Wheelchair advice needed!

[abent]

Well it is official. My DS12 will not be recovered enough ftom surgery last month to be on his feet and legs to withstand Disneyland for 4 days, so we will be renting him a wheelchair. Surgery came after the trip was planned and paid for. Anyway, I cannot recall the company name that some of you recommend for rentals. Would someone please share that again? And when we go on a ride...where does the wheelchair stay? Does it run the risk of getting "borrowed"? And finally, are people going to growl at us because he looks perfectly healthy and able bodied, but he had major surgery on both legs and feet. I am worried that when he can move for short distances, people might get the wrong idea. He cannot stand long or walk far at all. He is not even up for the walk from the hotel, but will be able to transfer on rides very easily. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Leggyb]

Deleted

 

[Brady's Mom]

Deckert's is the name of the company - but I don't have the number, sorry.

Don't worry about what other's think of your son and whether he "should" be able to walk. Only you can really know what he needs. At least you can still go to DLR with him and enjoy being together.

When we went last Dec. my mom was with us and she used an ECV. She would park it and usually go through the lines - she could walk, just not far. So, I am not a lot of help on the wheelchair protocol. The newer rides are ADA compliant and you can go through the regular line. The older rides have had to make adjustments and CM's can certainly tell you where to go to access the ride.

Have a great trip!

 

[bluecruiser]

Deckert's is the name of the company - but I don't have the number, sorry.

Deckert Surgical Company's phone number is (714) 542-5607. I rented an ECV from them last week and was very pleased with their service.

 

[fronkfam]

We have used both Deckerts and OC Medical (800) 593-4942. Their rates and customer service were both great.
Our son has severe autism and seizure disorder. He doesn't necessarily 'look' disabled, but he needs the chair because he can't walk long distances and if he has a seizure we can't carry him. Sometimes I see questioning looks from people, but even if people 'growl', don't let it get to you. This is what you have to do to enjoy your magical trip. They'll get over it!
As for where you leave the chair, if it is manual, usually you leave it right where you get on the ride, so you don't have to worry about anyone borrowing it.
I highly recommend getting a disability guide at the main entrance or city hall. This tells you what rides have different entrances for wheel chairs and which ones don't.
GOOD LUCK!!! ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!!

 

[fairycat]

I have done several trips with people in wheelchairs for all different reasons, including one trip with me in a wheelchair rented off site because I managed to sprain both ankles at the same time.

For the rides ask the front CM where to go for disabled access, so have you go through the regular line some have you go to a special entrance. Either way they have places to leave the chair while you ride.

If you do not think he is up to standing in line, don't!! Honestly I chose to ignore any looks I might get, I knew I needed the chair and access, so what if others didn't know why I did.

Go and have lots of fun!

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

I wouldn't worry about it or care if I were you.

A few years ago I went with all my sisters, brother, mom and dad. My mom had just had foot surgery and was in the healing process. By the time the trip rolled around, she didn't have a cast or anything, but couldn't walk or stand for more than about 20 minutes at a time. So we arranged for a wheelchair rental (I think the GCH set it all up for us).

My mom looked perfectly healthy and able-bodied sitting in the chair, and I'm sure we got some interesting looks. But the point is that people don't know her situation and frankly...it's none of their business!

So if your family needs a wheelchair, get it and enjoy your trip

 

[abent]

I called Deckerts and will be arranging the wheelchair from there. They were super pleasant. I guess I better read the disabilty part for the parks, as we are so new to this. I don't want to do anything wrong!!! Thanks for all the suggestions! I think Disneyland is just what he needs!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find some information, including a link to the DL Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities in post #12 of that thread.