UPDATE: fingers crossed/special needs!

[DizNee Luver]

So I got some great advise & a ton of encouragement, fingers crossed & pixie dust for our quick trip to Disneyland earlier this week.

My hubby was the one with the interview at DL. Things did not go as planned. They have a computerized test you do on Customer Service & you answer agree, disagree, strongly agree & strongly disagree. He answered "strongly" on things that dealt with him (coming to work when scheduled, showing up on time, etc) we tended to go in the middle regarding co-workers & their actions. He didn't feel it was his place to judge his co-workers unless he was applying for management. Well he gets done & he didn't "pass" the test & was thanked for applying & told he could try again in 6 months. We drove 715 miles & no interview.

Very disappointed & after talking about it for a while, our son said, you probably answered to many questions in the middle & they wanted strong opinions. We spoke with 2 very lovely CM's in the DCA baby center. They told him to call them & ask to speak to a manager....to persue this. They went as far as to dial the number & have him use their phone. He ended up on hold before speaking to anyone for 30 minutes, so they advised him to go back over to the casting center.

As we were waiting for Mike to get off the phone I ran into LavendarPeach!!!!! My son was actually the one that noticed the LGMH. It was great running into a familiar person. She had been someone that had exchanged information with me on my Special Needs thread. It actually uplifted my spirits!!

We went back over to the casting center & Mike asked to speak to a manager. He did get that chance & actually spent over 30 minutes with her. She would have hired him on the spot, but unfortunately they can't "bi-pass" the computer test. She was just as frustrated as Mike was. We did at least feel better that he got to speak to someone. We came home feeling a bit let-down & lost. The job market here is bad & he's been laid off since the first week of December. So we're back to square one on figuring out what to do next.

As for the help on the Special Needs Thread: Thank you for all your valuable suggestions!!!

We did get a GAC for "Stroller as Wheelchair". We only used it twice. The girls were overwhelmed, just leaving our house. They travelled very well in the car (they did great 13 1/2 hrs out of the 14 hr drive). They freaked out when we got to the motel, they freaked out everytime we took them out of the car, they freaked out when they got into their stroller, they freaked out by all the people, noises & activity. The only thing that didn't seem to bug them was the fireworks. They didn't pay any attention to them at all.....not once did they startle or react to the booms or even look towards the sky. We've had their hearing tested & it's good......this is the part that concerns us.....they tend to turn-off & not react to anything at times.

It was very hard doing this trip with them. We knew if they were having a hard time, that riding rides & going to shows, etc would be out....which was ok since we had just been there a month prior. Problem was, the motel was a filthy, musty smelling disaster & so going back to the room wasn't really an option. We did spend some quiet time in the GCH lobby & fed there twice. It was quieter & darker in there, so the girls relaxed..... HIGHLY recommend it for others that need to escape for a bit.

The girls are definately glad to be back home & we now know we need to take them out more often.....even if it's only for 30 minutes.

So again, thank you all for the support we got here!!!!!!!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Sucky about the computer test. Is he going to try retaking it when he can? And glad you made it back home safely!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Hi Diznee Luver!

Aw, I'm glad our little encounter was able to lift your spirits a bit. Thanks for the update. Sorry things didn't work out with the job at Disney but I'm glad your DH at least got to talk to someone. I can't believe they have you travel there to do the computer test instead of having applicants do it online from home. My DH works for a company that makes online training and tests for other companies. I think Disney needs to hire them! That whole thing is just so strange.

It was fun meeting you and seeing your little girls. Since you said they were having a hard time I was afraid to get too close and freak them out even more. DS is often very suspicious of people coming up to him so I know how that can be (he never knows when someone might pull out an IV to try to stick in his arm or something). I'm glad you found some peace and quiet in the lobby at GCH. I love it in there. And what a great idea to ease your girls into bigger outings by taking them on some small outings first.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Sucky about the computer test. Is he going to try retaking it when he can? And glad you made it back home safely!

They told him to come back in 6 months but he said he wasn't sure it would do any good...... not sure how to answer the questions. If he's true to himself, he fails it..... I'm sure there are people that do these all the time & are able to skate right thru that process. In fact there was a gal testing the same time as him & she was covered in tattoos & had 3 pages of criminal history....but she passed the test & interviewed.... seem fair?? My hubby has no criminal history, has worked grocery for 10 yrs, paramedic for 10 yrs & foster/adoptive parent for 8 yrs...... just frustrating...even the manager said they don't know the answers. I almost have to wonder if it was a tech-glitch.... but we'll never know.

Yes he still wants to work there & he probably will give it a try again.... but to pass the test, he'll have to "fake" the answers...which just doesn't seem right.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Diznee Luver!

Aw, I'm glad our little encounter was able to lift your spirits a bit. Thanks for the update. Sorry things didn't work out with the job at Disney but I'm glad your DH at least got to talk to someone. I can't believe they have you travel there to do the computer test instead of having applicants do it online from home. My DH works for a company that makes online training and tests for other companies. I think Disney needs to hire them! That whole thing is just so strange.

