Scoliosis, Back Brace and GAC

[disalways]

My 13 year old dd has scoliosis and wears a back brace 20 hours a day. Would this qualify her for a GAC? If so, how would I ask for one? Also, what are the different levels of GACs? I read the FAQ thread, not sure these questions were answered there... if so, I may have missed them.

 

[merryweather20]

The GAC will depend on what her needs are.

You will not need a GAC to use the first-aid stations or companion rest-room if she needs to adjust the brace during the day (a real possibility with Florida heat and humidity).

If her scoliosis is severe enough to result in decreased stamina you won't need a GAC, they will simply suggest you rent a wheel-chair.

If stairs are a problem you can request a GAC to allow you to use alternate entrances.

Enoy your trip

 

[SueM in MN]

My 13 year old dd has scoliosis and wears a back brace 20 hours a day. Would this qualify her for a GAC? If so, how would I ask for one? Also, what are the different levels of GACs? I read the FAQ thread, not sure these questions were answered there... if so, I may have missed them.

Having any specific diagnosis doesn't qualify or not qualify someone for a GAC (Guest Assistance Card). The GAC is based on needs that the person has, not what their diagnosis is. It's kind of exactly what it says it is -
a Card that tells the Cast Members (CMs) what kind of Assistance a Guest needs.
There are not different levels of GACs, just different stamps that Guest Services can add to the GAC to tell the CMs at attractions what assistance the guest needs.
For example, my youngest DD has cerebral palsy as her main diagnosis. Some people with cerebral palsy don't really need anything special; some might walk with a cane/crutches or use a wheelchair, but don't need anything besides an accessible line. Those people would not need a GAC.
Some people, like my DD, have additional needs that are not met just by having her wheelchair in line. I go to Guest Services and explain my DD's needs to the CMs there to get a GAC issued to her to help meet her needs.

What you need to do is think of what needs your DD might have related to either her back brace or her scoliosis.
Does she need a place to lie down once in a while to rest? If so, she can use First Aid for that in any park, no need for a GAC to do that.

Does she get overheated because of the backbrace if she is out in the sun? If so, a GAC might help with that (although most lines are shaded).

Does she have problems with sitting for 15-20 minutes straight for shows? If so, a GAC might help with that to allow her to sit in the back where she could stand without being in anyone else's way.

Does she need extra time getting into/out of ride vehicles for those rides with moving walkways? If so, a GAC might help by allowing her to board at the wheelchair boarding spot for those attractions with moving walkways. (NOTE: Wheelchair uses board at the exit for those moving walkway rides, but they usually wait in the regular line with everyone else until close to the regular boarding area).

If she has problems with standing in line or with walking, a wheelchair would be a better solution than a GAC. (there are links in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about how to rent wheelchairs). A trip to WDW includes a lot more walking than just what you do in line. Even with a GAC, there may be no place to sit while in line and the distance walked is not usually less with a GAC than without one.

So, it all boils down to thinking of what her needs/problems are and talking to the CMs at Guest Relations about them.

 

[disalways]

Thank you merryweather20 and sueM in MN. I have a better understanding now of what the GAC is. I suppose my concern is the over heating in the brace as well as standing in lines. For my dd walking is not a problem as much as just standing. As long as she is moving, she is good. For her, and many with scoliosis, it's the standing (or sitting) for extended periods of time that puts more strain on the back which causes quite a bit of pain. I plan of bringing advil which should help relieve some pain... but I really don't want my 13 to be living on advil for a week, yk? Perhaps my dd can have a place to sit and stretch a bit while we all go in the line. I will ask about that.

 

[Schmeck]

To avoid standing, use Fastpass whenever possible - although most lines at WDW are not standstill lines, you move forward at a slow, regular pace.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've been meaning to re-write the GAC information in the disABILITIES FAQs for a long time.
I re-wrote it today and would appreciate if you could re-read it and see if it answered your questions better.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Just wanted to say, the new GAC information looks great!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just wanted to say, the new GAC information looks great!

thanks

 

[disalways]

SueM in MN, thank you. I just read the updated information on the FAQ and it does answer my questions. I have a much better understanding of the GAC now.

