Quick GAC questions

[W.E.D.]

My folks leave for the World in two weeks. My mother uses a walker.

1. Does she qualify for a GAC?

2. Where do you get them? At the resort, or is it something you get each day you are at a park?

As Mary would say, please and thank you!

 

[Nayan]

You should ask this question on the DISability boards.

 

[W.E.D.]

ok
thanks

 

[W.E.D.]

My folks leave for the World in two week. My mother is 70 and uses a walker.

1. Does she qualify for a GAC?

if so

2. Where do they get one? At the resort, or is it something you pick up each day you are at the parks?

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just time for a short answer
Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 of that thread will answer all your questions.

Keep in mind that a Guest Assistance Card will not shorten the distance walked and will seldom provide a place to sit, so if she can't walk 3-6 miles per day, you will want to look into an ECV or wheelchair for her.

 

[Carnator]

Usually Disney's answer to mobility issues will be to recomend a wheelchair or ECV since most of the lines are mainstreamed. They probably won't issue a GAC.

I am sure someone with more experince with GAC's can give better information.

 

[JennyWren]

When we have taken my grandmother, we have always got her an ECV and a GAC. Disney will issue her a GAC card with no problem, at the Guest Relations inside any of the parks. Oh, and it's good for the length of your stay no need to go back for a new one each day.

 

[W.E.D.]

Thanks everybody!

She is pretty mobile. It's mainly balance issues, and standing for LONG periods of time.

I was just trying to get her any assistance that might be available, because even at 70, bless her heart, she does as much as she possible can when she visits.

 

[MHSweb79]

ANYONE can ask for GAC. You do not need a doctor's note, and there is no "disability police." That said, be aware that the GAC is not a front-of-the line access pass either.

What happens is that you will be asked what kind of accommodation your mom might need - a place to sit and wait (if available) rather than standing in a long line - and the card will specify that. Others might need help getting in & out of ride vehicles, or may need to sit up close to the stage or screen if the disability is visual, for example.

 

[Piper]

What did you need a GAC to do for her? A GAC is issued on the basis of needs. there is no "one size fits all." It isn't even issued based on diagnosis because not all people with the same diagnosis have the same needs.

If you just need a place for her to sit, your best bet is to rent a wc or have her bring a type of walker that has a seat on it (rollator is one) There is usually no place to sit in the lines and there is no GAC that can offer that to people.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If a person has a mobility/stamina situation the regular and official response of Guest Relations to a GAC request is to suggest the rental of a wheelchair or ECV. Having one of them, or a walker or cane is evidence of a mobility/stamina problem and will all have the same treatment at all attractions.

The only time a GAC is useful for a person with mobility/stamina is if they have another disability which is invisible, such as hearing or vision problems.

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum. One of the first threads is the disABILITIES FAQs. On Post #2 we have a lot of information for people with mobility and/or stamina situations, including fairly detailed information about both on- and off-site rentals of ECVs and wheelchairs. To get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs from here just click on the link in my signature.

 

[lanejudy]

She is pretty mobile. It's mainly balance issues, and standing for LONG periods of time.

Check out the FAQ sticky at the top of the forum. It has some really good, detailed information about each ride - which have moving sidewalks, stairs, etc. Think on those issues and how your mother might need assistance. If she's simply using a walker, no GAC is necessary because the walker can be taken in line and convey's her needs to the CMs.

Keep in mind that most people walk something like 8-10 miles per day at WDW and it is not flat. Does your mother have the stamina for that with her walker? She might appreciate an ECV that she can ride for a bit, then park and walk for a while.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If a person has a mobility/stamina situation the regular and official response of Guest Relations to a GAC request is to suggest the rental of a wheelchair or ECV. Having one of them, or a walker or cane is evidence of a mobility/stamina problem and will all have the same treatment at all attractions.

The only time a GAC is useful for a person with mobility/stamina is if they have another disability which is invisible, such as hearing or vision problems.

 

[W.E.D.]

Thanks everyone! I posted over on DISabilities as well, and everyone has been very helpful.

She mainly needs it for balance issues and when she has very LONG waits in line. I'm just trying to get her all the assistance I can because, bless her heart, she does as much as she possible can when she visits.

Thanks again!!

 

[W.E.D.]

To address some PPs:

I, nor anyone in my family, has ever needed a GAC before, thus I didn't know anything about them, nor if they would even apply to my mother's situation. I think I have those answers now.

Thanks again to everyone! You've all been very helpful!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just wanted to mention that I combined the 2 threads.

 

[canopynut66]

we used to go and gt the GAC card but no one wanted to look at it so we stopped. they see your in a ECV or wheelchairs I guess is why

 

[SueM in MN]

we used to go and gt the GAC card but no one wanted to look at it so we stopped. they see your in a ECV or wheelchairs I guess is why

Yes, unless someone using an ECV or wheelchair has needs that are NOT met just by having the wheelchair or ECV in line, they don't need a GAC.

For more information, check out post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[W.E.D.]

One more quick thank you to everyone! You've all been very helpful and I think I have all the information I need. Thanks!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Hope you have a great trip.