WDW -Disability Access Service (DAS) - ARCHIVED THREAD; no longer vslid

[IncredibleboysMom]

Some people posting here seem to be thinking that the new system will prevent them from visiting wdw. I would recommend trying it..It is not as easy as the old system ... requires a little more planning but it worked well for us. My only concern is the reports from Epcot that some were denied DAS card that really needed it.

My concern is not so much about using DAS, it's about being deemed "eligible". My 8 year old is extremely sensitive about his differences and I am really concerned about having to have a lengthy conversation with someone in which I have to convince them he needs it. Do I have to give details about his bathroom needs? Do I have to describe the meltdown he will have when he feels closed in? How much do they need to know about his overheating issues? If we were going now, I would probably write it down because just his hearing me discuss any of the topics with a stranger would ruin his day.

We don't have a trip planned, but were thinking of one for next year. Just going to wait and watch before making a commitment to go.

 

[infopurposesonly]

Trust me, I understand how the new system is making the parks less accessible, at least for now. And Disney is hugely important to me. For me, in Disneyland, is it more about how they are handling wheelchairs, in addition to the DAS. I cannot push my wheelchair all over the place collecting attraction return times, and then circle back. I am pushing myself in a manual wheelchair - my options are limited.

And the DAS is supposed to give me priority over others in the wheelchair queue (after they have returned with their ticket) because sometimes that wheelchair queue can be quite long. It is less the time and more the place for me - more and more people think I fit somewhere on the spectrum (including my psychologist), and I know I have sensory problems. Sometimes being sent into a long, crowded, or loud wheelchair queue after already waiting my "turn" is annoying and unfair.

At this point, all I can do is tell Disney about it, give it two weeks, and hope for the best.

While I do not share your exact circumstances, I do understand that the new system is taxing emotionally and physically. And I hope Disney makes whatever alterations needed so that all can enjoy the parks again.

My family will have some of the same issues. We are two disabled parents who take turns pushing our teenage daughter in a special needs stroller. Neither one of us has the stamina to push the stroller all day, so we must alternate. This is physically exhausting, and the extra walking to collect fastpasses and then return is going to mean even less time for us in the parks than we already have. We are normally only there for a few hours. The GAC made it possible for us to minimize our walking and pushing the stroller by just circling the park.

 

[bidnow5]

Same here wait and see my wife and I wanted to go down next month but are going to wait.
Because of very complex reasons for both myself and my wife we can't go far so going back and forth will be a problem, at best when we go just the two of us we can only do a few rides in one section before we have to leave

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

My concern is not so much about using DAS, it's about being deemed "eligible". My 8 year old is extremely sensitive about his differences and I am really concerned about having to have a lengthy conversation with someone in which I have to convince them he needs it. Do I have to give details about his bathroom needs? Do I have to describe the meltdown he will have when he feels closed in? How much do they need to know about his overheating issues? If we were going now, I would probably write it down because just his hearing me discuss any of the topics with a stranger would ruin his day.

We don't have a trip planned, but were thinking of one for next year. Just going to wait and watch before making a commitment to go.

I have a similar question as well. I know the child would need to be present to get the DAS but can you talk to the CM without the child hearing? Can a spouse have the child a few feet away while the other parent explains the need? Some kids (like high functioning aspergers) are going to be embarrassed if they are singled out. To say "my child has a hard time waiting in line trapped among a whole bunch of strangers, my child has sensory issues and waiting on 40 minute lines gets too loud, my child may start melting down if they have to be in the same line for 40 minutes" in front of the child may not work out so well. Does anyone have experience with this?

Also, how do you deal with 1 child getting their picture taken and the sibling/s not getting their picture taken? How do you explain this to the kids (again, especially if you are dealing with sensitive kids).

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I have a similar question as well. I know the child would need to be present to get the DAS but can you talk to the CM without the child hearing? Can a spouse have the child a few feet away while the other parent explains the need? Some kids (like high functioning aspergers) are going to be embarrassed if they are singled out. To say "my child has a hard time waiting in line trapped among a whole bunch of strangers, my child has sensory issues and waiting on 40 minute lines gets too loud, my child may start melting down if they have to be in the same line for 40 minutes" in front of the child may not work out so well. Does anyone have experience with this?

Also, how do you deal with 1 child getting their picture taken and the sibling/s not getting their picture taken? How do you explain this to the kids (again, especially if you are dealing with sensitive kids).

