Use of IEP's for disability access in lines...

[Disneyliscious]

Im up in arms about this and really want to display etiquette and consideration of others while at the park.

Both of my children have learning disabilites and/or behavioral problems. They are in no way physically handicapped and can communicate fine.

My best friend just returned from the world and she has 2 boys as well, 1 has a developmental delay but is not physically disabled. She took his IEP from school and got the voucher (I guess its what its called) so that they could use the disabled line for the rides and shows.

She suggested this to me and Im just not sure what to do. I called and a CM told me that any disability, whether physical or mental, is accomodated and that the CM's are not supposed to inquire about the type of disability. She also went on to say that children with learning disabilities often disrupt the lines for others because of their behavior, dont always understand why they are waiting, and just overall in geneal wear out before any other child would - making it upleaant for everyone.

I have never thought of this until now. I always thought it was for use with persons who had physical disabilities. It sure would make my life easier to be able to use this but I want to do whats right.

Has anyone else used their childs IEP and gained access through the disabled lines?

 

[livndisney]

First of all I would like to suggest you visit the Disabilities section of this board. They have WONDERFUL "real life" experience with different disabilities at WDW.

I can tell you WDW does not have a disability pass, nor does it have disability lines. They can provide access where needed.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Thanks for the info. I have neve visited that section of the board.

My girlfriend just got back yesterday. She said she went to Guest Relations and showed the IEP. They asked how many was in her party and gave her some kind ofvoucher thing which she showed to the CM's at the rides who then assisted her family to the disability lines (often times this is the FP line or the 'exit' line she said). Maybe this is something new they started? I dont know. But she got it from the Guest Relations booth. I'll double check with her and ask if she still has it and maybe she can tell me what it says on it.

 

[portocall]

No, I haven't, but they don't inquire into the disability... we used to get it when my sister (3) was being treated for cancer. I somewhat agree about allowing a child with extreme difficulty in lines to have accomodations (which do still require waiting) to make things better for those in the lines.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

My sister did not use it the first day with my nephew, who has mild Asperger's, and they were miserable (and I'm sure made everyone around them miserable). Then she learned they could get the disability pass and it made the rest of their trip so much more enjoyable. They didn't have to show anything to prove it.

 

[vicki_c]

It's called a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), I believe, and the folks on the DISabilities board will be able to provide lots of good advice on its use.

 

[TestTrackBoy]

Thanks for the info. I have neve visited that section of the board.

My girlfriend just got back yesterday. She said she went to Guest Relations and showed the IEP. They asked how many was in her party and gave her some kind ofvoucher thing which she showed to the CM's at the rides who then assisted her family to the disability lines (often times this is the FP line or the 'exit' line she said). Maybe this is something new they started? I dont know. But she got it from the Guest Relations booth. I'll double check with her and ask if she still has it and maybe she can tell me what it says on it.

I think what your friend is talking about is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). You can request one at Guest Relations at the entrance of any of the Disney parks. If you obtain one, it will be good at all the Disney parks for the length of your stay. What this allows you to do in your case is use an alternate entrance for people who can't wait in line. This is mostly used for children/adults with conditions like autism, ADD or other health problems that make waiting in line difficult or dangerous for them and others around them. You will often use an exit or a Fastpass line to gain access to the attraction. You don't need a doctor's note or any evidence to show that you need one. Many people do take a doctor’s letter just in case. You do need to be able to explain what your problems are to the Cast Member. Guest Relations Cast Members are responsible for determining who will be given the GAC. Hope that helps.

 

[CathrynRose]

Am I the only one that thinks this is kinda crappy?

I have (had - he's 18 now) a son with an IEP, and never would I have thought "Gee, I should use this at WDW"

It's for school, not front of the line access.

There was a thread on here (there have been several, actually) regarding using the companion bathroom, when you're not disabled. People got super bent out of shape about that, however it's okay to use an IEP for a GAC?

 

[vicki_c]

Am I the only one that thinks this is kinda crappy?

I have (had - he's 18 now) a son with an IEP, and never would I have thought "Gee, I should use this at WDW"

It's for school, not front of the line access.

There was a thread on here (there have been several, actually) regarding using the companion bathroom, when you're not disabled. People got super bent out of shape about that, however it's okay to use an IEP for a GAC?

