What happens when the parent is disabled?

[Terp Dad]

I have been trying to research this topic for a few months with little luck. Perhaps some of you can share your experiences.

I am a single dad and I'm the disabled person. I am unable to stand in line for extended periods and I am only in need of a cane not a wheelchair or ECV. The new DAS system requires me to ride to use the service. Many of the rides that my daughter wants to ride I cannot ride and I am reluctant to have a 7 yr old spend an hour or 2 in line alone.

Are any of you single disabled parents who have used the new system? FWIW I have emailed GR and after 2 weeks still awaiting some sort of response.

Thanks!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Honestly, I'd actually consider renting a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator-style walker (with a seat) in your situation. You're going to be walking at least 4 miles before adding in the distance of the ride queues (some of which are 1/4 mile long no matter how you enter). WDW's answer to mobility impairments is to use a mobility aid. Plenty of people use a wheelchair or ECV in the parks who'd never need or use one at home. Most queues are mainstreamed so you could then go through the entire queue with your daughter and then just not ride.

With your daughter's age, you'd probably be better off with renting a manual wheelchair and using it like a walker or renting a rollator-style walker. The manual wheelchair would have a more comfortable seat that you could sit in while moving through the queues. Many people actually can sit in a manual wheelchair and then walk it with their feet, but if you can't, you can stand up to push it while moving and sit when needed. Most rollator-style walkers have seats that aren't going to be as comfortable as the wheelchair seat, but they're usually more adjustable when it comes to to the height of the handles for pushing. Wheelchairs can be rented at the parks, but the walkers would need to be rented from an outside vendor (some do offer them, but you may have to call to reserve rather than reserving online).

At two weeks, I'd suggest e-mailing or phoning again to try to reach someone. Be advised, however, that phone calls (unless you have the number for the direct line to a specific person or department), are all handled by call centers and the people there don't necessarily know the correct information about disability accommodations. I'm not sure how e-mails are handled. If you read through the disAbilities FAQ sticky at the top of this board, there may be more specific information about who to contact to make sure your questions are answered. E-mail does, of course, also mean you'll have something in writing that you can print if needed. You can always ask for a e-mail confirmation of the information given in a phone conversation, as well.

 

[aaarcher86]

If your issues are for mobility the chances of getting a DAS at slim. You'll have 3 FP+ options where your child can go through the FP line. She can also go through the single rider line at several attractions.

I'd second getting an ECV or wheelchair so that you'll be able to go through mainstreamed lines comfortably with her, and you could use the chicken exit and allow her to go in with ride without you.

 

[Coonhound]

You actually won't be eligible for a DAS because DAS cards are not issued for mobility problems. What Disney tells people with mobility problems to do is rent or bring a wheelchair or electronic chair. These can be rented in the parks. I know you don't normally use one, but it will be much easier to have one on hand with you while you're in the parks. Many reasons, one being that you can stay in line with your daughter and two the lines are so long that it will help to have something to sit in whenever you do need to sit down, also you'll do wayy more walking in the parks than you do in regular life, so it can come in handy to have it to use when you need to. Remember you don't have to need the chair all the time, you could be walking around and then just sit down in it when you need to.

 

[SueM in MN]

You actually won't be eligible for a DAS because DAS cards are not issued for mobility problems. What Disney tells people with mobility problems to do is rent or bring a wheelchair or electronic chair. These can be rented in the parks. I know you don't normally use one, but it will be much easier to have one on hand with you while you're in the parks. Many reasons, one being that you can stay in line with your daughter and two the lines are so long that it will help to have something to sit in whenever you do need to sit down, also you'll do wayy more walking in the parks than you do in regular life, so it can come in handy to have it to use when you need to. Remember you don't have to need the chair all the time, you could be walking around and then just sit down in it when you need to.

Agree with this.
We just came back and I was using a Fitbit, so was measuring distance. We averaged over 6 miles a day (actually nearly 7 miles).

The person the DAS is issued to is required to ride; that is written on the card, is in the part of the rules that the user signs and agrees to. So, the chance of you getting a DAS and bring allowed to use it for an attraction you will not be riding on yourself is pretty much zero.

What will be helpful besides using your Fastpasses would be a touring plan. A lot of people really like www.touringplans.com

Even if you don't follow the whole plan exactly, it will cut your wait times and put you into the least busy parts of the least busy park..

 

[stitchlovestink]

But there are some rides where you could actually go thru and then just tell the last CM you have changed your mind at the last minute and use the 'chicken exit'. This would work at RnRC and ToT and I am sure there are others. The CMs who would escort you thru the exit would never be aware that you used a DAS.
If you want to be totally honest tell that last CM you have a DAS but you're not going to be able to ride now... does your child need to leave the line too? I'll bet donuts to dollars NO CM is going to make your kid get out of line with you!! They will put the kid through and tell you to meet up at the end of the ride. Good Luck!!

