Universal now requiring documentation be sent to a third party for accessibility

[razlime]

You all are so helpful with accessibility at Disney, I just wanted to make sure you heard Universal is ending their AAP program and switching to the third party program that Six Flags uses which will require either a doctor's note or an IEP for proof, IBCCES Accessibility Card.

Details can be found on Universal's accessibility information page.

I have pretty mixed feelings. This is an additional barrier for people in need of accommodations to get them, especially if they don't have easy access to a specialist willing to fight for them, but I understand taking validation off the plates of workers at the parks. I do wish they'd also update the paper pass system to an app-based one like Disney has at least.

If anyone has experience with IAC and wants to share I'd love to hear it!

 

[HopperFan]

You all are so helpful with accessibility at Disney, I just wanted to make sure you heard Universal is ending their AAP program and switching to the third party program that Six Flags uses which will require either a doctor's note or an IEP for proof, IBCCES Accessibility Card.

Details can be found on Universal's accessibility information page.

I have pretty mixed feelings. This is an additional barrier for people in need of accommodations to get them, especially if they don't have easy access to a specialist willing to fight for them, but I understand taking validation off the plates of workers at the parks. I do wish they'd also update the paper pass system to an app-based one like Disney has at least.

If anyone has experience with IAC and wants to share I'd love to hear it!

Thank you for sharing this. I think 3rd party verification is gaining traction as more people ask for accommodations.

How long before Disney does the same thing?

 

[HopperFan]

Here is the Universal Webpage and basic info ...

"Guests requesting an attraction queue accommodation must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org prior to their visit to the park. The IAC registration consists of an online application which includes uploading necessary documentation."

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/accessibility-information



IBCCES

https://accessibilitycard.org/

DOCUMENTATION needed - these documents would now be in a database and good for one year.

Information Needed for Registration:​

• Recent photo of the cardholder for identification purposes
• General information about the cardholder including cognitive disorders or disabilities and any accommodations that would be helpful
• Contact information for the parent/guardian or support person of the cardholder
• Contact information for the healthcare provider of the cardholder. This includes their doctor, therapist, or counselor
• Statement from your healthcare provider regarding the extent and circumstances of your disability/disorder

 

[DLgal]

Is this Universal Orlando AND Hollywood? Or just Orlando? I know the 2 parks have differing programs in this regard (at least, they implement it differently).

I am ALL for this. I wish Disney would get onboard as well. I have no problem providing documentation for enrollment into these programs.

Edit: Also applies to Universal Hollywood

 

[HopperFan]

Another question now that this certification lasts for one year ...........

Way back when our Universal APs were personalized with our photo name etc right on it ... they actually printed on the back that DS had the disability pass and it lasted the length of the one year AP.

I wonder if this is something they would return to now that the IBCCES is good for one year?

 

[herdtoDisney]

So, as a parent-I have not ever got my dd an IBCCES card. I don't know who has access to the personal information you have to enter, and I'm not comfortable, on her behalf, with that. I prefer Disney's system.

 

[SteveMouse]

All this and a limitless supply of marketing material forever flooding your email and physical mail boxes. You can only “opt out” of their sharing your information AFTER you sign up. They don’t provide any information about how long it takes to get off their distribution list, and once your info is shared, you can’t claw it back.

 

[HopperFan]

So, as a parent-I have not ever got my dd an IBCCES card. I don't know who has access to the personal information you have to enter, and I'm not comfortable, on her behalf, with that. I prefer Disney's system.

Honestly when Disney announced they were going to offer a pre-approval system I thought they were going to use this system. Six Flags uses it, as do many other businesses. It is a global company that provides this service among others. One thing it does is discourage people from applying because of the documentation needed. And some doctors and service providers are not going to be willing to go into a data base with their license number unless the patient legit needs it.

I would not be surprised if Disney goes this route, as it is completely legal in this country. The put themselves in a situation by offering FREE advance times when charging for in park times for other guests. Now that "FP" is a paid for service, DAS could be looked at as over and above (even if it doesn't work that way). Disneyland Paris requires official documentation, so does Tokyo. I just hope if they do, they announce well in advance for people to make a decision on their trip. Universal seems to have just flipped a switch - there are going to be plenty arriving without ability to get a pass and be upset.

 

[razlime]

All this and a limitless supply of marketing material forever flooding your email and physical mail boxes. You can only “opt out” of their sharing your information AFTER you sign up. They don’t provide any information about how long it takes to get off their distribution list, and once your info is shared, you can’t claw it back.

That's awful! It's always seemed strange to me that an organization with the express purpose of encouraging accommodations for neurodiversity has been given this power (and money) to manage accommodation requests for all disabilities. I'm sure they do good work by filling in an obvious gap in governmental disability certifications but it feels a bit scammy.

I have lifelong issues with internalized ableism (and telling myself I'm "using my disability as an excuse"), so I'm personally a bit frustrated with this. I feel uncomfortable and a little silly asking my doctor for a note about an amusement park visit, though it's necessary for me to have a good time without health repercussions.

I'm sure some will face a much more expensive Universal trip if they're forced to pay a doctor for an appointment to get a note. But I'm hopeful that everything will go smoothly and it will result in fewer non-disabled guests complaining about those with disabilities "scamming the system."

