Wheelchair Recommendations

[100percentDisney]

My DIL was involved in a vehicle accident. Good/Bad story is my DH and myself work for the county ambulance service and the wreck occurred at our station's intersection while we were on duty. We were the first unit on scene. The Good/Bad is the injuries were not life threatening or ending. She had two pelvic fractures, a lacerated spleen, and a concussion and we (DH, DS, DIL, and myself) are scheduled to leave for WDW on Saturday. She has been cleard by the MD to travel but mobility is as she feels okay to do so. She is currently walking with crutches and is able to sit/stand with minimal pain but does get tired easily. We have discussed cancelling/postponing trip but DIL is really wanting to go as this has been a trip she has been looking forward to going on and with work and college issues there is no time that works within the requirements of DVC rules of postponing.

My questions are
What documentation is needed to rent a wheelchair?
Is it advisable to rent one for the entire length of stay versus an as needed basis?
What are the rates of renting?
Can you obtain a rental from OKW or only at the parks?

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer.

 

[uncspin]

Hey! Sorry to hear about your DIL's accident, but glad that she's doing good considering... I think you'll hear a variety of opinions on this, depending on each person's experience. I have put my responses below.

My DIL was involved in a vehicle accident. Good/Bad story is my DH and myself work for the county ambulance service and the wreck occurred at our station's intersection while we were on duty. We were the first unit on scene. The Good/Bad is the injuries were not life threatening or ending. She had two pelvic fractures, a lacerated spleen, and a concussion and we (DH, DS, DIL, and myself) are scheduled to leave for WDW on Saturday. She has been cleard by the MD to travel but mobility is as she feels okay to do so. She is currently walking with crutches and is able to sit/stand with minimal pain but does get tired easily. We have discussed cancelling/postponing trip but DIL is really wanting to go as this has been a trip she has been looking forward to going on and with work and college issues there is no time that works within the requirements of DVC rules of postponing.

My questions are
What documentation is needed to rent a wheelchair? I do not believe that any documentation is needed.
Is it advisable to rent one for the entire length of stay versus an as needed basis?If I were you, I would rent from offsite. My DH uses an electric wheelchair, and we don't love ECVs but see their purpose. Definitely might be the best option for her, especially since she can be mobile on her own at times.[/B]
What are the rates of renting?No experience with this, but I think there's a thread with ECV rental info
Can you obtain a rental from OKW or only at the parks?Not sure. I still am of the opinion that you rent from offsite and have it delivered to you.

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer.

 

[kaytieeldr]

NO (capitalized intentionally, for emphasis) documentation is needed.

Rent for the entire length of your visit, from an offsite company, to ensure that she has the wheelchair available any and every time she needs it. Park rentals can't be removed from the park, and resort 'loans' (security deposit generally required) aren't guaranteed to be available. See the FAQ on this forum for offsite companies with which various DISers have had good experiences.

Something like $8 per day from Disney; rates vary from offsite companies, but generally work out to less per day than that.

As above - resorts may have wheelchairs available to loan; first come, first served, no reservations available.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #2 discusses mobility issues, and includes both Disney's prices as well as receommended off-site vendors.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

Also, if you need a wheelchair it might be better to bring one from home. If flying any medical equipment must be allowed and does not count against any luggage limitations of fees. And often a wheelchair can either be folded in the airplane's closet or gate checked right at the door to the aircraft.

Also the Disney rentals do not have adjustments, the off-site ones do.

 

[SueM in MN]

To add a little to what was already posted:

My questions are
What documentation is needed to rent a wheelchair?

No documentation is required to rent one.
However, because she requires one because of an accident, it may be possible that her insurance would pay to rent one.
Whether or not they agree would depend on the exact wording of the policy, whether her doctor is willing to say it would be medically necessary and write a prescription.
If she wants to pursue that, she should check with the insurance company to find out what documentation is needed by them.

Is it advisable to rent one for the entire length of stay versus an as needed basis?

Since she can walk only a short distance, you want one for length of stay. That way, you would have one for the whole time, including the resort.
The walking in a day doesn't only involve the parks, but also getting to and from bus stops or car and moving around at the resort. Those things really add up.
If you rent from the parks, you will be renting day to day and the park rental wheelchairs are not able to leave the park where they were rented.

What are the rates of renting?
Can you obtain a rental from OKW or only at the parks?

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer.

As was already mentioned, you may be able to get one loaned by your resort, but there is no guarantee of availability or condition.

The rental information that was already mentioned is in post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. All of the off-site companies listed will deliver and pick up from your resort.
Another reason you may want to consider an outside company is comfort. The park rental/resort loan wheelchairs have sling seats and backs. While this might be OK for some people who just have endurance problems, the sling seat may be very uncomfortable for someone recovering from pelvic fractures. The seat is not very stable and forms under weight. If she explains her injury to one of the off-site rental companies, they may be able to suggest something that will be more comfortable.
She would also be able to request crutch holders from most of the off-site companies.

She may want to consider an ECV. They are more expensive, but do bring more independence. The seats are usually similar to office chairs in terms of size and comfort.