It was fun meeting you and seeing your little girls. Since you said they were having a hard time I was afraid to get too close and freak them out even more. DS is often very suspicious of people coming up to him so I know how that can be (he never knows when someone might pull out an IV to try to stick in his arm or something). I'm glad you found some peace and quiet in the lobby at GCH. I love it in there. And what a great idea to ease your girls into bigger outings by taking them on some small outings first.

I was soooooo glad to run into you!! We did feel better at least getting to tell them our frustration with the process......she felt our pain!! Your son is a cutie-pie, I didn't even think about that when I approached you.... I need to be aware of those things as we shelter the twins from that ....... sorry!!

The lobby worked out great & glad someone had suggested it. Taking the twins out has been difficult but when we have done it, it usually ends up being stressful for them. We learned not to take them to the grocery store, we're half way done with picking up stuff & they go off to the point of panic crying.... so that has been the biggest reason we've kept them home. We'll keep trying...... hopefully with time, they'll learn to cope better.

 

[mmlover74]

I'm sorry things didn't work out as hoped. Hopefully, your DH will find something soon.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I was soooooo glad to run into you!! We did feel better at least getting to tell them our frustration with the process......she felt our pain!! Your son is a cutie-pie, I didn't even think about that when I approached you.... I need to be aware of those things as we shelter the twins from that ....... sorry!!

The lobby worked out great & glad someone had suggested it. Taking the twins out has been difficult but when we have done it, it usually ends up being stressful for them. We learned not to take them to the grocery store, we're half way done with picking up stuff & they go off to the point of panic crying.... so that has been the biggest reason we've kept them home. We'll keep trying...... hopefully with time, they'll learn to cope better.

Oh, don't be sorry! He wasn't freaked out about you coming up to us. He's MUCH better than he used to be about those things and I think he feels fairly safe at DLR. I can't remember if he fussed a bit or not but if he did it was just because he wanted to go. He likes to be on the go....doesn't matter where, as long as we keep moving.

I can see how that would be frustrating trying to take them places if they start panicing. DS hadn't been in a grocery store until he was at least 2 and a half because with the trach and vent it was just too much trouble to take him places like that and it's only been in the last 6 months or so that he has gone to the grocery store on a more regular basis. So when we did start taking him he didn't like it at first and got really frustrated having to wait in line to pay (again, he has to be on the go). He would see the door and get upset because he wanted to go outside. Now he knows what to expect and it goes much smoother. I know that's a little different than your situation but I'm sure they will eventually be able to handle it fine. Maybe you can start with just going to the store for a short trip and either just buy one or two items so you're in and out fast or don't buy anything and just walk around the store with them so they can get used to the idea.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm sorry things didn't work out as hoped. Hopefully, your DH will find something soon.

Thank you so much!!! I know we're not the only ones struggling with layoffs & the economy right now.....we're just hoping for a bit of a break!

Oh, don't be sorry! He wasn't freaked out about you coming up to us. He's MUCH better than he used to be about those things and I think he feels fairly safe at DLR. I can't remember if he fussed a bit or not but if he did it was just because he wanted to go. He likes to be on the go....doesn't matter where, as long as we keep moving.

I can see how that would be frustrating trying to take them places if they start panicing. DS hadn't been in a grocery store until he was at least 2 and a half because with the trach and vent it was just too much trouble to take him places like that and it's only been in the last 6 months or so that he has gone to the grocery store on a more regular basis. So when we did start taking him he didn't like it at first and got really frustrated having to wait in line to pay (again, he has to be on the go). He would see the door and get upset because he wanted to go outside. Now he knows what to expect and it goes much smoother. I know that's a little different than your situation but I'm sure they will eventually be able to handle it fine. Maybe you can start with just going to the store for a short trip and either just buy one or two items so you're in and out fast or don't buy anything and just walk around the store with them so they can get used to the idea.

No, he didn't fuss....he was a bit fidgety....ready to go!!!

That's actually a great idea about just taking them into the store & walking around. At least we're free to go immediately if they tense up!

 

[LavenderPeach]

That's actually a great idea about just taking them into the store & walking around. At least we're free to go immediately if they tense up!

If there's one thing I've learned from DS is how to take baby steps with everything. I often want to go full speed ahead with whatever new thing we're trying to help him with and then he "reminds" me that we have to just take it one little step at a time. This has been especially true with his eating.

 

[mechurchlady]

big hugs and sorry that everything did not turn out well.
The kids are reacting to sensory overload probably. You have a long road ahead of you but with faith, pixie dust, and strong friends you will get through this. The people at disAbilities can help you out with suggestions and we work on my mother, myself and all the family of opeople over there. I have grown because of them and can never thank them enough. Good luck and hugs, laurie

 

[DizNee Luver]

big hugs and sorry that everything did not turn out well.
The kids are reacting to sensory overload probably. You have a long road ahead of you but with faith, pixie dust, and strong friends you will get through this. The people at disAbilities can help you out with suggestions and we work on my mother, myself and all the family of opeople over there. I have grown because of them and can never thank them enough. Good luck and hugs, laurie

We're sorry too!!! I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

I will be checking in the DISabilities board often now that I know about them!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I am sorry to hear about the job interview(as such as it was) Many large companies have gone to screening via computers. Cuts down on the human interaction time. Hope he is looking at all possibilities for employment just to tide over until he gets the job he wants. I have been layed off 3 times now and just have to keep digging and not giving up hope.

