Should everyone get a GAC?

[3 Princesses' Mommy]

Hi! Long time lurker here! We are finally going to take our 1st trip with our DDs in late November and I am thrilled! We have waited a long time for this trip but I am anxious about how things will go on the trip. As you can see from my signature we have a very special family. Both my DH and I are disabled... he has Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis, I fought a horrible infection (flesh-eating strep and MRSA) in my left leg which took several years and 47 surgeries to get rid of which means I am dependant on fore-arm crutches and will need a scooter to go long distances. We adopted our girls via the TX foster care system (all are sisters) and they are also special needs... our oldest just recently had open-heart surgery due to co-arctation of the aorta and atrial stenosis, our 9 year old has severe Aspergers and our "baby" also has a heart defect (atrial stenosis too) as well as a latex allergy and asthma. WHEW!

Our trip will obviously require planning, needless to say. <VBG> My main question is will everyone (except maybe the 6 y/o) need a GAC card??? Are there pros or cons as to how many to get? Also, we are renting EVC's for my DH and I, but will we need to bring our handicapped placquard (sp?) even tho we are going to use Disney transportation? How easy will it be to get back to POR and rest during the day? Will the first aid station keep my oldest girl's heart meds in a fridge for us?

We have awhile before we leave so I'm sure that I will be posting often. This is our dream vacation and I really want us to have a good time. I am hoping I picked a good resort (POR) for our family and am currently finishing up our meal selections. I have to have them ready for getting our ADR's next week!

If anyone can answer my questions or give any advice I would love it! Thanks to everyone in advance!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Our trip will obviously require planning, needless to say. <VBG> My main question is will everyone (except maybe the 6 y/o) need a GAC card??? Are there pros or cons as to how many to get?

If you haven't read the disABILITIES FAQs yet, check out the information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in that thread.
If you plan to all stay together, you only need one GAC. The GAC will be valid for up to 6 people (5 plus the person the GAC was issued for).
Figure out which needs you have in common, which needs are most important and go from there.
If you plan to split up, then you may find it better to have 2 GACs. You probably won't need more than that because it doesn't sound like you will split into more than 2 groups. The CMs might actually only give your party one GAC.
Because of the things you have written about your group, I'm guessing you probably won't be going on lots of thrill rides. Keep in mind that you can only use the GAC if the person it was issued to is going on the attraction.

Also, making use of FASTPASS and things like TourGuide Mike will help you avoid crowds and crowded areas.

Also, we are renting EVC's for my DH and I, but will we need to bring our handicapped placquard (sp?) even tho we are going to use Disney transportation?

You only need your handicapped parking card if you have a car or van and will be parking in the handicapped parking areas. There would be nothing else you need it for.

How easy will it be to get back to POR and rest during the day?

You have to figure at least 1 hour to get back to your resort and then an hour to get back to the park later in the day. We figured it was not worth the trouble for us. Other than the first few years, we have not traveled back and forth. You have to decide for yourself whether the rest you get back in your room is worth the travel.
If some of your group needs to lie down, First Aid may meet your needs. If you just need to get to a quiet, cool place where you can sit, the lobbies of nearby resorts work well for MK, Epcot and the Studio.

Will the first aid station keep my oldest girl's heart meds in a fridge for us?

Yes. You sign them in and they put it in a labeled bag for you.
If you want to keep it with you though, you could probably use Frio wallets like people with diabetes use to keep their insulin cool. They work with water, so you don't need to worry about ice.

 

[mechurchlady]

There is the Baby Center for the littlest one and the Nurse's Station which has cots to lay down. Not private but when you are too tired to move and disabled they come in handy.

Read up on the threads on asperger's kids as they really will make the trip easier, in theory. A lot of wise people can help you on asperger's. The other two kids probably cannot go on most rides due to health and/or age. Cast Members (CMs) are not supposed to ask for a GAC from guests with an ECV or wheelchair but I recommend one each for you and your husband in case a CM ask for one or if you decide to split up. The handicapped placard is only needed if you are going to drive a car during your trip or ride in a private car. The handicapped placard is not proof of disability and no proof of disability is needed to get a GAC.

As for latex there have been several topics on disboards about latex allergies. Some ways to get contaminated are green onions and flowers which are held together with a rubber band. http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/latex.htm
That is an excellent article about latex allergies and what other food are cousins to latex that people with latex allergies may also allergic to.
When making your room reservation make it very clear that a person in your party is latex allergic. Make sure you bring with you nonlatex band-aids for example.

big hugs and good luck
Laurie