I plan on taking my high functioning ASD boy in by myself while DH takes the other 2 kiddos. This way he will not feel as singled out as far as the picture, which in itself may be an issue, but that's another story. Since it would be just the 2 of us there, to avoid embarrassing him by explaining everything to the CM, I will write most of it down and hand them the note. And the plus is that this way I won't forget anything, as I tend to do.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I plan on taking my high functioning ASD boy in by myself while DH takes the other 2 kiddos. This way he will not feel as singled out as far as the picture, which in itself may be an issue, but that's another story. Since it would be just the 2 of us there, to avoid embarrassing him by explaining everything to the CM, I will write most of it down and hand them the note. And the plus is that this way I won't forget anything, as I tend to do.

Does the whole party have to be there though, because they need to see the people you are traveling with?

 

[MaleficentMom67]

First of all, a BIG thank you for this information.

We are season pass holders and live very close to WDW, but haven't been back since the changes.

I have called the Information line, but they have next to no information and some of it is wrong. They said that we were going to need to bring a letter telling what the disability was.

So, for the most part this will work for us. We just have to put a lot more planning in place then we had to before.

My one question is regarding what we are supposed to tell them at Guest Services regarding the need. With us, it is about waiting...especially for my youngest. His limit is about 15 minutes. Even with the use of the GAC in the past, some rides like Soarin' and Star Tours can be a challenging wait. In his case, it is about being around all those people and just waiting in a line. They both do great on all the rides and LOVE Disney.

Thanks again for the information

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Does the whole party have to be there though, because they need to see the people you are traveling with?

I don't think they do unless the party is over 5 or 6. Anyone else know this?

 

[rebcat]

My concern is not so much about using DAS, it's about being deemed "eligible". My 8 year old is extremely sensitive about his differences and I am really concerned about having to have a lengthy conversation with someone in which I have to convince them he needs it. Do I have to give details about his bathroom needs? Do I have to describe the meltdown he will have when he feels closed in? How much do they need to know about his overheating issues? If we were going now, I would probably write it down because just his hearing me discuss any of the topics with a stranger would ruin his day.

I have the same concern and I plan to type up a little sheet with bullet points that will explain our basic needs so my daughter isn't hearing me repeat things over and over all day for 6 days. I don't have a problem sharing some of the details if it helps people help us, but we don't treat her like she is disabled (even though, to a degree, it's obvious) and she doesn't view herself as someone who can't do certain things even though the reality is that she can't. I don't want her hearing it repeated that she "can't do" this or "needs" that over and over. She works her tush off to get better and better and we celebrate her tenacity, drive and positive attitude. The disability, to us, is just a footnote in that our attitude toward it does not make it the focus. Even though every area of our lives is affected tremendously, we try not to always focus on how hard things are but on the positives we see.

 

[rebcat]

Also, how do you deal with 1 child getting their picture taken and the sibling/s not getting their picture taken? How do you explain this to the kids (again, especially if you are dealing with sensitive kids).

Could you just have them photograph one of the adults instead? It sounds to me like that is an option.

 

[lovethattink]

I plan on taking my high functioning ASD boy in by myself while DH takes the other 2 kiddos. This way he will not feel as singled out as far as the picture, which in itself may be an issue, but that's another story. Since it would be just the 2 of us there, to avoid embarrassing him by explaining everything to the CM, I will write most of it down and hand them the note. And the plus is that this way I won't forget anything, as I tend to do.

I was given three choices about the picture.

1. Have ds's picture taken
2. Have my picture taken instead
3. No picture, additional manager approval required and his ID would be required to match the name on the DAS. (He does have a state ID because it was required to get a parking permit by the state.)

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I have the same concern and I plan to type up a little sheet with bullet points that will explain our basic needs so my daughter isn't hearing me repeat things over and over all day for 6 days. I don't have a problem sharing some of the details if it helps people help us, but we don't treat her like she is disabled (even though, to a degree, it's obvious) and she doesn't view herself as someone who can't do certain things even though the reality is that she can't. I don't want her hearing it repeated that she "can't do" this or "needs" that over and over. She works her tush off to get better and better and we celebrate her tenacity, drive and positive attitude. The disability, to us, is just a footnote in that our attitude toward it does not make it the focus. Even though every area of our lives is affected tremendously, we try not to always focus on how hard things are but on the positives we see.

