Will this 2 Year Old Autistic Child qualify for DAS

[Mommy2TwoMickeys]

I have a family member who is traveling to Disney over NYE. Her son was just diagnosed with Autism on Friday and her doctor had given her a letter to bring with her so she can get the DAS card for him. How exactly does the new Disability system work for Disney? Will he even qualify since he is not a "ticketed" guest(under 3). Any info I would greatly appreciate!

 

[buffettgirl]

Please look at the sticky that's in this forum on how DAS works.

DAS isn't given based on diagnosis, it's given based on need, and the doctor's note won't even been looked at. Beyond that, non-ticketed guests cannot get a DAS.

 

[DisneyOma]

One thing they can do that would help is get a stroller as a wheelchair tag - that way, the little one has a 'pod' to stay in during the queue. That can help cut down on sensory overload.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Nobody can tell you that here. The doctor's letter will be irrelevant. They don't want a diagnosis or a description of the disability. What they need to do is describe to the CMs who issue the DAS that the child needs to wait for attractions somewhere outside the regular queue. The DAS will not result in a shorter wait time...only the option to wait somewhere other than in the queue.

I don't know what the deal is with guests who are too young to have tickets regarding the DAS. They won't need fastpasses for the child, who can enter any attraction accompanied by an adult who has a fastpass.

 

[lanejudy]

Here is a link to the DAS information thread -- you only need to read the first post, the rest is subsequent discussion around the time this program was instituted.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

As mentioned, a doctor's note will do nothing. DAS is not given based on diagnosis, as different people may have different needs even with the same diagnosis. The parent(s) will need to explain to a Guest Relations CM what are the child's specific needs with relation to waiting in a standard queue environment. Since the child doesn't have a ticket, I'm not sure if a DAS could be attached to a parent's ticket or how it might be handled. As mentioned, the child won't need a FP+ but can enter the queue with any adult who has a FP+. The DAS will be tied up for basically the length of the standby queue, so it may not be much help at such a crowded time.

I hope they enjoy their vacation!

 

[littleblackegg]

I'm not sure what having a DAS would even do for a young toddler with a developmental disorder. The types of services it provides are not needed for a small one. The child will be with an adult who can tend to his/her needs for less stimulation and to handle any meltdowns.

 

[mshanson3121]

I'm not sure what having a DAS would even do for a young toddler with a developmental disorder. The types of services it provides are not needed for a small one. The child will be with an adult who can tend to his/her needs for less stimulation and to handle any meltdowns.

Um... this is so false it's not even funny. The DAS can do a LOT for a child in that situation, which primarily, will allow the entire party (up to 6 people) to get a return time for their ride, so that they do not have to wait in the queue. They will also be able to get a stroller as wheelchair tag which will help when in the queue.

OP, I'm 99% sure you can still get a DAS, even if the child does not have to pay to get in. Best thing is to call and ask.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Calling won't do anything. The family needs to go to guest services at one of the parks and explain the child's needs, not diagnosis, and the CM will determine whether or not to issue a DAS.

 

[mshanson3121]

Calling won't do anything. The family needs to go to guest services at one of the parks and explain the child's needs, not diagnosis, and the CM will determine whether or not to issue a DAS.

You can call, or do service chat, to find out about the DAS, and eligibility, ask questions how it works etc... We called once and chatted once, had great luck both times.

 

[mshanson3121]

Curiosity killed the cat, just asked a CM, and yes OP, children under 3 ARE eligible for the DAS. They merely put the DAS on an extra green ticket. It will only be eligible for rides/attractions that the child is actually riding.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is the Disney official website information about DAS.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../wdw-disability-access-service_2015-04-30.pdf

It gives general information about DAS and does note in several places that all accommodations are given in person at Guest Relations in a park. No one can tell you whether or not DAS will be provided except the CMs at Guest Relations. As was already mentioned, you would need to explain the child's needs related to disability that prevent the child from waiting in line.
Also, as was mentioned already, using a stroller as wheelchair might be very helpful. it can provide both a way to 'contain' a child, but also provides a 'safe haven' for the child.

DAS can be provided for children who are young enough that they do not need a ticket. People have reported in the past that the DAS was attached to one of the parent's tickets.
Children under the age of 3 who are listed on a WDW Resort reservation will have their own Magicband; it's possible that DAS could be attached to the child's Magicband.

Even if you are able to get DAS for a toddler, many of their needs/issues will be similar to other children the same age. Any techniques or helps that other parents of small children use will also be helpful for a toddler/preschooler with a disability.
So, small toys or things to keep busy, snacks and make sure you have clothing that is comfortable. Also, taking breaks is very important to all little kids.

 

[DisneyOma]

You can call, or do service chat, to find out about the DAS, and eligibility, ask questions how it works etc... We called once and chatted once, had great luck both times.