You don't actually need to use ANYTHING to get a GAC, you just have to explain whatever the issue is to the cast member, as the PP stated. Only the people involved know whether a GAC is need for their visit or not.

 

[LBelle]

Am I the only one that thinks this is kinda crappy?

I have (had - he's 18 now) a son with an IEP, and never would I have thought "Gee, I should use this at WDW"

It's for school, not front of the line access.

There was a thread on here (there have been several, actually) regarding using the companion bathroom, when you're not disabled. People got super bent out of shape about that, however it's okay to use an IEP for a GAC?

Nope! I'm with you on this one. NOT a disability, IMHO, that warrants front of the line access at an amusement park.

 

[Dissy]

A CM told the OP that Disney does NOT question the disability.
I would go with the advise of the CM. They are following ADA laws, I presume.

Personally, I would be more than happy to allow ANY child accessibilty into/onto a Disney attraction ahead of little old me. And I've been there in a wheelchair, ECV, walking boot and with a cane due to a fractured ankle and subsequent surgeries and injuries.

Sidenote: I have had NO problems with companion bathrooms at Disney. Must be some kind of urban myth here on the DIS.

 

[cuches]

Am I the only one that thinks this is kinda crappy?

I have (had - he's 18 now) a son with an IEP, and never would I have thought "Gee, I should use this at WDW"

It's for school, not front of the line access.

There was a thread on here (there have been several, actually) regarding using the companion bathroom, when you're not disabled. People got super bent out of shape about that, however it's okay to use an IEP for a GAC?

As the mother of a severely autistic beautiful 10 year old I kind of agree with you on this one. My DD absolutely needs the GAC or else we could NEVER go to a place like Disney. She is non-verbal and obviously has a hard time expressing herself and even harder time understanding things like "wait your turn". When people use the GAC for things like behavior problems or learning disabilities it hurts the kids that REALLY need this card. A few times even when using the GAC and getting on the 'fast pass' line we had a long wait. Now that could have just been because a bunch of people were utilizing their fast passes but who knows. I think if your kid understands the term 'wait your turn' then they should! I once heard a parent say they would get that pass for Six Flags because their child utilized speech services for a mild speech issues...BS on that! You should be thankful your child can talk at all, I've been waiting 10 long years to hear "I love you"

My advice: if your kid gets overwhelmed or upset at the thought of long lines do a few story boards before your trip. Show him what WDW can be like during a busy time and prepare him so when it happens he'll understand. Don't get the GAC simply because it is an easy way to the front of the line...then what are you teaching your kids? To cheat the system????

 

[cuches]

First of all I would like to suggest you visit the Disabilities section of this board. They have WONDERFUL "real life" experience with different disabilities at WDW.

I can tell you WDW does not have a disability pass, nor does it have disability lines. They can provide access where needed.

Not true. EVERY ride has a disabled entry (usually the exit of a ride or the fast pass lane) You don't have to show anything to get the GAC (Guest Assistance Card) due to HIPPA privacy laws but I always bring proof of my DD10 autism diagnosis just in case. I agree that the disabilities board has wonderful info on this topic.

 

[bwilcox]

No child likes to wait in lines. The GAC is intended for children who have a disability that makes waiting in lines more difficult for them (childen who are autistic, can't be in the sun long, etc.) In my experience as a teacher, I have never taught a student with a learning disability who couldn't wait in line as long as their peers. Learning disabilities have to do with the way children LEARN, not the way they wait in line. CMs can't legally ask the kind of disability and judge if it is GAC worthy or not. Use your best judgment as the child's mother. If he REALLY needs it, fine, but please don't cheat the system.

 

[LBelle]

As the mother of a severely autistic beautiful 10 year old I kind of agree with you on this one. My DD absolutely needs the GAC or else we could NEVER go to a place like Disney. She is non-verbal and obviously has a hard time expressing herself and even harder time understanding things like "wait your turn". When people use the GAC for things like behavior problems or learning disabilities it hurts the kids that REALLY need this card. A few times even when using the GAC and getting on the 'fast pass' line we had a long wait. Now that could have just been because a bunch of people were utilizing their fast passes but who knows. I think if your kid understands the term 'wait your turn' then they should! I once heard a parent say they would get that pass for Six Flags because their child utilized speech services for a mild speech issues...BS on that! You should be thankful your child can talk at all, I've been waiting 10 long years to hear "I love you"

My advice: if your kid gets overwhelmed or upset at the thought of long lines do a few story boards before your trip. Show him what WDW can be like during a busy time and prepare him so when it happens he'll understand. Don't get the GAC simply because it is an easy way to the front of the line...then what are you teaching your kids? To cheat the system????

for you. Thank you for putting this in the proper perspective.

