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

This just doesn't make sense to me why it is allowed, and what a farce it is as well. Some company decides to make money handing out "cards" and businesses jump on it because it takes the proof out of their hands, but we have to show medical info, get a doctor to prove we are "disabled enough" - that statement from a medical provider - to a third party to then get someone else to say yes or no.

I work at a school - what if I get one of the other educational support professionals to write me a note? Could I write my own note? (J/K)
Exactly. What's the point of the card if that doesn't result in the decision? Like others have mentioned, it's a screening tool meant to prevent abuse; but it still puts the work/cost/frustration on the plaes of those of us just trying to have a decent day at a theme park. Sorry, this really has me ticked off (in case that wasn't obvious...:))
 
I’ve really debated posting this but I just have to ask an honest question. For those that think this process will eliminate abuse/fraud - does that mean you will also stop gatekeeping and judging those with a DAS/UO card or will you continue to think of others in line as “undeserving”/“fake”/etc?

I’m frankly astonished by some of the attitudes towards disabled people both here and elsewhere. People like that are exactly the reason I try to hide my disability as much as possible. Having a disability with a huge social stigma makes life difficult enough and having to jump through additional hoops to “prove” my disability to others leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That’s fine, I’ve gotten used to not being able to participate in things because of my disability. Oh well. I have a feeling I could wear a doctor’s note stapled to my forehead and still have people like those here judge me because I smiled or appeared “relaxed”.
 
I’ve really debated posting this but I just have to ask an honest question. For those that think this process will eliminate abuse/fraud - does that mean you will also stop gatekeeping and judging those with a DAS/UO card or will you continue to think of others in line as “undeserving”/“fake”/etc?

I’m frankly astonished by some of the attitudes towards disabled people both here and elsewhere. People like that are exactly the reason I try to hide my disability as much as possible. Having a disability with a huge social stigma makes life difficult enough and having to jump through additional hoops to “prove” my disability to others leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That’s fine, I’ve gotten used to not being able to participate in things because of my disability. Oh well. I have a feeling I could wear a doctor’s note stapled to my forehead and still have people like those here judge me because I smiled or appeared “relaxed”.
Or worse, being called a liar.
 
As of right now I have no proof of my disability so I have called the local psychological office to make an appointment. I do ok in every day life but I csn see a time on the near future of needed help with my every day life. I also think it is not if Disney follows but when.
 

I’ve really debated posting this but I just have to ask an honest question. For those that think this process will eliminate abuse/fraud - does that mean you will also stop gatekeeping and judging those with a DAS/UO card or will you continue to think of others in line as “undeserving”/“fake”/etc?

I’m frankly astonished by some of the attitudes towards disabled people both here and elsewhere. People like that are exactly the reason I try to hide my disability as much as possible. Having a disability with a huge social stigma makes life difficult enough and having to jump through additional hoops to “prove” my disability to others leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That’s fine, I’ve gotten used to not being able to participate in things because of my disability. Oh well. I have a feeling I could wear a doctor’s note stapled to my forehead and still have people like those here judge me because I smiled or appeared “relaxed”.
I feel you in this. Sometimes the worst attitudes about disability come from the disabled sadly. No program or rule will ever stop people from gatekeeping. You just have to focus on your fun and comfort and screw the haters. There are a lot of valid complaints to be made about these systems but also a lot of complaints are going to come from a hyper specific perspective of an individual’s experience. It doesn’t make it right or wrong but it also means no system will ever be rolled out that people don’t have issues with. Do what is right for you and yours.
 
I’ve really debated posting this but I just have to ask an honest question. For those that think this process will eliminate abuse/fraud - does that mean you will also stop gatekeeping and judging those with a DAS/UO card or will you continue to think of others in line as “undeserving”/“fake”/etc?

I’m frankly astonished by some of the attitudes towards disabled people both here and elsewhere. People like that are exactly the reason I try to hide my disability as much as possible. Having a disability with a huge social stigma makes life difficult enough and having to jump through additional hoops to “prove” my disability to others leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That’s fine, I’ve gotten used to not being able to participate in things because of my disability. Oh well. I have a feeling I could wear a doctor’s note stapled to my forehead and still have people like those here judge me because I smiled or appeared “relaxed”.
My guess? Nope. People will still be pissed that someone else has a perceived "advantage". Never mind all the things we've discussed here. My DAS holder has a 504 that lets her schedule courses 8 hours ahead of schedule (nevermind that she's academically a year "ahead" due to taking college classes in HS; so similar to having an Express Pass AND Uni's DAS pass). That accommodation was strongly recommended by her doctor (who shares the same condition) due to time of day/sleep/other medical issues. People have actually commented how "unfair" that is. Except she would still schedule early due to being a year ahead. And living with a chronic health condition isn't fair either. But whatever.