Yes! This. Exactly!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I have the same concern and I plan to type up a little sheet with bullet points that will explain our basic needs so my daughter isn't hearing me repeat things over and over all day for 6 days. I don't have a problem sharing some of the details if it helps people help us, but we don't treat her like she is disabled (even though, to a degree, it's obvious) and she doesn't view herself as someone who can't do certain things even though the reality is that she can't. I don't want her hearing it repeated that she "can't do" this or "needs" that over and over. She works her tush off to get better and better and we celebrate her tenacity, drive and positive attitude. The disability, to us, is just a footnote in that our attitude toward it does not make it the focus. Even though every area of our lives is affected tremendously, we try not to always focus on how hard things are but on the positives we see.

Good idea. Now I may have missed this, but do you need to get a DAS everyday for every park or can you get 1 and it is good for length of stay (so if your trip is 6 days is it good for 6 days?)

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I was given three choices about the picture.

1. Have ds's picture taken
2. Have my picture taken instead
3. No picture, additional manager approval required and his ID would be required to match the name on the DAS. (He does have a state ID because it was required to get a parking permit by the state.)

I will try to get him to get is picture first, but at least I know I have the option to have mine taken, if my boy freaks at the thought of having his picture taken. Thanks!

 

[cmwade77]

Just a thought about the picture being taken, is this something you might be able to get him used to doing at home? It's just a thought that may or may not work for you, but it's an idea. Also, if it makes a difference, they use an iPad Mini to take the picture, at least that's what's used at DL.

 

[buffettgirl]

My concern is not so much about using DAS, it's about being deemed "eligible". My 8 year old is extremely sensitive about his differences and I am really concerned about having to have a lengthy conversation with someone in which I have to convince them he needs it. Do I have to give details about his bathroom needs? Do I have to describe the meltdown he will have when he feels closed in? How much do they need to know about his overheating issues? If we were going now, I would probably write it down because just his hearing me discuss any of the topics with a stranger would ruin his day.

We don't have a trip planned, but were thinking of one for next year. Just going to wait and watch before making a commitment to go.

I have a similar question as well. I know the child would need to be present to get the DAS but can you talk to the CM without the child hearing? Can a spouse have the child a few feet away while the other parent explains the need? Some kids (like high functioning aspergers) are going to be embarrassed if they are singled out. To say "my child has a hard time waiting in line trapped among a whole bunch of strangers, my child has sensory issues and waiting on 40 minute lines gets too loud, my child may start melting down if they have to be in the same line for 40 minutes" in front of the child may not work out so well. Does anyone have experience with this?

Also, how do you deal with 1 child getting their picture taken and the sibling/s not getting their picture taken? How do you explain this to the kids (again, especially if you are dealing with sensitive kids).

I have the same concern and I plan to type up a little sheet with bullet points that will explain our basic needs so my daughter isn't hearing me repeat things over and over all day for 6 days. I don't have a problem sharing some of the details if it helps people help us, but we don't treat her like she is disabled (even though, to a degree, it's obvious) and she doesn't view herself as someone who can't do certain things even though the reality is that she can't. I don't want her hearing it repeated that she "can't do" this or "needs" that over and over. She works her tush off to get better and better and we celebrate her tenacity, drive and positive attitude. The disability, to us, is just a footnote in that our attitude toward it does not make it the focus. Even though every area of our lives is affected tremendously, we try not to always focus on how hard things are but on the positives we see.

Our needs have been different in the past, but I have struggled with the same concerns in the past, especially when he was too young to fully understand the nature of his disease. My son thinks he's 100% fine. He knows things like he can't see well, or that he tires easily, but when he was younger, he simply thought everyone was like this. I really struggled with how I would say these things to guest services without making my son feel there was something wrong with him. In the end, I decided to just take my cues from him and we didn't get GACs. I just couldn't see doing it when HE didn't think he needed anything. Does that make sense? There were times when we had to stop and leave early because he was just too tired, but overall, I truly think it was more beneficial for him to operate on his own terms. Now, naturally, each person is different in their needs, but I really had a perspective shift for myself when I made this decision.

Last year I struggled with the notion that I might need to get a wheelchair for him for certain times. While I knew that a GAC wasn't going to be needed, I also knew that he's older and has a greater understating of his needs and has seen others with his same condition using wheelchairs as a tool when needed. At the time he balked at the idea, but I needed to be prepared.