Jack

 

[DizNee Luver]

I am sorry to hear about the job interview(as such as it was) Many large companies have gone to screening via computers. Cuts down on the human interaction time. Hope he is looking at all possibilities for employment just to tide over until he gets the job he wants. I have been layed off 3 times now and just have to keep digging and not giving up hope.

Jack

Unfortunately on cutting out the interaction, you miss out on good people & get the "career" job hunters who know how to play the game instead. Thank you for your comments......we're definately not giving up hope....but sure would like a little break!!!

 

[DizMe]

OMG--I'm not that surprised by the test part, but I am pretty shocked to hear that a "real" manager can't override it. It seems to me that there are any number of variables to be considered in a job screening!! I hope that he is able to go back and that he gets the job. I wouldn't worry about doing what he has to do to pass the test, even if it feels like he's not being true to himself. The test is only the lock on the door, not the room within. Ultimately, it's not the key to the lock that will establish your dh as a good candidate but the way he presents himself once he gets inside. That's when he can establish his character and qualifications, which won't be possible unless he can get through the door.

And I'm sorry to hear that your princesses had a difficult time of it. How funny that so many of us warned about fireworks and it was the one thing that didn't faze them! But it isn't unusual for kids with sensory issues to actually get to the point of tuning things out when they're overloaded. I think mechurchlady said basically the same thing. There were kids in my dd's autism playgroup who would not react whatsoever to very loud noises and you would swear they were deaf, but it was just the way they dealt with overload or something. My dd is just the opposite and has extreme reactions to loud noise but can totally tune out people, talking, and everyday goings-on. She was often described as being in her own little world, ignoring completely the things going on around her.

 

[glendalais]

I'm sorry to hear about your Husband.

I don't know that much about the Computer-Based Personality Screening process, other than that it's apparently based off factors established at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts headquarters in Burbank, and that it's completely out of the control of the Disneyland Resort. Haven't nary a clue about what the factors could be, nor what their aim is is.

I do believe that the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida does not conduct those tests. If you would like to apply for an Hourly Guest Service position with them, please visit their Casting Services website, located at http://www.waltdisneyworld.jobs/.

 

[DizNee Luver]

OMG--I'm not that surprised by the test part, but I am pretty shocked to hear that a "real" manager can't override it. It seems to me that there are any number of variables to be considered in a job screening!! I hope that he is able to go back and that he gets the job. I wouldn't worry about doing what he has to do to pass the test, even if it feels like he's not being true to himself. The test is only the lock on the door, not the room within. Ultimately, it's not the key to the lock that will establish your dh as a good candidate but the way he presents himself once he gets inside. That's when he can establish his character and qualifications, which won't be possible unless he can get through the door.

And I'm sorry to hear that your princesses had a difficult time of it. How funny that so many of us warned about fireworks and it was the one thing that didn't faze them! But it isn't unusual for kids with sensory issues to actually get to the point of tuning things out when they're overloaded. I think mechurchlady said basically the same thing. There were kids in my dd's autism playgroup who would not react whatsoever to very loud noises and you would swear they were deaf, but it was just the way they dealt with overload or something. My dd is just the opposite and has extreme reactions to loud noise but can totally tune out people, talking, and everyday goings-on. She was often described as being in her own little world, ignoring completely the things going on around her.

It really sucked that they weren't able to override the system after speaking directly to him. Nothing we can do about it.....heavy sigh again!!

So is your daughter "autistic" or just sensory issues...your description of being in her own little world is exactly how we see it with the twins.....so just curious what the "medical" has told you.

I'm sorry to hear about your Husband.

I don't know that much about the Computer-Based Personality Screening process, other than that it's apparently based off factors established at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts headquarters in Burbank, and that it's completely out of the control of the Disneyland Resort. Haven't nary a clue about what the factors could be, nor what their aim is is.

I do believe that the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida does not conduct those tests. If you would like to apply for an Hourly Guest Service position with them, please visit their Casting Services website, located at http://www.waltdisneyworld.jobs/.

We don't know either...obviously people that do them all the time can buzz right thru them...this was the first time my hubby had ever taken one of those. The manager he spoke with told him that they don't even know the answers & they only get notified of people who are above the "yellow line" & who are below. I just think that sometimes companies need to look past that....use it as a guide but never solely base a decision on it. Computers can mess up too!!

WDW would be interesting, but probably a little too far for us. Most of our family is in Oregon & California, so with older parents, we feel we need to stay a bit closer. But thank you for the information on casting.