People can just be really shi%## sometimes.
 
Exactly. What's the point of the card if that doesn't result in the decision? Like others have mentioned, it's a screening tool meant to prevent abuse; but it still puts the work/cost/frustration on the plaes of those of us just trying to have a decent day at a theme park. Sorry, this really has me ticked off (in case that wasn't obvious...:))
The point is to prove that there is an actual disability. Countless people, including people posting on this thread, have complained that untrained CMs at Disney (or wherever) aren't qualified to determine if a guest actually has a disability. Universal appears to agree with that, and has put the disability determination itself into the hands of a third party.

But having a disability doesn't mean that accommodations of choice or even reasonable accommodations will be available or granted, since multiple people with the same disability could require no, fewer, or greater accommodations.
 
A couple of my observations regarding this situation. First, it seems to me, from reading every post, that the individuals posting on this thread are not the individuals who UO is trying to weed out. Everyone here has legitimate concerns for the way this new practice is turning south. Secondly, and I may get flamed for this, but everyone has a decision to make. If your disability or circumstances can no longer be accommodated, then you have a decision. A theme park isn’t a life need. It is a privilege. Is it fair? No! Would I want it to be different? Yes!

I come by my second observation from daily experience. My DD can’t see in low light or when there is too much figure ground stimulus between her and what she needs to look at. To accommodate this, we will usually sit on the curb on Main Street, USA for upwards of 2 hours, just so she can “see” the parade. We have purchased Blue Bayou lunch, again just so she can “see” Fantasmic! We will not ever be able to see World of Color. The dessert party has too much figure ground in front of where they seat people. We will never be able to see the fireworks and the projections from in front of the castle for the same reason. We can get a spot soon enough to be front and center. These things just are what they are and Disney not UO can’t accommodate it. It isn’t fair. I would like for it to be different. We do what we can to make whatever accommodations my DD needs and we have a great time enjoying the experiences we do have.
 
I’ve really debated posting this but I just have to ask an honest question. For those that think this process will eliminate abuse/fraud - does that mean you will also stop gatekeeping and judging those with a DAS/UO card or will you continue to think of others in line as “undeserving”/“fake”/etc?

I’m frankly astonished by some of the attitudes towards disabled people both here and elsewhere. People like that are exactly the reason I try to hide my disability as much as possible. Having a disability with a huge social stigma makes life difficult enough and having to jump through additional hoops to “prove” my disability to others leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That’s fine, I’ve gotten used to not being able to participate in things because of my disability. Oh well. I have a feeling I could wear a doctor’s note stapled to my forehead and still have people like those here judge me because I smiled or appeared “relaxed”.
I hear you. I have a mobility disability (polyneuropathy resulting from lifesaving platinum chemotherapy). Visiting WDW is very challenging because I have to look out for able bodied people who can’t see how slowly and unsteadily I walk. If I’m not diligently avoiding them (and the strollers they push), I end up on the ground, yet I’m not disabled for WDW definition because I could always get a wheelchair for the queues, in their view and that “solves” my problem.
 
Well, there's a couple differences.

One, it's not just a "DAS registration line." It's the line for all guest services. Not everyone smiling and having a good time is trying to get a DAS.

No.., the line we stand in at MK has a CM come out every few minutes and confirm your in line for DAS. Most recent trips, the train makes so much noise near the DAS line we have to go to another location.


 
A couple of my observations regarding this situation. First, it seems to me, from reading every post, that the individuals posting on this thread are not the individuals who UO is trying to weed out. Everyone here has legitimate concerns for the way this new practice is turning south. Secondly, and I may get flamed for this, but everyone has a decision to make. If your disability or circumstances can no longer be accommodated, then you have a decision. A theme park isn’t a life need. It is a privilege. Is it fair? No! Would I want it to be different? Yes!