 

[SueM in MN]

As was already mentioned, a guest with mobility issues alone is not likely to be issued a DAS.

Using the DAS and then chickening out, the person does risk having the DAS taken away from them.
Because you don't know when CMs would be transitioning roles, the CM you first saw and showed your DAS to when you entered the line may be the CM at the boarding area. That happened to us at least 4-5 times during our last trip.

The best way to avoid a long wait alone in line for your child is to use Fastpass Plus or a touring plan that puts you there when the wait is short. As long as you are using the regular line or a Fastpass Plus, you could wait in line with her and 'chicken out' without any issues.

 

[mamaloya]

I am not sure how it would work with the DAS, but this is what I did with the GAC....

My 2 girls were both under 10. I cannot ride EE due to health reasons. I went up to the CM and was honest. "I can't ride this ride due to health issues. I also don't want my girls in line alone and told their ages." They allowed me to use my GAC to enter with the girls and told me to just let the person know at the end I would not be riding. I was honest up front about it. I am not sure if they will still allow this with a DAS or not.

Also, they may require you in the line with her due to her age.

And, as mentioned, they will not issue a DAS based on mobility needs.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am not sure how it would work with the DAS, but this is what I did with the GAC....

My 2 girls were both under 10. I cannot ride EE due to health reasons. I went up to the CM and was honest. "I can't ride this ride due to health issues. I also don't want my girls in line alone and told their ages." They allowed me to use my GAC to enter with the girls and told me to just let the person know at the end I would not be riding. I was honest up front about it. I am not sure if they will still allow this with a DAS or not.

Also, they may require you in the line with her due to her age.

And, as mentioned, they will not issue a DAS based on mobility needs.

Even though that was not an intended use of the GAC (Guest Assistance Card), CMs did sometimes allow it.
That has been 'closed off' by having the picture of the person put on the DAS when it is issued. It is also explained that person must ride when the DAS is issued.

So, you can explain and ask nicely, but be prepared to be told no because CMs have been instructed not to allow it anymore.

 

[Sparkly]

I thought kids over 7 could ride or enter a line at least on their own? Not ideal in some cases though.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I thought kids over 7 could ride or enter a line at least on their own? Not ideal in some cases though.

Disney used to allow kids aged 8 and above to be unattended. As of late March 2013, they changed their policy that kids under age 14, must be accompanied by an adult to enter the park. I don't know that they have specifically put in writing that they must remain supervised at all times....but I am *thinking* that they are counting on the adult to stay in the park with them.

 

[Hannathy]

Disney used to allow kids aged 8 and above to be unattended. As of late March 2013, they changed their policy that kids under age 14, must be accompanied by an adult to enter the park. I don't know that they have specifically put in writing that they must remain supervised at all times....but I am *thinking* that they are counting on the adult to stay in the park with them.

you only have to be 7 to ride alone. The 14 is only to enter the park, it says nothing about being with an adult all the time. They have tens of thousands of band kids coming thru every year , they aren't going to loose that business! plus really a 14 yr old needing to be a with a parent all the time? . It is also going to be hard to actually enforce. If the child is 7 they can ride alone. The OP will just have to use FP in combination of getting there early or going at a non crowded time and go thru the regular line with her and then leave without riding, or let her go thru the FP line alone. and wait at the end.

I would never get into a 2 hr line no matter the circumstances! but with FP and being there at RD or going at a less crowded time you shouldn't have to .

 

[stitchlovestink]

you only have to be 7 to ride alone. The 14 is only to enter the park, it says nothing about being with an adult all the time. They have tens of thousands of band kids coming thru every year , they aren't going to loose that business! plus really a 14 yr old needing to be a with a parent all the time? . It is also going to be hard to actually enforce. If the child is 7 they can ride alone. The OP will just have to use FP in combination of getting there early or going at a non crowded time and go thru the regular line with her and then leave without riding, or let her go thru the FP line alone. and wait at the end.

I would never get into a 2 hr line no matter the circumstances! but with FP and being there at RD or going at a less crowded time you shouldn't have to .

All the band kids we know that have gone have been over age 14. Most have been 16, 17 and many even 18 if they do the trip during the spring semester. I have known a few 15's but I don't know that I have known any 14's. Kids are pretty much 14 if not older by the time the Start high school except maybe rare exception. and Disney's music program is geared towards high school bands.

No one said a 14yo needed to be with an adult. Although honestly, I have been around *some*8 teens in the parks that I wished were supervised!!

But it was that an 8 yo could 'legally' enter the park unattended without any adult supervision whatsoever. Disney decided last year that that was not a good policy and changed it. Their park... their rules.

