Wheelchair for 13 year son w/ Down Syndrome

[Elissajoy]

Hi everyone! I have been losing my mind trying to figure out the best course of action to help my DS age 13 get through the parks. He has Down Syndrome, absolutely loves Disney and is so excited! We are going in August, staying at CSR. My son walks very slowly and tires easily. In the past, we rented strollers to ease the pain of so much walking and used the GAC on our last trip, when he was 10. He is too old for a stroller now. He does not currently use a wheelchair. Any suggestions to ease my worried mind in order to make this trip better for him?

 

[nikkislaght]

Any type of mobility issue City Hall will tell you to get a wheelchair... so you may not be able to get a DAS as its now called.. you can try as there is always the exception
renting a wheelchair off site would be your best course of action.. if you rent on site you cant remove it from the parks . if he is struggling at the end of the day , he can just roll on to the car... lucky boy. or you can kick him out and rest your tired toes and he can push you..!!! hope you all have a great trip

 

[Kirk]

All the ECV places rent wheelchairs too. Look at the bottom of this page for a list of "Disney Featured Providers" with links.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-rentals/

 

[wiscbugs]

I am sure you will still be able to get a DAS for your son even with a wheelchair. My daughter is 7 with Down Syndrome so we still get a city elite stroller but she is going to be too big for that very soon. I think we will probably try walking after she is down with the stroller but all kids are different.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Think about renting a wheelchair from off site agencies. They have smaller sizes that are suitable for children (and often less expensive). Wheelchairs from Disney are adult sizes only and can sometimes be uncomfortable for smaller folk.

 

[lanejudy]

You will not be the first family dealing with Down Syndrome who use a wheelchair only at WDW. It is a lot of walking. Many people who don't need/use a chair on a regular daily basis need it at WDW. Getting your son into may be the challenge, but I'm betting once he's tired he'll be glad for the seat. Start off the day pushing your bags in it if he doesn't wish to ride.

The disABILITIES FAQ thread pinned near the top of this forum has information about off-site rentals.
The WDW - Disability Access Service thread also pinned has information in the first post about the current DAS program which replaced the GAC a couple of years ago.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Elissajoy]

Thank you all, where would I be w/o the Disboards! Disney/Disboards folks are THE best!

 

[wiscbugs]

I hope your son enjoys it as much as my daughter does. We have been going once per year to either Disneyworld or Disneyland since she has been 4 and this year we went to Disneyworld in Mar/Apr and are heaing to Disneyland in August because she loves it so much!!!!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I used a companion chair for a few years, for DS with Down Syndrome. He is now 25. He has various other challenges, like Autism, poor balance, poor depth perception, scoliosis, etc. About 6 years ago I bought him a Convaid chair. Insanely expensive, but I found one on Ebay (never used, too, and I was able to meet the seller and avoid shipping). We only use it at Disney parks (2 trips a year), and other outings like the Aquarium or Zoo. (My son also still qualifies for a DAS, for several issues, some I have not mentioned here).

For us, we wanted a chair other than a WC, because DS leans forward in a WC, maybe from the scoliosis. The chair we bought is tilted back, like a stroller, and holds up to 180 pounds or something. (he is 165). And DS can easily get in and out of it. It is a lifesaver at the airport as well, and walking around the larger resorts like Art of A.