Taking Someone w/Special Needs, any advice??

[Dopey'sGirl]

Hi,
I'm new here and our family is going to WDW again in May '06 and could really use some advice. We've been several times, but this time will be different for us in that we are taking my MIL who has been dx with Alzheimers. She is still in a stage where she knows who she is, who we are 95% of the time, etc, and still manages to live on her own with some outside help, so she's not completely dependent, BUT she does have a lot of communication issues and only ppl who know her really well seem to understand what she is trying to say. She is only 64 and the diagnosis has been very hard on everyone, especially her of course, and she wanted to do something special with our family before things get really rough. She wants our 3 kids (DD 11, DS 10, DS 4) to remember her in a fun and positive light before things get too far gone.

We thought esp since with the Alzheimers she has been becoming more and more childlike both physically and mentally, that Disney would be so much fun for her b/c she loves ALL kinds of rides and sees life from a childlike point of view that she would really embrace the magic of WDW. I can see her enjoying the music and characters and rides as much, if not perhaps more than my 3 kids! I know she would be singing right along with the music, skipping down Main Street and be wanting to be first in line to hug Winnie the Pooh!

My question is....We are worried about what will happen if she gets lost somehow? We've always taught our kids to find a cast member if that happens and they will take them to the Lost Children area and we would be right there to get them. Fortunately for us that has never happened and of course we plan on keeping as close tabs on my MIL as we do our 4 year old, but things happen! We plan on putting a card in her fanny pack with our personal info, cell number, and "please take me to the lost children area if I am lost. I have Alzheimers and may find it difficult to communicate with you" etc. I know that thousands of ppl go each year with friends and family with special needs such as this, I am wondering if Disney offers anything to help in these types of situations. Any other advice or ideas would be so so appreciated! Thanks!

Jennifer

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi Jennifer and welcome to the DIS!

Have you checked out the DisAbilities board? The posters there will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling to WDW with your MIL--they're quite familiar with what Disney does for guests who may need special assistance/accomodations and their families. You''ll find the link here: http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Once again, welcome to the DIS--I hope you and your darling MIL have a wonderful trip!

 

[Dopey'sGirl]

Thank you so much! I'm embarrassed that in all my post reading I didn't see that forum. Thanks for directing me there with a link, I really appreciate it!

Jennifer

 

[luvmydogs]

Don't worry about it, Jennifer! I've been on the DIS for over four years, and still don't know what's going on.

I know the DisAbilities folks can help you out. Don't worry if you don't get a lot of responses right away--at this time of the day a lot of people are coming home from work, eating dinner, etc., and the boards may get a little slow. Just give it a little time, and I'm sure you'll get some very knowledgeable responses!

Glad you found us!

 

[canwegosoon]

I was going to suggest those wate box necklaces as long as you dont think that she might get it caught on something. You could also make up some kind of bracelet or get a hunting licence carrier(pin) and put your cell number on it. I think you have a great plan. Hope you really enjoy your trip.
Also I would really suggest a character meal...I think all of you would really enjoy it. Also be aware things like parades tend to block of routes and attract tons of people, and that is when you are most at risk of getting seperated.

I would also highly recommend getting a couple of stacks of glow in the dark necklaces(dollar Shop/target)...really help not only spot people you are with but also draws attention to you so others don't walk into you and seperate you.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Jennifer,
Our little boy is Autistic - he is a perfectly normal bonny lad - but just cannot talk.
He has no idea of danger, but gets plenty of protection from his mum and dad

You will be fine I am sure - there are lots of us who take special needs children to Florida and never have any problems.

You could possibly consider getting the GAC( guest assistance card) for your visits to WDW and Universal, but I am sure that these will be referred to in the 'disAbilities' section.

 

[Disney Dee]

Welcome to the Dis, I hope you get some answers on the disabilities board

 

[Dopey'sGirl]

Thanks so much for the advice everyone. it's all been great and very appreciated. I did move this thread over to the DISabilities board and have been given great advice there too. Being new I'm not sure about all the rules and netiquette on this board but could someone pls tell me if I should delete this thread here since I moved it somewhere else? Or is that against the rules. I don't want to do something if it's frowned upon!

Thanks!
Jennifer

 

[AJKMOM]

Thats why they have moderators for each forum, they know the rules and will help if necessary. I don't even know how to post a link here! If it is to be moved, they can do it.

 

[Horizons16]

Don't worry about it, Jennifer! I've been on the DIS for over four years, and still don't know what's going on.

Ha same here... i dont ever know whats going on with anything not only here but home too.... im kept in the dark.

 

[spiceycat]

a good suggestion is to take a picture of her each morning (you might do this with the 4 year old too) - just in case.

put her name, your name, where you are staying, your cell phone number (if you have one) in her fanny pack - but also I would put the same information around her neck.

disney and I think walmart sell these things. a cord with a clear plastic thing to put pictures or Id in it.

I would also stay in one of the smaller resorts. Mother gets lost easily. Not in the theme park she sticks close to me. but in the resort - she will go get some coffee or something and does not come back for an hour or so.

so stay in a smaller place - WL or POFQ even the Pop century might be okay.

don't stay in the Polyn - mother is always getting lost here.