 

[anonymousegirl]

A GAC is not a front-of-the-line pass. Only severely ill Make-A-Wish kids will be accommodated like that. A GAC can even lengthen your wait at some attractions.

 

[winterman]

Im up in arms about this

I don't get what you are upset about. Do you want to get a GAC but feel like it is 'cheating'? (If you feel that then it is probably not appropriate for you.) Are you mad because your friend used a GAC and you never knew about them?

I have seen many disruptive children in confined areas. As long as the parents make some efforts to keep their behavior under control, the kids don't concern me too much.

Do what you feel is appropriate for your family.

 

[queenie82]

As the mother of a severely autistic beautiful 10 year old I kind of agree with you on this one. My DD absolutely needs the GAC or else we could NEVER go to a place like Disney. She is non-verbal and obviously has a hard time expressing herself and even harder time understanding things like "wait your turn". When people use the GAC for things like behavior problems or learning disabilities it hurts the kids that REALLY need this card. A few times even when using the GAC and getting on the 'fast pass' line we had a long wait. Now that could have just been because a bunch of people were utilizing their fast passes but who knows. I think if your kid understands the term 'wait your turn' then they should! I once heard a parent say they would get that pass for Six Flags because their child utilized speech services for a mild speech issues...BS on that! You should be thankful your child can talk at all, I've been waiting 10 long years to hear "I love you"

My advice: if your kid gets overwhelmed or upset at the thought of long lines do a few story boards before your trip. Show him what WDW can be like during a busy time and prepare him so when it happens he'll understand. Don't get the GAC simply because it is an easy way to the front of the line...then what are you teaching your kids? To cheat the system????

I'm so with you on this and I can't imagine what you go through
I think only children like yours with severe health problems should use the GAC.
I know children who could probably get an ADHD or even mild autism diagnosis if the parents went to a doctor for testing as such...but dedication of the parents to spend time with the children and help them and teach them through mild learning delays and tough periods brings them through this time so they are fine. As you say teaching them and "Show him what WDW can be like during a busy time and prepare him so when it happens" is a much better thing to do.

Aside - While the GAC in the US may require no proof, if you want to get an equivalent in Disneyland Paris....you NEED proof and you need medical certification.
It beats me what they do in Tokyo because we tried for my mum who was still recovering from a severe fall but the massive language barrier proved too difficult to deal with. If there was anything it was very limited...so thankfully she managed without. They did cater for Wheelchairs in some form...but that is about it

 

[Mrsjvb]

It's for school, not front of the line access.

Cathryn, a GAC is the FURTHEST thing from FoL acccess. In fact sometimes you wait LONGER having one. A GAC is there to provide a safe, reasonable alternate access to rides and attractions.. ..perhaps a quiet, out of the way area to wait until your turn in line comes up. or another lone that is less crowded or doesn't have stairs or something.

the actual IEP is not required, you just need to be able to say what the limitations are and what is a good workaround for your individual needs.

 

[KPeveler]

A GAC does not provide of line access, and not all GACs do the same thing. For instance, I am getting a GAC next time which will allow me to avoid waiting in lines in direct sun (I will wait elsewhere in the shade for them) because I have a medication-induced sun-sensitivity.

Every person is different. My disorder is a genetic defect, and requires me to use a top-end $15,000 power wheelchair. A friend of mine with the same disorder requires Dr Scholls insoles! I know people who are ADD/ADHD who can handle lines fine, and I know others who go into a meltdown.

Are there people who abuse the GAC system? Yes. But I believe they are a small minority, and the system is too precious to risk losing it due to those few people. Six Flags got rid of their system entirely to avoid abusers, and now I can never go there, because there is no way for me to handle the parks.

Trust me, I hate abusers more than people with no need for accommodations. I am definitely one of the people who suffers every time I have to wait longer behind someone who doesnt really need their GAC or wheelchair (they only allow 2-3 people with a wc or GAC on at a time, for safety reasons). Oh, and btw, those wheelchair lines are AFTER I wait in hte regular line.

I suggest people go read the Disabilities board FAQs. There is a lot of great info over there.