tips and advice please

[jclark5735]

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who participates on this forum--I have read a ton and have read so much helpful information. I totally appreciate it. On to my questions--my mom will be using a scooter for the week (we have already rented one). She has used scooters at the local big stores, as she has major medical issues and does not ambulate well (and amb fx continues to decline). Anyway, what are some tips that I could pass on to her for WDW? I'm planning on getting her a balloon for her scooter, I know to take the key out to save the battery. How about the basket--is it tiny? How tiny? (Apple the bigger model is her rental). Also, can we strap a backpack to her chair? I bought her this bag http://www.amazon.com/eBags-Piazza-...A69Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322068971&sr=8-2 for the parks--she almost always uses cross body bags, but she always complains--they are either too big or too small--this one looks perfect!

I told her to bring 2 pairs of shoes even though she won't walk too much. And I told her to order her shoes 2 months ago, but of course she hasn't! I've even offered to pay if they ended up not being free (dx of diabetes, but controlled with diet). It's the only thing she had to do--so I'll pest her more on Monday. I'll make sure she breaks them in and I'll get moleskin too.

We are going in January so we won't have to deal with the heat (yk, most likely), though I'll probably get a pocket fan just in case.

Oh, does anyone know if they make sunshade for the scooters? Someone suggested that to my mom.


And I'd like to post a few of her issues if that's ok--maybe someone will think of something related to one and can give me pointers.

• ambulatory dysfunction
• carpals tunnel (B/L)
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• GI issues of NOS
• chronic pain
• severe issues with balance (standing)
• difficulty transferring
• bone deterioration in B/L ankles and feet
• bone deterioration B/L knees
  • 3 titanium rods in her spine

My 19 year old just said, "OMG! Those people are going to think Gram is going to keel over!" LOL! My mom has issues, but really, you wouldn't notice it. You'd notice she uses a cane and that she has trouble walking and is slow, but she hides her pain so well.

so, I'd love if anyone has any additional tips for me. We are flying nonstop and I'll try and put her in a spot with more leg room. I might end up getting a limo for the ride from the airport to hotel and possibly round trip. Thought it would be a nice extra touch and be easier for her versus those steep steps.

 

[Piper]

I have many of the same issues as your mom as well as a couple of others

I currently have my own ECV (have an appointment to be fitted for a power chair on Monday) and have used it as well as the ECV from Apple that she is renting.

A sunshade really isn't a good idea. It doesn't always block the sun and it is often in the way.

She will find that the rental ECV is much easier to use than the ones in stores--they are dinosaurs!

The basket is small, but holds anything I need. I just take a small bag with me that I can wear cross body. You don't want to leave anything important in the ECV. Always remember to take the key with you when you get off the ECV.

If you are staying on site, you may want to go back to your resort to rest mid-day. I go for rope drop, rest and then go back for evening. That keeps me out of the hottest part of the day and helps me to maintain what stamina I have!

I can't ride any of the "big ticket" rides because most of them are too fast and "jerky" for my back. I avoid all rides that have warnings. Even with that, I still have a lot to do.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I agree that the sunshade is really useless and is more of a bother than a protection.

And you cannot take a balloon into Animal Kingdom (or the water parks).

I will sometimes use a standard-size backpack on my ECV. This photo not only shows the backpack, but will give you an idea of the basket size.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, if you have not looked in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find several threads especially helpful.
Post 11 on page 1 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which lists the “Mobility Entrances’ for different attractions (in most cases, they are the regular entrance everyone else uses).
Posts 18-21 on page 2 of the FAQs thread gives some transfer information about attractions at each park (estimates of how far a step up or down, how difficult a transfer).
Post 22 lists the attractions where guests do need to stand unless they have brought a mobility device in line with them.
Post 23 has a list of attractions with warning that you should be aware of.
Post 28 has a list of attractions with moving walkways and stairs. She will not be riding some of them because they have warnings. On the attractions she does go on, because she will be using an ECV, she will be routed around stairs and will board where moving walkways can be slowed or stopped.

Also, post 16 on page 2 of the FAQs thread has information about DME. You can arrange for a bus with a lift. She could ride a wheelchair up the lift onto the bus, and then ride a wheelchair down the lift again at the resort.
A limo or towncar would be more luxury, but I just wanted to mention that there are ways to use DME without going up the steps in case money is an option.

In addition to what the other posters mentioned about sunshades, they can especially block vision while backing up or getting on the bus.

I would also recommend not getting balloons for the same reasons, they get in the way and can block vision. They also blow in the wind and can hit the driver in the head.