Except you may have been talking to a person who has never even stepped foot inside a disney park - lots of calls go to a call center and the 'advice' and info given there is not always correct. Glad it worked for you, but what they say isn't always how it really happens at the parks.

 

[ohionola]

My wife went to get a das pass for a mental illness and while she probably would have been approved anyway, they didn't even ask what her disability was. They asked why she was there, she said a das pass, they asked how many were in her family, took the picture, scanned everyone's magic bands and sent her on her way. I think you will be fine.

 

[SueM in MN]

My wife went to get a das pass for a mental illness and while she probably would have been approved anyway, they didn't even ask what her disability was. They asked why she was there, she said a das pass, they asked how many were in her family, took the picture, scanned everyone's magic bands and sent her on her way. I think you will be fine.

even though that was what happened to you, I would not expect it.
The CM did not follow the correct procedure with you. They are supposed to ask/discuss the needs of the person that make waiting in traditional lines an issue.

 

[OurBigTrip]

My wife went to get a das pass for a mental illness and while she probably would have been approved anyway, they didn't even ask what her disability was. They asked why she was there, she said a das pass, they asked how many were in her family, took the picture, scanned everyone's magic bands and sent her on her way. I think you will be fine.

That's a shame; I hope they don't get lazy with the DAS like they did with the GAC.

 

[minnie mum]

Just wondering what benefit a DAS would be in the OPs situation, comparing to the comparable family with a toddler who isn't autistic. Given that a stroller as wheelchair tag does NOT require a DAS.

It can only be used for attractions with FP lines or certain M&Gs. They still have the use of their FPs. They can't use a DAS for any ride that the child can't go on- so NO rides with a height requirement ( I'm assuming not many 2 year olds meet any of the height requirements). That eliminates quite a few attractions right there. So what's left after you eliminate rides they can't ride and rides you have (or can get) FPs for?

And I'm not sure how an autistic toddler differs from a non autistic toddler when it comes to waiting in lines. ALL toddlers have a problem with that. If it is just the crowding, being able to bring the stroller into the queue may be sufficient. Hard to say, since the OP doesn't say what specific problems the child has.

 

[gap2368]

My wife went to get a das pass for a mental illness and while she probably would have been approved anyway, they didn't even ask what her disability was. They asked why she was there, she said a das pass, they asked how many were in her family, took the picture, scanned everyone's magic bands and sent her on her way. I think you will be fine.

I was just there and had to make a few stops to GR and I heard more then one time a conversation that was similar to this I do hope that GR gets there act together soon

 

[mshanson3121]

Just wondering what benefit a DAS would be in the OPs situation, comparing to the comparable family with a toddler who isn't autistic. Given that a stroller as wheelchair tag does NOT require a DAS.

It can only be used for attractions with FP lines or certain M&Gs. They still have the use of their FPs. They can't use a DAS for any ride that the child can't go on- so NO rides with a height requirement ( I'm assuming not many 2 year olds meet any of the height requirements). That eliminates quite a few attractions right there. So what's left after you eliminate rides they can't ride and rides you have (or can get) FPs for?

And I'm not sure how an autistic toddler differs from a non autistic toddler when it comes to waiting in lines. ALL toddlers have a problem with that. If it is just the crowding, being able to bring the stroller into the queue may be sufficient. Hard to say, since the OP doesn't say what specific problems the child has.

Seeing as how there are a total of 22 rides in all 4 parks (with most being in MK and EP) that accept FP+ that her child will be able to go on (no height requirement), assuming the child may want to ride some of those more than once, and assuming the OP wants to take her child on more than 3 rides a day, the DAS will most definitely be a possible benefit to her.

All toddlers have problems waiting in lines. All toddlers can and do throw fits. I'll take a normal toddler fit over an ASD meltdown anyday.

 

[mshanson3121]

I was just there and had to make a few stops to GR and I heard more then one time a conversation that was similar to this I do hope that GR gets there act together soon

Our experience was pretty similar. Walked up, said we were looking to get a DAS for our daughter. They did not ask anything, just did it. To be fair - I can't remember if I volunteered that she had ASD or not, I think I might have. But either way, nothing was asked about in what way it would benefit her.

 

[gap2368]

Our experience was pretty similar. Walked up, said we were looking to get a DAS for our daughter. They did not ask anything, just did it. To be fair - I can't remember if I volunteered that she had ASD or not, I think I might have. But either way, nothing was asked about in what way it would benefit her.

the first time I got the DAS less then 6 months after it came out I was question so much about why I needed it I left because I get so bad but I had to go back a bout 90 minutes latter I just could not do handle the lines any other way. I really think they need to start to ask a little in the times that I have been I have been there way to many times why I hear people walking up saying they need one and just getting one.