, here is a link to a trip report from someone who went on a WDW trip with 2 broken arms.
It might be helpful for your sister to see that thread and realize that she is not the only person who has gone with broken arms.

I agree with the other posters - I think a wheelchair would be helpful. It would help with fatigue from holding her arms up, give her a place to sit and rest, provide some protection for her arms and allow her to board some attractions without getting out of the wheelchair if she is afraid of falling.

 

[kikiV]

Thanks for the replies. I did read the other "broken arms" persons trip report (well, part of it) and she had a hard cast on. My sis arms were really bad. She couldn't even get off the ground let alone climb on a bike and keep riding. She had surgery because the bones were impacted, had kadaver bone replacements and carpal tunnel incisions in her palms to free up the nerve damage. She definately can't submerge them in water (the trip report person was in the pool) and has no use of her fingers for now. The splints are not hard and protective like casts.

I guess the wheelchair idea is probably the best one. She definately can't take the chance of falling.

Thanks again everyone!!!

Ps. was not planning to ride anything like mtns. that she would need to hold on.