 

[Allison]

Disney used to allow kids aged 8 and above to be unattended. As of late March 2013, they changed their policy that kids under age 14, must be accompanied by an adult to enter the park. I don't know that they have specifically put in writing that they must remain supervised at all times....but I am *thinking* that they are counting on the adult to stay in the park with them.

I don't think anyone mentioned an adult not being in the park. 14 is to enter the park. It doesn't pertain to being able to ride an attraction without someone older.

Back to the topic....

OP-I agree with using a touring plan, fastpass+, and possibly an ECV and going through the lines with her and exiting if need be. Good luck.

 

[Terp Dad]

I certainly appreciate all the feedback so far! Also has been an interesting detour onto child supervision rules.

What I would like to point out is it is a disability service, not just a psychological disability service. While I get the parents with kids on the spectrum being concerned this is not just for kids with non-apparent disabilities, but for all disabled. Equal access means for all not just kids who can't wait in line. I think that is being glossed over here and everywhere else.

While I appreciate the suggestions, getting an ECV is an unnecessary expense to me and using an wheelchair is not a viable option in that I have deficits in both legs and 1 arm from spinal injuries. (FWIW, I practically forced me father to use an ECV when he joined us on our last trip) I'm not trying to cut the line, just have to ability to wait my turn somewhere besides standing on line.

As for the walking, it's actually not an issue for me. The problem I have is that I can't do any single thing for a long period of time. When I am walking I can sit down and rest. When I sit too long I need to get up and move around. If I don't change things up the pain load goes way up so standing on line for a couple of hours is just asking me to spend a couple of days on my back in pain afterwards. What I am trying to do is allow my daughter to have a normal life and not be limited by my disabilities.

OK, I'll get off the soapbox now....

I did speak to GR and they actually stated that they don't have a real policy on mobility disabilities. (Changes some of my opinions on the lawsuit after that) The initial rep parroted the we'll offer a wheelchair and explained that it was up to the GR rep at the park to make the determination as to if I qualify for a DAS. After some more conversation it was passed along to a supervisor and I am awaiting a call back.

Personally I feel like they are using different standards and policies for different people that pretty much goes against the whole equality concept.

 

[aaarcher86]

I certainly appreciate all the feedback so far! Also has been an interesting detour onto child supervision rules.

What I would like to point out is it is a disability service, not just a psychological disability service. While I get the parents with kids on the spectrum being concerned this is not just for kids with non-apparent disabilities, but for all disabled. Equal access means for all not just kids who can't wait in line. I think that is being glossed over here and everywhere else.

While I appreciate the suggestions, getting an ECV is an unnecessary expense to me and using an wheelchair is not a viable option in that I have deficits in both legs and 1 arm from spinal injuries. (FWIW, I practically forced me father to use an ECV when he joined us on our last trip) I'm not trying to cut the line, just have to ability to wait my turn somewhere besides standing on line.

As for the walking, it's actually not an issue for me. The problem I have is that I can't do any single thing for a long period of time. When I am walking I can sit down and rest. When I sit too long I need to get up and move around. If I don't change things up the pain load goes way up so standing on line for a couple of hours is just asking me to spend a couple of days on my back in pain afterwards. What I am trying to do is allow my daughter to have a normal life and not be limited by my disabilities.

OK, I'll get off the soapbox now....

I did speak to GR and they actually stated that they don't have a real policy on mobility disabilities. (Changes some of my opinions on the lawsuit after that) The initial rep parroted the we'll offer a wheelchair and explained that it was up to the GR rep at the park to make the determination as to if I qualify for a DAS. After some more conversation it was passed along to a supervisor and I am awaiting a call back.

Personally I feel like they are using different standards and policies for different people that pretty much goes against the whole equality concept.

Unfortunately, the DAS is NOT for all disabilities. It is not for mobility issues. Mobilities issues are resolved by the use of mobility aids and accessible lines. The card is meant to help with the physical confines of a line for people (not just children) that have problems with it. With a mobility issue, it's not the line, but the standing/sitting/physical aspects of daily life. They ARE using different policies and standards for different disabilities and they are within their legal rights to do so. Accommodating someone in a wheelchair for example, can be done by making the line accessible which is different for the accommodation someone would need who can not tolerate the sensory parts of the physical line.

The card is also for the disabled person, not the family members. While it's nice that you're trying to give your daughter a normal experience, the card is not meant to benefit her. It's meant to benefit you and enable YOU to enjoy the attractions and rides, which you've indicated you won't be doing on several of them. If the card is not going to benefit YOU based on their guidelines then it is unnecessary and using it in a fashion that is prohibited can result in having the card confiscated entirely.

