visiting parks with Down Syndrome Adult

[100acreHiker]

Hello! I am a mother of two school aged boys. We'll be at WDW this fall doing our crazy-paced tour of rides and coasters. I am considering booking another trip for late 2015 with the intention of taking my husband's sister, a 37 year old woman who has Down Syndrome. She is fairly independent (volunteers once a week at the library, etc), but is definitely very slow moving, slow to process, sometimes nervous and easily overwhelmed. She LOVES Disney--the shows and music and characters and princesses. I don't see her being able to handle many rides-- just ones like Peter Pan, Finding Nemo, Small World, etc. She has never been to WDW, as my MIL is not a fan of touristy things at all and they live near Vancouver (I'm east coast), so I would like to make this happen for her while we can.

I think this kind of trip would necessitate leaving my kids at home with my husband, or, perhaps all of us going and then splitting up. I am wondering if anyone can offer advice or their experiences bringing adults with Down Sydrome to the Parks. It's a LOT of walking, and she is SLOW, a bit unsteady on her feet and overweight. She does ok walking the half mile to a bus stop, but I don't see her walking the park all day. Would you recommend special accomodations for someone with these particular limitations and abilities? I don't want her to be overwhelmed. Also, I'm so used to going from ride to ride, that I'm wondering if there's enough to do and see in the parks if we'd be skipping most rides. I've never taken care of her for days by myself, so it would be an adventure for both of us, but one I think I'm up to, especially because I know being there will light up her face.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[LisaBi]

My 21 year old son has Down Syndrome. For us a wheelchair is a must. He cannot walk those kinds of distances at all. One time i had him leave the chair outside Space because it is too difficult to push up that ramp. As luck would have it, the moving walkway was out of service at the exit. By the time we got out, he was done for the day. Now I just make him walk the few inclines going in while I push the empty chair. We get some looks, but I don't care. It's the only way I can accommodate both of us.

A scooter would be even better if she could operate it safely. I know my son couldn't.

As far as attractions, there are some he doesn't like, but generally speaking his interests are about the same as a 10 year olds might be. He loves the characters and all of the shows, and many of the thrill rides. He won't get on ToT, EE, or Splash, and doesn't like RnR or BTMR. He does say he's outgrown IASWA. He LOVES Space, TT, Buzz Lightyear, TSMM, GMR, and MIssion Space. He loves Mickeys Philharmagic, the Indiana Jones show, and BATB. The cars stunt show is too loud for him. Studios is his favorite park, followed by MK, then Epcot. I pretty much have to drag him to AK, but he does love the Lion King show there.

His favorite thing of all?.....Eating at the resort food court, or someplace that has cheese fries (Cosmic Rays.)

You don't say old your kids are, but I'm betting you could all enjoy the same basic list of attractions. I usually go alone with DS, but I would take another adult in a heartbeat when I can....pushing the wheelchair is getting to exhausting, especially as he gets heavier and I get older.

 

[WDGPCFR]

This is an awesome thing to do. Use the trip as a more relaxing one and find those things that you wouldn't normally do. It is tough to do a low speed Disney trip but seeing how much she enjoys it would be such a reward. If it is not going to be a surprise telling her ahead of time and coming up with an exercise schedule she can improve her stamina for walking. Have fun.

 

[SMD]

Have you thought about Disneyland instead? It wouldn't be as far for her to travel, and you could maybe bring her mother or a caregiver along to help out. DLR has other things in the area, so if her mother doesn't want to do Disney, she can find something else while you're in the park.

Although if you want to give her mother a break and take her on the trip alone, I'd recommend a practice trip. Fly their to visit and spend a day or two as her caregiver. That will give you an idea of what you're getting into.

 

[100acreHiker]

thanks for all of your thoughts and replies. I do wonder about pushing a wheelchair myself all those days...We spend two weeks with her every summer when we visit, so I know her well, just never have been "in charge" of her, so to speak (as much as you can be in charge of anyone who is 37!). I do like the idea of a slower-paced trip, letting her decide what we should do, etc. I do hope I can make this happen--just still lots to think about and, luckily, lots of time to figure it all out.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I sometimes think people who rush from ride to ride miss half of the fun of WDW. There is plenty to do even if you don't go on any rides.

Pushing her in a wheelchair is going to be the best way to accommodate her low stamina. Other than a wheelchair, she might possibly qualify for a DAS if she has needs that mean she can't safely wait in a regular queue. If getting around is the main concern, the wheelchair will probably cover everything. Depending on things she may be able to also walk some or push the chair like a walker some. You can rent at WDW (I'd suggest using an offsite vendor) or consider buying an inexpensive transport chair to bring with you. Transport chairs are made to be easier to push. I don't know definite Canadian legal policy, but I believe that the airline would be required to transport it without counting it as a checked bag (that's true in the US and I haven't heard differently from Canadian friends). It also means it could be used in the airport without having to ask for extra assistance (assuming there is someone traveling with her). I think the idea of doing a mini-trip (possibly even one that requires her to have to fly a short distance) to give her some sense of what the travel and/or parks might be like.

When it comes to type of rides, see how she does and what she's interested in. There are loads of ride videos on YouTube so she could watch some of those to get a general sense of the experience and what rides might be scary or have odd lighting or other odd things. The only thing to check on is whether she has any medical concerns (I know heart problems are common with DS) that prevent her from riding certain rides, otherwise I think she may be interested in more rides than you're currently expecting. (I've known folks with DS who love thrill rides/coasters so it really does just depend on likes and dislikes.)

As far as your kids go, I think it just depends on what you're comfortable with. It doesn't hurt them to go on a slower trip and might be really good for them to spend time with your SIL. They may discover there are things they enjoy and wouldn't have found on a "typical" trip. I think it's really your call on this one.

The last thing is that I know you say you're looking at late 2015. I'd be very conscious about picking dates because of how crowded it can be (for example, wouldn't go Christmas -> New Years). While it would certainly keep the trip slow, it very easily could be too many people for her to enjoy the trip.

 

[aaarcher86]

It sounds like your biggest concerns are that she's slow and has poor stamina. A wheelchair would be your best bet if you don't think she could safely operate an ECV.

 

[MSSANDRA]

It sounds like this could be a dream come true for her. It's pretty clear that she will need a wheel chair. I would consider taking your whole family for several reasons. First, you would have help pushing! You DH for sure, and maybe even your kids could take turns, giving you a break! Second, you have another adult along in case it gets overwhelming for you at times and just in case you need an extra hand. Lastly and maybe the biggest reason...your children would have the chance to truly give to someone else and understand how good it can feel to serve others. They would need to understand that this trip is mainly for their aunt and giving her a very special gift. I bet seeing her eyes light up will be something they would never forget. Of course dad will need to give them a couple hours of coaster time a day, and be sure they get to choose some activities, but really involve them in making their trip special for their aunt. Let them help pick a resort and meals that SHE would like and maybe make each one her pusher or helper for part of each day. i think it could be a very magical trip.

 

[Mommee]

I have gone from an able-bodied adult to a fragile, wheelchair-using, thrill ride avoiding, limited to half days person over the last several years. I can happily say that while my children love a commando, thrill seeking trip, they have a big love of our slow trips, too. There is so much that gets passed up when you're rushing from ride to ride. So, I vote for taking your family. Different does not mean it won't be fun.