Will they let me use DD's stroller as a WC for feeding tube issues? UPDATE POST #9

[Mono~rail]

I read the FAQ's, and it does say a stroller can be used as a WC. I've talked about my DD's feeding tube and total tube feeding dependence on here a little bit in the past. I'm coming here because there seems to be vast knowledge on GAC issues.

DD's feeding schedule is every 3 hours. She's failure to thrive so we follow it strictly. It takes her about 30 min to an hour to receive her entire feeding. We have to slow her down sometimes because of gagging issues.

I would like to get a GAC so that if she is being fed I can leave her in her stroller while she "eats" and we can get in line. She has a Kangaroo Pet pump, but even in the backpack it can get heavy and it is a bit big. Plus, if she isn't contained in her stroller, she could pull her tube out by stepping on it (this truly is my main concern).

Does anyone think that given her needs, I will be granted the GAC for this purpose? I don't want to waste time trying to obtain one only to look like a fool. I need to plan accordingly. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[ducklite]

That's one of the most valid reasons for neeing stroller as a wheelchair I've ever read! I can't imagine them denying that accomodation to you. Have a great trip!

Anne

 

[cdhheidi]

We have done the same with our son, should be NO problem whatsoever. Enjoy!

cdhheidi

 

[Mono~rail]

That's one of the most valid reasons for neeing stroller as a wheelchair I've ever read! I can't imagine them denying that accomodation to you. Have a great trip!

Anne

Thanks for the reply, Anne. You made me feel better about my plan.

 

[Mono~rail]

We have done the same with our son, should be NO problem whatsoever. Enjoy!

cdhheidi

Awesome! I take it from your post that you were pleased with how it all worked out.

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BTW, I won't be taking "the beast" (the double stroller ) through the lines. It will be a single stroller. This trip it will be just me and the twins with my best friend and her 2 yo son. We'll just park "the beast" and put DD in the single.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I would like to get a GAC so that if she is being fed I can leave her in her stroller while she "eats" and we can get in line. She has a Kangaroo Pet pump, but even in the backpack it can get heavy and it is a bit big. Plus, if she isn't contained in her stroller, she could pull her tube out by stepping on it (this truly is my main concern).

IIRC, there's a stamp specifically for the stroller-as-WC issue.

It shouldn't be a problem at all.

 

[SueM in MN]

IIRC, there's a stamp specifically for the stroller-as-WC issue.

It shouldn't be a problem at all.

They have also been using a sort of sticker thing that goes on the stroller.
It appears that the color has been changed several times, but they came up with the sticker or tag for the stroller so that it's easier for the CMs to see without bothering you to get out or hold a GAC card all the time.
When they have been testing out the sticker/tag, sometimes people have also gotten a GAC that said the stroller should be treated like a wheelchair. Sometimes all people have gotten is the sticker/tag, unless they had other needs that were not met by just having the stroller in line.

If you haven't checked it out, there is a section in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about GACs. There may be other things that would be helpful to meet her needs besides just having a stroller in line.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

When DS was little, he was continuous fed 18 hours a day for about a year. He was also on an apnea monitor and a nebulizer that had to go everywhere he went. There's no way I could have carried him and all the stuff!

We didn't go to WDW during that time, but we'd ask for wheelchair priviledges at places like the zoo were the buildings are stroller free. Even when he wasn't "hooked up" I'd ask to take the stroller because the equipment was simply too expensive to leave sitting out side. The employees never gave me a hard time, although I had to explain each time. People would often say something when he was running around and I was pushing the stroller through a "no stroller zone". I'd simply point to the equipment and say "it counts as a wheelchair because of the medical equipment".

 

[Mono~rail]

The first park we visited was Epcot, and I visited Guest Services first thing. The CM who issued me the GAC was so nice. I started to explain why DD needed the GAC, and she stopped me and said I didn't have to give an explanation.

She gave me the sticker tag to put on the stroller handle that had a simple stroller symbol = simple wheelchair symbol. The GAC was stamped with a similar image. I did have to use our double side by side stroller, but it wasn't a problem at all. The lines, gates, and ride vehicles have plenty of room to accommodate.

Their stroller has a foldable canopy with a clear window. I put the GAC inside the canopy flap so it was visible through the window. This kept me from having to pull it out repeatedly. All I had to do was point to it and the CMs could see it easily.

I did have to use it more than I expected. The weather was so hot that I had to set the pump to deliver DD about 2 or 3 ounces of ice water per hour. She had to be hooked to her pump more than I had anticipated. Her normal feeding takes 30 minutes to an hour. After her Pediasure feeding, I would give about 30 minutes for her stomach to empty some then hook up the ice water drip.

I only had problems one time. My DDs' favorite ride is Small World, and on our last day, the line was backed up out of the building. The rope barrier had the signs hanging that said no strollers in line and signs pointing to the stroller parking. Before getting in line, I asked the CM where I was supposed to go. He told me to get in the regular line then when I was to the WC access he would put me through.

I got in the line, and some woman in line behind us said, "What part of no strollers in line does she not understand!?!" I glanced around, and I didn't see any other strollers besides mine with my girls in it. She then said, "Why is she in line with that stroller!?! Stupid people make me so mad! Why isn't everyone telling her to get out of line and park her strolller like everyone else!?! Oh, I guess the rules don't apply to her! Just to everyone else!" By this time, I was at the WC access, and the CM opened the gate and I went through.

I would have said something to her, but I would have had to turn around and shout back at her. Besides that, I didn't feel like I should have to explain anything to such a rude person. I'm sure when everyone saw the CM open the WC access gate for me, she looked like a big jerk.

It worked great! DD stayed on her feeding schedule which kept her happy and having fun, and I was able to keep her hydrated with fresh, cool ice water!

 

[mickeymom1]

glad to hear it worked out for you and you had such a great trip!!

 

[Selket]

I'm glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip!

As for that rude person yelling about having the stroller in line - the CM wouldn't have let you into the que with it unless you'd had the GAC. Of course the "rude" person didn't realize that I'm sure. I was thinking if you ever that issue again you could find a CM and ask them to talk to the rudie so you don't have to....if the situation would bad enough.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Why isn't everyone telling her to get out of line and park her strolller like everyone else!?! Oh, I guess the rules don't apply to her! Just to everyone else!" By this time, I was at the WC access, and the CM opened the gate and I went through.

I would have said something to her,

Too late now, but I would have (if I’d been thinking quickly enough) said sweetly, “The rules only apply to rude people. We’re exempt”, with the “rude people like you” unspoken but clearly understood.