Specials Needs Kids and Kid's Clubs

[dislvr75]

I would like to hear from those of you who have experience with special needs kids and enrolling them the kids programming. Were there problems, concerns? What should I do in advance of our cruise date, if anything, to make things go more smoothly? If there are things I think he may need assistance doing, do parents often stay with the kids to help them? My son has a physical disability, he walks with and without crutches. I'm concerned that if I read the navigator and am able to see what activities are planned for that day, I may have trouble knowing how well he will be able to keep up, then I'm having to remain in the kids club all day supervising my son. Thanks in advance to anyone that responds!

 

[AnnMorin]

Many of them are non physical, for instance makeing flubber, he would be seated at a "lab table". Prior to cruising you could sit down with him and select activities that he would feel comfortable in.
As for staying with him in the lab, I have never seen it happen and am not sure if they would incourage you to stay or leave,

 

[CM_Mom]

My best advice is TALK TO THE COUNSELORS. DD has talked about having children with challenges in the club before and from her conversation I know that they want to work with them and help EVERYONE have a MAGICal or WONDERful experience.

Discuss with the counselors what he can and can't do. For example, if he's there during a meal would he need to take the elevator to the other decks since he can't negotiate the stairs?

From what I've heard parents are welcome in the club. Lots with very young children drop in regularly to take them to the potty. The counselors know what the physical requirements are for each activity and can work with you to plan for your son to be in the club when he would enjoy it the most. That would enable you to have some adult time and and your DS can have some time being independent like all the other kids.

There's also a DISabilities board where the folks might have more experience. PM me if you have any specific questions and I'll see what I can find out.

 

[lookingforward]

I have never sailed DCL but on other cruise lines they seem to really try and accomodate each child's needs. I hope everything works out wonderfully for you and your son! I am sure he will have a wonderful time.

 

[vwater]

We sailed on the 8.8 Wonder with our 2 special needs girls. Sarah (6) is autistic, and Hannah(5) is in a wheelchair with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. The counselors at the Oceaneers Club were FANTASTIC!!!!! When we registered the girls, we let them know their issues. The counselors are more than willing to work with and try to accomodate the needs of the kids. There were a few times where Sarah had a few meltdowns, and we were paged to pick her up. The last night, Sarah had stuffed a Minnie dress down her shorts in attempt to 'steal' the dress. When we discovered her stunt, we brought the dress back. The counselors actually laughed at her cleverness. Bottom line: THEY WILL TRY AND WORK WITH YOU!!!!!!!

Good luck!

Victoria


Oh yeah... Although Hannah is potty trained,we had her in pullups- just to err on the side of caution. And the counselors were fine with that.

 

[pershing]

One of my three sons has autism and we sailed on the Wonder in Nov. There was a form to fill out and fax to DCL. I think its so they have a heads up and can add another counselor if needed.

I got a call from DCL after faxing the form and we discussed him being in the club, which of course neither of us could be sure of success until he actually got there. It did make me feel better just to touch base with DCL.

I must say Disney, in general, has such a wonderful 'can-do' attitude when it comes to anybody with Special Needs. Refreshing when all year long you deal with, "well, I don't know...."