I have one last question, my dd is not happy that I am looking into something that may single her out. She is a teen and just wants to do her thing, yk? I am wondering if the GAC is something that *I* could carry in my backpack for her if she comes to a line where she needs it. Or does she need to wear it or something of the sort? I don't want her to feel like she has to have this card, but if we get to a point where her back is killing her, I think having the card will at least give a place to stretch and rest a sec while we are waiting in line. It is not easy trying to figure out what to do. ack.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

It's perfectly fine for you to carry it, as long as you're sticking together (I'm guessing you're not planning to split up at all). Obviously, if you did split up, she'd need to take the card, as it can't be used without the 'owner' present, nor can the 'owner' use the provisions without the card.

Completely random thought, but I know a number of people have found that putting it in a clear plastic pouch on a lanyard is helpful. That way it can be easily got at at any rides, and it doesn't get tattered quite so easily.

 

[Schmeck]

I don't want her to feel like she has to have this card, but if we get to a point where her back is killing her, I think having the card will at least give a place to stretch and rest a sec while we are waiting in line. It is not easy trying to figure out what to do. ack.

If you are already in line, it's not a practical plan to get out of it - you'd have to squeeze past all the people behind you, which might hurt your daughter even more, as the lines can be crowded. Better to check before you get into line (i.e. look at the wait time on display) and then check with your daughter how she feels at that time.

 

[SueM in MN]

SueM in MN, thank you. I just read the updated information on the FAQ and it does answer my questions. I have a much better understanding of the GAC now.

thanks for the comments.

I am wondering if the GAC is something that *I* could carry in my backpack for her if she comes to a line where she needs it.

I carry DD's in either a front pocket of my purse or we have it in the front pocket of her backpack. It's easy to pull out when we need it, but it's not in sight all the time.

If you are already in line, it's not a practical plan to get out of it - you'd have to squeeze past all the people behind you, which might hurt your daughter even more, as the lines can be crowded. Better to check before you get into line (i.e. look at the wait time on display) and then check with your daughter how she feels at that time.

All of the wheelchair accessible lines are at least 36 inches wide, but the ones that are not can get pretty tight.
Some of the lines are also deceptive; they may look empty, but there is a lot of hidden parts of the line. Pirates is one like that. There will be a sign at the entrance to the line that tells how long the wait will be from that point. You can also ask the CM how long the wait will be and how long the walk from the entrance to the boarding area is. Most of the CMs should be able to tell you.

Completely random thought, but I know a number of people have found that putting it in a clear plastic pouch on a lanyard is helpful. That way it can be easily got at at any rides, and it doesn't get tattered quite so easily.

Some people do that and feel it's the best for them. We don't like it to be so visible, so we carry it where it won't show, but will still be handy.

 

[disalways]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone.

 

[Janell]

I don't know much about the GAC, but I am someone with Scoliosis so I thought I would share what I do at the parks. A little back ground on me, I had the corrective surgery when I was 13, now 30. A lot of the pain is gone, but I still have pain due to i still have a curve. Long story, if you like to know, just ask.

Being that hotel beds are hard for me, I take a blow up bed and place it on top of the exisiting bed in the room or off in a corner. I also take a lot of pillows, because having my own pillows from home helps a lot.

I agree with the fast passes and I try to find rides where your sitting for a little longer then a roller coaster and mix those in with the other rides to give my back a break.

I never wore the brace, so Im not sure how to help with the heat. If she is willing maybe you can get her an electic scooter so that way she isn't working up heat as she is walking.

I also plan breaks in the afternoon about 2:00pm. Im good till then. I will sit and people watch or, go to one of the shows, or go back to the hotel.

I would say the biggest help for me is the bed and the pillows. I do live on pain killers when Im gone. It sucks, but I want to have a good time and no one really has a good time when they are in pain.

I wish you all the best on your trip. I hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[Schmeck]

I
I never wore the brace, so Im not sure how to help with the heat. If she is willing maybe you can get her an electic scooter so that way she isn't working up heat as she is walking.

I believe that you have to be at least 18 years old to use an electric scooter.