I come by my second observation from daily experience. My DD can’t see in low light or when there is too much figure ground stimulus between her and what she needs to look at. To accommodate this, we will usually sit on the curb on Main Street, USA for upwards of 2 hours, just so she can “see” the parade. We have purchased Blue Bayou lunch, again just so she can “see” Fantasmic! We will not ever be able to see World of Color. The dessert party has too much figure ground in front of where they seat people. We will never be able to see the fireworks and the projections from in front of the castle for the same reason. We can get a spot soon enough to be front and center. These things just are what they are and Disney not UO can’t accommodate it. It isn’t fair. I would like for it to be different. We do what we can to make whatever accommodations my DD needs and we have a great time enjoying the experiences we do have.
100% this. I will never be allowed to ride Peter Pan. Is it fair? No. Do I let it totally ruin my trip and swear I’ll never go to Disney again? Also no. I complained the first time then moved on to enjoying what I can.
 
A couple of my observations regarding this situation. First, it seems to me, from reading every post, that the individuals posting on this thread are not the individuals who UO is trying to weed out. Everyone here has legitimate concerns for the way this new practice is turning south. Secondly, and I may get flamed for this, but everyone has a decision to make. If your disability or circumstances can no longer be accommodated, then you have a decision. A theme park isn’t a life need. It is a privilege. Is it fair? No! Would I want it to be different? Yes!

I come by my second observation from daily experience. My DD can’t see in low light or when there is too much figure ground stimulus between her and what she needs to look at. To accommodate this, we will usually sit on the curb on Main Street, USA for upwards of 2 hours, just so she can “see” the parade. We have purchased Blue Bayou lunch, again just so she can “see” Fantasmic! We will not ever be able to see World of Color. The dessert party has too much figure ground in front of where they seat people. We will never be able to see the fireworks and the projections from in front of the castle for the same reason. We can get a spot soon enough to be front and center. These things just are what they are and Disney not UO can’t accommodate it. It isn’t fair. I would like for it to be different. We do what we can to make whatever accommodations my DD needs and we have a great time enjoying the experiences we do have.
Great post. And I agree - however my (obvious) frustration is that I purchased Annual Passes for my family based on a positive experience with applying for Uni's version of the pass (and having it "renewed" three times with no issue). I've also invested in airfare and hotel (although I could get hotel refunds- not airfare) based on the program Uni had at the time.

Now the rules are changing in the middle of the game. I'm frugal, so that's a bite for me. I also am a planner, and on the spectrum as well, so I get stuck in the details and the "injustice". No, theme parks are not a "right" and I get that. But I purchased our passes based on one process, and now we have another (IMO) illogical process to navigate. Yes, the new Uni card is a screening tool. But again, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of someone without access to the medical information that would seemingly be helpful/useful/necessary.
 
The point is to prove that there is an actual disability. Countless people, including people posting on this thread, have complained that untrained CMs at Disney (or wherever) aren't qualified to determine if a guest actually has a disability. Universal appears to agree with that, and has put the disability determination itself into the hands of a third party.

But having a disability doesn't mean that accommodations of choice or even reasonable accommodations will be available or granted, since multiple people with the same disability could require no, fewer, or greater accommodations.
But then they have gone full circle by not going off of the doctor's note and are back to just asking what accommodations someone needs. So they basically made people go through hoops for nothing because they can still deny them. That is pretty crappy, IMO.
 
But then they have gone full circle by not going off of the doctor's note and are back to just asking what accommodations someone needs. So they basically made people go through hoops for nothing because they can still deny them. That is pretty crappy, IMO.
Yes, they can potentially deny them, just as they can now.

IMO, the third party is the gatekeeper function...if they don't issue the card, Universal doesn't have to even deal with the guest.
 
So you can wait in the the long queue for DAS, but others can't? This makes no sense to me at all - could you clarify, please?
My grandson struggles to make to the DAS CM. Between the long line and the noise from the train, it’s rough. Last trip, we had to leave the line and go to another DAS location. It’s so strange to me majority of people in the long dedicated DAS line dont show any discomfort? I’m getting tired of the rampant rule breaking in society.
 
Secondly, and I may get flamed for this, but everyone has a decision to make. If your disability or circumstances can no longer be accommodated, then you have a decision. A theme park isn’t a life need. It is a privilege. Is it fair? No! Would I want it to be different? Yes!
This is patently obvious to all of us with disabilities and with family with disabilities, I don't know why you're posting it as if it's not.