On the other hand, at school, I really try to make him understand that people do not know his needs unless he tells them. So we work hard with him to speak up for things he needs and teach him to be his own best advocate. Naturally, that's not always possible for some kids, but for many it is.

So,it's sort of a process with kids, that's my whole point of this

 

[lovethattink]

I will try to get him to get is picture first, but at least I know I have the option to have mine taken, if my boy freaks at the thought of having his picture taken. Thanks!

You're welcome. Our experience at Guest Services to get the DAS was excellent.

The picture taking just took seconds. The cm came around the counter and approached ds in a non-threatening manner. She got down to his level, spoke calmly, took his picture, and showed it to him. She used an ipad and there was no flash.

The whole process took us about 10 minutes once we got up to the counter. After I explained his needs, she explained what accommodations can be made. Took his picture. She explained how DAS works. Read the terms of agreement, and had me sign.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

I just got my DAS at Epcot. I am a GR CM at DAK. I could have easily gotten one there as they understand my disability and I have work restrictions. I wanted to sort of test Epcot out since some said they have issues but I am also doing a staycation and visiting the parks the next few days.

I have Crohn's Disease. Mine is severe and not well controlled. I had the GAC previously. It is difficult for me to be confined to the line queue because if I have an attack I have less than a minute to get to the bathroom. Having 200 people behind you in a snaking line queue makes exiting difficult.

I explained my needs and was told that the DAS would not help me because I would still need to enter the line queue at some point. I explained why I thought it was beneficial to me and that waiting the majority of the wait outside the line and then entering for a short period of time would work. I know myself and if I'm feeling funny I wouldn't enter the line at that time. (On a side note I haven't been on Ellen in several years cause its 40 minutes and NO EXIT) I also mentioned that I had used similar systems at USO and Seaworld.

I was issued a DAS card. Having both sides of the experience I feel it is important that you clearly state your needs. If you are offered other options or suggestions that you do not feel will work politely explain why.

I hope this helps. The CM I dealt with seemed really knowledgeable.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

thank you!!!!!! I too have crohns and ibs just for fun , and was wondering how I would deal with the waits this xmas. at the age of 35 every hour of the day im wondering when another urge will hit and how fast I can get to the washroom. a line w a 240 min wait is not an ideal situation to be stuck in at all. despite my meds mine isn't controlled well either and my lovely nurse has told me to get use to it. this is my new way of living. fun!!!

 

[ttintagel]

Just a thought. I'm wondering if this "on the spot decision making" is proving burdensome for some ride CMs. They used to just leave that up to GR to decide.

That hasn't usually been my experience in the past. In fact, the last time I went to GR (last Fall), the CM there specifically said, "At most attractions, it's up to the Cast Member how they want to handle it; we can't tell them what to do. I used to work the Great Movie Ride, and if you'd come in when I was working there, I personally wouldn't have made you come through the dark queue, but I know other people who would. It's really up to whoever's on duty at the time."

And that's how it's worked out for me. The first time I went to Nemo, I told the first CM I ran into that I couldn't see where I was going, and he just said, "Straight ahead." Later on, I learned that there was another way in and specifically asked to use it, but had to be really firm about insisting on it. I've tried to argue my way out of the dangerously dark foyer of the Haunted Mansion more than a few times, but never succeeded. (Which is why I get so irritated every time I hear someone brag about being let in though the exit just because their kid was scared - they don't want a kid to get *scared* in a *haunted house*, but they don't care if *I* fall and break my neck?)

So, the on the spot decision making has always rested with the attraction CM's, and it seems to me that they haven't ever been given any kind of training or counseling on it - at least not anything consistent.

I was hoping that with the new system, there would actually be some kind of formal provision made for the visually impaired; the only formal assistance that was available under the old system was seating in the front for shows, and audio descriptions for the completely blind. Maybe there will be a second wave of improvements. I realize that Disney can't do everything for everybody. But with all this technology? There could be a line of code in my Magic Band that says it's dangerous for me to walk in the dark, and a warning could pop up on the CM's tablet when I go through the scanner at the entrance. Easy as pie, but it doesn't get done.

 

[mousireid]

Has anyone had any success with the ability to ride one attraction a few times in a row? Sometimes my son will only ride one ride a few times and be done. It's just how it goes. I know that may sound like a strange request but I cannot be the only one?