While I can understand the frustration, Disney doesn't have provide the guests preferred method of assistance. They have to provide the legal method which their system is currently set up to do. I'd really look into your 3 FP+ options, single rider lines for your child, and plan out your day accordingly. Getting their early and going into shorts waits is another option. I don't know what long periods of time in regards to standing for you are before you start to have issues, but FP+ lines can be up to 20 minutes long depending upon the time of the year. There is no way to bypass that. With a wheelchair you can sit when you need to and push it while walking when you don't to help with the different physical needs if there is no way to stand for at least a full 20 minutes.

 

[Gracie09]

You're no going to like this but essentially your issue is similar to my single parents with children. If a single parent has a child who can ride a ride because they meet the height requirement and one who can't, they either have to send the child who can alone or no one rides (at least in your case you have the option of going through the line with her). My husband has a genetic condition which among other things makes him very tall. (6'7" and. 40" inseam). He physically can not fit in some rides. If he were to travel alone with our dds to wdw he could not accompany them on the ride. Since on is tall and one is short they would either not ride or only one dd would go through.

Disney is required by the Ada is make the ride accessible. If you have a mobility issue, which from what you said you do, they can say use mobility device and most lines are mainstreamed to allow the device to fit. It doesn't have to be a wheelchair or ecv you should look at a rollanator (I know I misspelled it) which is essentially a walker with a chair. Most line do move albeit slowly and with planning and use of fp+ you can minimize the wait times.

As for different accommodations for different disabilities that is what the law is designed to do. A person who is deaf needs different things than a person who has autism or who is blind.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I certainly appreciate all the feedback so far! Also has been an interesting detour onto child supervision rules.

What I would like to point out is it is a disability service, not just a psychological disability service. While I get the parents with kids on the spectrum being concerned this is not just for kids with non-apparent disabilities, but for all disabled. Equal access means for all not just kids who can't wait in line. I think that is being glossed over here and everywhere else.

While I appreciate the suggestions, getting an ECV is an unnecessary expense to me and using an wheelchair is not a viable option in that I have deficits in both legs and 1 arm from spinal injuries. (FWIW, I practically forced me father to use an ECV when he joined us on our last trip) I'm not trying to cut the line, just have to ability to wait my turn somewhere besides standing on line.

As for the walking, it's actually not an issue for me. The problem I have is that I can't do any single thing for a long period of time. When I am walking I can sit down and rest. When I sit too long I need to get up and move around. If I don't change things up the pain load goes way up so standing on line for a couple of hours is just asking me to spend a couple of days on my back in pain afterwards. What I am trying to do is allow my daughter to have a normal life and not be limited by my disabilities.

The problem is that what you want does not exist. With the exception of Space Mountain, I cannot recall an attraction with an area for you to wait until "your turn". If you don't want to rent an ECV, then consider a rollator which would allow you to sit when needed, or walk when needed.

 

[Hannathy]

The equal access is for persons riding the rides. If you aren't riding the rides then you don't need special accommodations.

They will try to help the person riding the rides have as equal accessibility as possible, but it is equal accessibility and only if you are riding.


Plan accordingly, use FP, get there at RD and just don't get into any 2 hr lines! I never would wait that long.

 

[Terp Dad]

Wow, I never thought that my question would bring up such passionate replies.

anonymousegirl - What I am asking for does exist, its the DAS service. I just want the same access as other disabled people.

Hannathy - I want the same accessibility as any other parent in taking my daughter on a ride. The requirement that I must ride limits my accessibility to access that ride with my daughter.

Perhaps I am not being clear on my question. The fundamental issue is that by excluding mobility impairment from using the DAS service Disney is discriminating against one class of people. In my opinion there should be equal access for all disabled equally. When you get a handicapped parking permit you don't get to use some spots for wheelchairs and others for canes. The accommodation is equal for all disabled who qualify. The current policy is arbitrary and the fact that eligibility is determined by the CM at the park is highly suspect.

The ADA law on this seems pretty clear to me:

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides comprehensive civil rights protections for "individuals with disabilities".

An individual with a disability is a person who -- Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Public accommodations must

Provide goods and services in an integrated setting, unless separate or different measures are necessary to ensure equal opportunity. Eliminate unnecessary eligibility standards or rules that deny individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the goods and services of a place of public accommodation.


In my reading the ADA does not separate the disabled into different classes. Disabled is a single thing that covers physical and mental impairment. So a child on the autism spectrum is no different than I with my physical impairments. If you feel that the ADA places different distinctions and classifications on the disabled based on the nature of their impairment then we will have to agree to disagree.

My major issue is that the policy allows the CM to determine who is disabled enough to qualify for the DAS. In my opinion by definition having a policy that someone who may have no medical training decides who is disabled enough for the service is placing a set of standards that will be capricious at best. I think that basing your policy on what opinion of a CM of my disabbility when I get to the gate falls under the area of "unnecessary eligibility standards" because there is no standard. And by summarily denying the mobility impaired access to the DAS Disney is not providing equal opportunity.