Traveling with autistic daughter, now husband is on crutches!

[travelsjc]

Help,
I know all about the GAC pass for my autistic daughter. Now, two weeks prior to our vacation my husband ruptured his Achilles tendon and is recovering from surgery - will be on crutches for our 12/15-25 trip. Also bringing my two senior citizen parents! HELP!

If my husband is on crutches, does he also need a GAC pass. Does he need a doctor's note (he is a doctor himself!).

Should we take the buss or get a handicapped pass and park our car? Which is easier?

How much does a wheelchair cost - I don't think I can talk him into it.

Kind words of encouragement needed.

Also, I already requested a first floor room (Family Suite at ASMu). Should I call and really confirm that I absolutely need a first floor room. (For the obvious reason of my husband on crutches, but also my daughter is deathly afraid of elevators.)

If you are so inclined, I need a few prayers.

Thanks!
LA

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, to disABILTIES!

Then if you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The fifth item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent wheelchairs and ECVs.

To get a handicap parking pass you will have to go through your state's Motor Vehicle Department and get a temporary tag.

For the first floor room call special (Medical) reservations at 407-939-7807 and they can guarantee the room.

He might be better off with an ECV rather than a wheelchair. Offsite rental is about $30 per day $200 per week. Disney rental is $35 per day. On-site a wheelchair is $10 per day or if you pay for several days in advance it is only $8 per day.

And finally, please ask him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are travelling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[Frankiesmom]

We also have an autistic son and I can totally understand your panic! The 1 GAC pass for your daughter will cover everyone in you party-though everyone in your party needs to be present when they issue it. We took all the kids and a couple of their friends this summer and we were a total of 7 and we were all listed on the GAC. I would definetley call about the 1st floor room and if necessary have your daughter's ped. write a little note about her
distress regarding elevators. I hope this helps and I hope you have a magical trip! We are at disney 2/3 times a year; it's the only place my DS 5 is truly "normal" and at his happiest.LOL Good Luck! Angel

 

[Schmeck]

We also have an autistic son and I can totally understand your panic! The 1 GAC pass for your daughter will cover everyone in you party-though everyone in your party needs to be present when they issue it. We took all the kids and a couple of their friends this summer and we were a total of 7 and we were all listed on the GAC. I would definetley call about the 1st floor room and if necessary have your daughter's ped. write a little note about her
distress regarding elevators. I hope this helps and I hope you have a magical trip! We are at disney 2/3 times a year; it's the only place my DS 5 is truly "normal" and at his happiest.LOL Good Luck! Angel

But will the stamp(s) on the daughter's GAC accomodate the needs of someone on crutches? Will the two ever be going on different attractions at the same time? What if the daughter needs a break from the parks, and the husband is going to stay with the rest of the group?

I second the notion of renting an ECV offsite!

 

[Frankiesmom]

So true Schmeck! I didn't think of that in that case 2 passes would be needed.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I did not cover the question about a GAC for your husband. The GAC is only for invisible disabilities. He would generally not be able to get one. The policy is for mobility and/or stamina problems the Guest should use a wheelchair or an ECV.

 

[abbylou6]

i wiah you all the best for your hols with autistic kids.i have a son 7 and i cant take him in feb when i go ,it breaks my heart but he is really afaraid of fairground rides some animals and the disney charcters...

love abbylou x