We leave next Wed, help on GAC

[GoofyG]

We leave next Wednesday for Disney~~
I'm trying to figure out how to word for MY DD4's GAC. I DO know we are using the stroller as a wheelchair, she is a MJOR flight risk. Lost her at the movies not to long ago.

She swings her arms and hits and touch everything and everyone.

Her SPD is Vestibular, Sensory Seeker and Touch are her big things. Loud noises do bother her.

Her OT said for her to try an MP3 player that might have stories and music to help her. So I was going to give her sisiter MP3 player to her and go with something new for her sister. (Still need to figure it out)

Ideas? This is her 7th trip, but I hope it will be her best trip. We have always have meltdowns, and majpr problems I have to go deal with. It was always stressfull.

DS2 was evaluated a couple of weeks ago and they told me he does have problems too, so he will be starting OT in August. I don't know if I should ahve his stroller as a wheelchair also. I'm trying to watch him, I know he likes to hide when he needs a break.

 

[DSquare]

We have a 3.5yr old that with a quick glance at you wouldn't know anything was wrong but his mobility is severaly limited. We never had any issue going to Guest relations and asking for a GAC card and a tag for the stroller. The biggest issue we get is from others not minding thier own business when we bring the stroller in the queue lines with us.

 

[wlake]

We took our DS (then 7) last summer and took an MP3 player (try the Sansa shaker -- it looks sort of like a drum but is designed for little kids -- friends with a 3 year old that can destroy everything swear by it, and it's worked well for us too). It helped, as did ear plugs he was in charge of.

For the GAC card, can you write that the stroller helps provide the sensory input she needs with the tight straps and snug sides? We had a letter from our Dr. last year but they didn't even look at it when they issued the GAC. Hope that helps.

 

[bookwormde]

Typically CM will not ask for a "diagnosis just what her needs are. If she can not wait in the standard lines due to the social deficits conbined with the sensory issues you descibe just let them know.

bookwormde

 

[KPeveler]

You need to have your DD there when you ask for the GAC. Just explain her needs (i.e. - must have the stroller as wheelchair, has difficulty with crowded lines due to sensory problems), and they will help you get the right GAC for you.

If your other child needs to stay in the stroller too, just ask for a GAC stroller as wheelchair tag for both strollers.

CMs will not look at a dr's note, since the name of a diagnosis does not help (SPD can mean so many things!). Just explain the needs, and you will be fine!

 

[Schmeck]

Typically CM will not ask for a "diagnosis just what her needs are. If she can not wait in the standard lines due to the social deficits conbined with the sensory issues you descibe just let them know.

bookwormde

Many attractions do not have an alternate, more quiet, waiting area though, so this advice is a bit misleading. Since a GAC is not meant to be used to shorten wait time, and some rides don't have an alternate entrance, using a stroller (double one?) to ensure the safety of the children would be the best bet.

 

[GoofyG]

Thanks everyone, I just wanted to make sure I word everything right. I wasn't sure about the stroller as wheelchair, but after the movie situation I changed my mind pretty fast!!!!

I have a bag of fidget toys forher also!

 

[bookwormde]

Just to be clear WDW does not have a formal accommodation for many "venues" but the CMs are great and WDW is required to provide equal access as long as it is not overly financial burden some (very high standard for a company as big as Disney) and it does not significantly alter the nature of the "ride".

If people are finding "venues" where the needs of there children for equivalent access are not being met let me know and I will bring it to WDW's attention so they can correct the situation. As long as there is a reasonably practical methodology they will do it.
If the stroller as a wheel chair works for your child then you should be in good shape.
bookwormde

 

[livndisney]

Just to be clear WDW does not have a formal accommodation for many "venues" but the CMs are great and WDW is required to provide equal access as long as it is not overly financial burden some (very high standard for a company as big as Disney) and it does not significantly alter the nature of the "ride".

If people are finding "venues" where the needs of there children for equivalent access are not being met let me know and I will bring it to WDW's attention so they can correct the situation. As long as there is a reasonably practical methodology they will do it.
If the stroller as a wheel chair works for your child then you should be in good shape.
bookwormde

If you have an issue with access at Disney it is a good idea to address the problem with a manager or supervisor at the time.

GoofyG sending you a pm

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have not checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post #6 of that thread is all about Guest Assistance Cards.

 

[bookwormde]

Yes in infrequesnt cases when the CMs can not help a "area/attraction" manager should be the next step since handleing it "in the moment" is the best. If that does not work go to guest sevices and talk to the manager on duty there. If you do all 3 of these it is extermely rare to not be able to be reasonably accomidated.

bookwormde

 

[Hook's Girl]

Yes in infrequesnt cases when the CMs can not help a "area/attraction" manager should be the next step since handleing it "in the moment" is the best. If that does not work go to guest sevices and talk to the manager on duty there. If you do all 3 of these it is extermely rare to not be able to be reasonably accomidated.

bookwormde

Or just the Cast Members at Guest Relations. It's not required to speak with a manager. GR Cast is just as empowered as a manager and usually has more experience and time in the area than their managers!

 

[livndisney]

Or just the Cast Members at Guest Relations. It's not required to speak with a manager. GR Cast is just as empowered as a manager and usually has more experience and time in the area than their managers!

Depending on the location, a manager maybe your best resolution in the case of a CM not "getting it". For example when we had an issue at Big Thunder Mountain. It would not have made sense to travel all the way to the front of the park to GS for resolution. Instead we asked the CM to call for a Supervisor who arrived after a few minutes. The Supervisor was able to address the problem, advise the CM and we were able to ride.

 

[KPeveler]

I've never had a situation where I had to get a CM involved except once, and I did not even have to ask her - she heard the older man who refused to move his scooter start shouting insults at me. There was probably one other situation where I should have asked for someone, when I was at Peter Pan and I was told to park my powerchair about 150 feet from the ride in stroller parking and walk in. Because it was the end of the day, I just skipped the ride.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time in Disney! Just remember to take it slow, take lots of breaks (I suggest the First Aid Center if you need to cool down and calm down), and hydrate!

 

[GoofyG]

I will need to find where the first aide station is. I know the baby centers!

Thanks everyone

 

[livndisney]

I will need to find where the first aide station is. I know the baby centers!

Thanks everyone

First Aid is right next to Baby care at MK, the Studios and Epcot. I am not sure of the on ein AK since I have not used it.

 

[GoofyG]

First Aid is right next to Baby care at MK, the Studios and Epcot. I am not sure of the on ein AK since I have not used it.

THANKS!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Baby Care and First Aid are by each other in every park and the location is well marked on the park maps.

The icon on the park maps for First Aid is a light blue square with a white cross inside of it. The icon for Baby Care Center is a dark blue square with a white pacifier. This is a link to the map for AK

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/AK.htm

First Aid and Baby Care are just above and to the left of where it says “Discovery Island”. They are set back from the path, do have signs, but can be a little hard to see because of the vegetation. If you don’t see them and find yourself on the bridge to Africa, you know you have gone too far. Just go back off the bridge and go into the first building area you come to on the right side.