 

[razlime]

I just hope if they do they announce well in advance for people to make a decision on their trip. Universal seems to have just flipped a switch - there are going to be plenty arriving without ability to get a pass and be upset.

It looks like Six Flags promises registration on your phone can be done in 5 minutes at the gates, but how many people with disabilities have a recently-dated letter from their doctor on hand to submit? Hopefully Universal is at least lenient over the next month or so.

 

[Disneychick13]

I am all for this. I think it’s only a matter of time before Disney switches to this method now that Universal is doing it.

 

[HopperFan]

It looks like Six Flags promises registration on your phone can be done in 5 minutes at the gates, but how many people with disabilities have a recently-dated letter from their doctor on hand to submit? Hopefully Universal is at least lenient over the next month or so.

My feeling is someone not well versed in the program wrote the line where you can apply on your smartphone at park and it be immediate. Like you say they probably don't have the documentation in their phone - and perhaps this is the rare weekday issue that someone can get their doctor to do it immediately for them. AND if the documentation has to be "verified" or approved I don't see how it happens "while you wait." The program itself says you must do at least 48 hours in advance.


From SIX FLAGS -

To ensure fairness, the new policy applies equally to all guests with disabilities or other impairments, whether visible or not. All guests with a disability or other qualifying impairment that prevents them from standing in line for an extended period are required to present a valid doctor’s note in order to receive an Attractions Access Pass. This measure aims to reduce the past abuse of the accessibility system and is necessary considering our employees do not have the expertise to evaluate whether a handicap of any nature causes functional limitations.

Guests with cognitive disorders, disabilities or mobility impairments who request helpful accommodations must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org. Once a Guest has filled out the online application and uploaded necessary documentation, they will be able to access their digital Accessibility Card. Guests will present the IBCCES Accessibility Card and Information Sheet to the Ride Information Center (Guest Services) inside each park to receive any necessary accommodations.

 

[BingoJoe]

Hopefully Disney cracks down on disability passes as well. There are so many fakers and people who don't really need it taking advantage of the system, especially since they started charging for fastpass.

 

[notatallmagic]

Interesting; I hadn't heard this, and we are Universal AP holders. We've enjoyed the ease of applying for their system. We have a Uni trip planned for Christmas, so glad there's some time to get this settled. It was actually my child's doctor (who shares the same disability) who recommended DAS to her, so hoping the letter won't be a big deal.

 

[SteveMouse]

Honestly when Disney announced they were going to offer a pre-approval system I thought they were going to use this system. Six Flags uses it, as do many other businesses. It is a global company that provides this service among others. One thing it does is discourage people from applying because of the documentation needed. And some doctors and service providers are not going to be willing to go into a data base with their license number unless the patient legit needs it.

I would not be surprised if Disney goes this route, as it is completely legal in this country. The put themselves in a situation by offering FREE advance times when charging for in park times for other guests. Now that "FP" is a paid for service, DAS could be looked at as over and above (even if it doesn't work that way). Disneyland Paris requires official documentation, so does Tokyo. I just hope if they do, they announce well in advance for people to make a decision on their trip. Universal seems to have just flipped a switch - there are going to be plenty arriving without ability to get a pass and be upset.

Japanese and French/European law supports this approach AND the health care system is designed to produce relevant information.

The ADA is explicitly designed NOT to require documentation of disability at every turn.

And it IS discriminatory to place an added burden on individuals with a disability to generate/produce such documentation. Many providers charge an office visit or administrative fee for preparing materials. Not to mention the time needed by the patient to make and attend the relaxant appointment.

 

[disney-inspired]

Hopefully Disney cracks down on disability passes as well. There are some many fakers and people who don't really need it taking advantage of the system, especially since they started charging for fastpass.

I feel like it's harder to get the DAS (at least at Disneyland) now with the pre-approval process. This has helped prevent some people from gaming the system.

 

[DLgal]

I feel like it's harder to get the DAS (at least at Disneyland) now with the pre-approval process. This has helped prevent some people from gaming the system.

Are you talking about Disneyland Paris or Tokyo? Disneyland (CA) doesn't use any sort of preapproval system currently.

 

[lanejudy]

And it IS discriminatory to place an added burden on individuals with a disability to generate/produce such documentation. Many providers charge an office visit or administrative fee for preparing materials. Not to mention the time needed by the patient to make and attend the relaxant appointment.

It does make me wonder how many visitors may forgo the accommodations because of such a requirement. While it sounds simple -- "if you can afford a theme park vacation you can afford a doctor's visit" -- just thinking to our own HCPs and trying to get a visit within 2 months can be challenging, let alone the fact that an honest HCP can't legally code the visit for anything covered by insurance so you are out of pocket the office visit cost. The doctors don't want their waiting rooms full of well patients looking for notes; it further reduces their availability for those with illness.

 

[lanejudy]

Are you talking about Disneyland Paris or Tokyo? Disneyland (CA) doesn't use any sort of preapproval system currently.

I think that poster means the pre-registration, which is optional. I can't speak for whether it has impacted DAS use in CA.

 

[DLgal]

Just signed my son up for this for Universal Hollywood now that we have annual passes.

Took all of 3 minutes. I used his IEP as the supporting documentation, since that's an easier option. I do have a signed letter from my son's psychiatrist as well, but right now will use the IEP since it has a lot less personal information.

We were issued a .pdf of his temporary card immediately via email. Seems like a very simple system.