Taking visusally & hearing impaired sister to Disney...

[MosMom]

In September, we are heading down to Disney and we are brining my 19yo sister Maddie with us. She has CHARGE syndrome and really, we shouldn't have any major issues because of that. She is on relatively few meds these days and no longer needs a CPAP at night. The biggest issue she has these days is her teenage 'tude!

However, she is legally blind and deaf. She doesn't really like to use her FM system but I think I'll need to talk her into it for Disney. Would it be good to rent the assistive listening device from Disney as well?

As far as mobility, she will be fine. As long as I am there to help her with the moving walkways onto rides and getting into moving cars I can't anticipate any other problems.

We aren't going during an exceptionally busy time but for those of you who travel with someone who has visual impairments (or have visual impairments yourself), how do you handle shows? Can we simply request to sit in the front row once we get up there and explain that we are doing it so she can see? The closer the better as even when she watches TV she has to sit very close to the screen to see. I know those front rows are reserved for handicapped people but would we need a guest assistance pass to utilize those rows? Actually, I can think of a few shows (Fantasmic for one) where the handicapped rows are in the back. We may need to arrive early and request a front seat for those shows.

My husband's biggest concern is the drive down and having Maddie and my daughter cackling like old ladies all the way down.

Any other tips and information would be greatly appreciated. We are starting to get so excited!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As long as the disabilites are "invisible" you should get a GAC. It only takes a couple of minutes to get one valid at all the parks for the length of your stay. Also, think of the GAC as "insurance", to be used only when needed.

 

[MosMom]

I am really quite interested in the assistive listening device and opinions on that...anyone used one?

 

[BionicEar]

I am really quite interested in the assistive listening device and opinions on that...anyone used one?

I am deaf with a cochlear implant (implanted 9/04) and I've used the handheld captioning device. Disney also has reflective captioning (sometimes I airheadedly refer to it as open captioning ), but I don't think they have an ALD that will amplify sound further, if that is what you are asking about.

The handheld captioning device is basically a pocket pc encased in a somewhat heavy protective case. (It gets heavier the longer you carry it.) The captioning pops up at attractions where it's available. Worked great at Stitch's Great Escape. However, the font used on it is a little small, and I dont think it was adjustable.

You do have to put down a $100 deposit when you obtain one, but it is refunded when you return it at the end of the day. You can charge it to the room, and for the most part, you really don't get charged for it. Unless you lose it.

If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me!

 

[Talking Hands]

There are 2 types of ALD. The one you would want is the one that uses a headphone that plugs in. It can also have the earmolds from the FM plugged in or be used with a cochlear implant. Please contact guest services before your trip about using the FM unit to determine if it is usable as the systems at Disney may not be on the same wavelength.

 

[SueM in MN]

As far as mobility, she will be fine. As long as I am there to help her with the moving walkways onto rides and getting into moving cars I can't anticipate any other problems.

This thread about boarding rides might be helpful. Most of the rides with moving walkways can be stopped (Peter Pan is one that can't). In order to slow or stop them, you need to board at the exit, which you would need a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) to do.

I know those front rows are reserved for handicapped people but would we need a guest assistance pass to utilize those rows? Actually, I can think of a few shows (Fantasmic for one) where the handicapped rows are in the back. We may need to arrive early and request a front seat for those shows.

Actually, most of the shows have the wheelchair seating in the back of the theater. A few have some seats in the front (like Beauty and the Beast; Indiana Jones and Flights of Wonder), but most of the wheelchair seats are in the back.

People with vision disabilities have reported variable experiences. Some felt it was just better to talk to the CMs at each show and explain the need to sit as close as possible to the front.

 

[momsgoofy]

I've not experienced traveling with a Deaf Blind person to WDW, but just traveled with my friend to the American Association of the Deaf Blind and would add that the advice given thus far has been super....leave to the great DIS family! I would just encourage you to get the GAC card to use as suggested...when needed as there are some folks who don't quite get the "invisible disability". I'm not sure what communication style your sister prefers, but absolutely request it for her before you get to WDW. I would imagine if she prefers tactile signing or any kind of sign that guest relations should be able to accomodate it...they have regularly interpreted performances of many things. If the FM system is her preference, then make sure you speak to someone before you go to ensure that it will be compatible for her needs. I think you're doing a great job already by taking the steps to meet your sister's needs. Oh, and for hte guiding part...I'm sure you two have a way that works best for her, but since it's probably going to be crowded, if she uses a cane at all...it might be helpful for her to keep it with her. I know when my friend and I were going through airports it...more than anything the cane identified her needs to others and they were more respectful of her needs. (If you didn't see my friends hearing aid or realize her vision was much worse than it seems because she wears glasses, most people never realize she is legally deaf and blind.)

Anyway...I hope ya'll have a great trip!