The goal of this forum is to discuss how to make theme parks possible for PwDs. We are all already making these decisions - DAS/AAP does not make our disabilities go away, it just makes some aspects easier. Everyone on this thread that has qualified for DAS or AAP have experienced time in the park that doesn't go well because of disability. Even whole trips have been ruined. We know accommodations can't solve everything. None of us expect theme park employees to temporarily cure us.

"Maybe theme parks aren't right for you" is a really odd thing to post in a thread of disabled people (& families) talking about how theme parks are already hard despite the accommodations.

Most of us are using this thread to figure out how our experience will change with this news. Telling us all to stop complaining or give up is silly.
 
My grandson struggles to make to the DAS CM. Between the long line and the noise from the train, it’s rough. Last trip, we had to leave the line and go to another DAS location. It’s so strange to me majority of people in the long dedicated DAS line dont show any discomfort? I’m getting tired of the rampant rule breaking in society.
You can’t judge disabilities by outward appearance.
 
I'm sorry, but this is such a weird take.

I have a child who struggles with his sensory issues related to autism. He uses a DAS. He LOVES being at Disney parks. If he is there, and not being stressed by something, he is smiling and happy and cracking jokes and puns with his brother (also autistic). When we have to renew his DAS, we have JUST arrived. Nothing has caused him stress yet. Why wouldn't he be smiling and happy and talking about his day?

Unless we arrive and its 100 degrees and the sun is blazing in his eyes and the band is playing 10 feet away, and the person in line in front of him is screaming or yelling and people are crowding him and bumping into him, he is not going to be in distress.

The line for DAS is typically 2-5 minutes in length. It's single file. People are not all up in your space. It's outdoors, usually under shade. It's not a situation that causes issues for my son. This is also how we can manage to wait in lines for food carts, photo pass pictures, and literally every other short, outdoor line.

DAS users are not incapable of waiting in ANY line. They usually are incapable of waiting in specific types of queues, for a specific amount of time. My son, for example, can handle a queue up to about 45 minutes as long as it's fully outdoors. He can handle about 20-30 minutes indoors in a mostly single file line. He starts to get agitated in switchback lines indoors after about 10 minutes. He cannot stand "holding rooms" and when a ride has those we have to stand all the way in the back corner, away from everyone. He will often turn around and face the wall so he can mentally lose the crowd. He can't stand to have people bump into him. It causes a startle reflex. Sudden loud noises like a kid screaming or crying literally causes pain in his ears and he also startles. Imagine if every sensation was magnified 10x or more, all the time. Then imagine being in a crowded, long attraction queue. It's hard to manage that all day long. These are involuntary responses and something we have had to work around for my child's whole 17 years of life so far. We have missed out on a lot of experiences because of it.

We have tools he uses in the parks to help mitigate these effects. He has ear defenders and earplugs, a hat and dark glasses, something pleasant to smell if bad odors are nearby, a cooling towel for when it's "too hot" (which to him is like 80 degrees). However, it's nice to be able to not have to worry about potential sensory overload in every attraction line. It makes our day more enjoyable and allows us to spend more than 2 or 3 hours in the park. It's not perfect, though. The meltdowns still occur sometimes, and they are unpredictable and intense. But the DAS removes ONE stressor from the experience, and we are grateful for that.

It's weird that you think everyone with a disability should be walking around sad and miserable all the time, or that all autistic people should look or act "autistic." Newsflash: disabled people are not all the same.

My other son with autism has no sensory issues. He is actually hyposensitive. He is aloof and unaware of his surroundings most of the time. He doesn't feel pain or heat normally. He once placed his hand on the hood of our Weber grill while it was preheating and didn't immediate remove it. He burned himself pretty badly. He was 4. He had a 106 fever last year with flu. He was completely oblivious. He is 19 now. He probably likes Disneyland because everything is so loud and intense and he can experience some sensory input for a change. He doesn't need a DAS. He's the guy in line all up in your space because he has no sense of body awareness or placement.
I didn’t make myself clear… I’m talking about day 1 when you register for DAS on site. Only DAS are in line waiting for the CM to load your app with your party. Your not in line for a ride.. thats part of why my autistic grandson struggles.
Once we’re in line for a ride, we usually go into a count down so he can process the wait.
 
No kidding .. when I’m in a line with 100% DAS applicants, I should see some traces of my grandsons behavior.
There are so so so many disabilities which affect neurotypical people that require accommodations, this is an absurd thing to think. I'm glad your grandson is able to access DAS, and I'm glad others are too. Have some empathy for those living different lives than yourself.
 



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