 

[luvyawdw]

Hello disalways and everyone,
I do have some info on this subject. My daughter who is also 13 has had scoliosis for 4 years now. We have had several trips to disney in backbraces! We used to live in Satellite Beach and were an AP holders for years before we relocated to Pennsylvania in 04. Our daughter was in several types of back braces including the milwaulkee She also was in her brace 20-22 hours a day, even while visiting WDW! As you mentioned your daughter can walk around fine, Beth would need a medical stroller or wheelchair, as she also has a condition that caused her muscles to be weak so her endurance is low. But as far as the Backbrace was concerned, the heat can be tough, we would always use a spray bottle w/ fan attached. This would cool her right down. As far as sitting and standing being very uncomfortable, I would sort compare a regular day for Beth, and a day at Disney. She would go to school in a brace , recess, and such so she really had to learn to adapt to wearing it (like your daughter) . She sat in classes for at least 40 min and was able to move around every hour or so. Disney would be different for her in the way of walking around for several miles in a day in the heat, where at school she didnt have to walk that far (obviously) That is why we had the wheelchair. The GAC for us probably was not even needed because we had the wheelchair, cast knows where to direct you in the wheelchair. As far as laying down to rest ( which I could totally relate to) First aid is really very nice and comfortable and cool! Im sure they would be very accomodating and make every effort to help your daughter rest and cool off. I don't think you need a GAC to go to the first aid office (sue would know ) we didnt need one last time we went in Dec 07. Beth never really asked to lay down while we were there much that I can remember, she was to excited and would not want to miss anything. When we had the GAC it never embarrased her, no one really knows you even have it, or pays much attention to it. The cast will quickly look at it and direct you. And as onelittle spark said, a clear pouch attached to a lanyard is a great idea , we did it last trip. As far as pain, Beth did take motrin on occaision, but I think having a plan and trying to prevent her from becoming overheated (water bottle fan) & rests, will be your best bet. A GAC does not really help with reducing a wait in lines that I know of. We had permission from her orthopeadic to take her out of the brace while at disney to go swimming, he explained being in the water reduced the affects of gravity.Check with your doc though, as they can have different oppinions.
Our daughters curve progressed to 90 and 93 (lumbar & thoracic) despite bracing and body casting but that was due to her underlying muscle weakness. Beth had spinal fusion in June of 07 and now is corrected to 34 and 40. Her fusion was T2 to sacrum, a very large surgery, she is still recovering. Well, I hope you all have a wonderful time I really give so much credit to our children who have to wear the back braces. I hope your daughter will soon not have to worry about scoliosis. It is a difficult condition, but thankfully a treatable one.
Best Wishes,
Lisa and Beth

 

[SueM in MN]

I believe that you have to be at least 18 years old to use an electric scooter.

Correct. You have to be at least 18 years to rent or use one of the park ECVs and pretty much all the off-site places.

Our daughter was in several types of back braces including the milwaulkee

I remember those from Nursing school!

I don't think you need a GAC to go to the first aid office (sue would know ) we didnt need one last time we went in Dec 07.

You are correct. You don't need a GAC to use First Aid.

 

[Janell]

I believe that you have to be at least 18 years old to use an electric scooter.

Oh I didn't know that. I can understand why, but still it could have been helpful.

 

[Janell]

Lisa, good luck to your daughter, Beth. Ive had the fussion and it helped so much. Im still at a 42, 46, but it stopped. This is off the subject, but I want to say it. Almost 2 years ago I found a personal trainner in a Physical Therapy he has helped so much. Releving pain that even Vicodin couldn't releive. And all he has done is streaches. He has me do things while Im walking in the parks, when Im home and in the gym. You may want to look for someone. I wish I would have this trainer when I was younger, the pain is hard to deal with and as Ive gotten older, its harder, because I have been in pain for 18 years and you get tired of it. Im sure both of your daughters are fighters and don't let it get them down, I was that way and still are. But the pain does get tiring over so many years.

I wish both girls the very best. I will say that the surgery was well worth it in my mind. If there is any thing I can do to help you, please let me know. I have no problems sharing my story and if I can help in any way, I would be happy too.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I believe that you have to be at least 18 years old to use an electric scooter.

Oh I didn't know that. I can understand why, but still it could have been helpful.

The age requirement is not to use the ECV, but to rent one.

If you have your own ECV, or you rent one from a source that will all the ECV to be driven by someone under 18, there is no restrictions at WDW.

It is just that Disney will not allow use of their ECVs by anyone under 18, and as a general rule the ones that we list in the FAQs will not allow the use by anyone under 18. I know of at least one circumstance where one of the local companies did make an exception.