|
|
|
-
Down syndrome & GAC
We will be going Oct. 2013 and our daughter will be 2 1/2, she also has Down syndrome.
Now, I know I have no idea at this time what she will be like then, but based off now, she is and still will be a "runner".
We plan to have a "leash" ( backpack with strap) and a stroller, but some other moms in my Ds parent group ( who have been there with their kids) say get a GAC too.
My question is what do I tell them when I go to get it. We really don't plan on having to use it unless she is in a "running" mood. The other parents said they only used it if their child was not going to stay in line nicely with them, and that then they were able to leave them in the stroller to wait their turn to ride.
I am new to this, as my son with Aspergers never needed one. I almost feel guilty even getting one, because she really can do everything a typical child can, but she does have her moments where it is clear she isn't typical.
Thanks for the help!
1999 off site- July
2001 All Star Movies- Sept
2004 CBR-Oct
2005 Poly won free from Disney-Jan
2007 POP-Oct
2010 POP-Oct
2013POP - Oct First trip /all 3 kids- DD's 1st
2014 All Star Movies-Nov / Mother son 2 day visit, after college tours
2016 POP-Sep
-
Please Support INTERCOT's Sponsors:
-
This is something that Disney handles very well. All you have to do is go to the Guest Relations in any park and explain the situation to the CM. There are several different GAC options and a stroller as a wheelchair option. The CM's are trained and knowledgeable, and will help you get the best option for your specific situation. No worries. Disney does special needs better than any other place.
Sean
DL - '72, '74
WDW - '84, '85, '86, Honeymoon '90, '93, '96, '00, '01, '03, '04, 2x '05, '06, 2x '10, 2x '11, 10x'12, 2x '13
Booked for February 22-27
-
MY 10 year old son has autism Pdd nos and other issues. We been to disney several times with him. But over the last couple of years things have change with him. So this time we are going to use the GAC Pass. You have to have the Doctor write a letter stating the childs disability and reasons for needing the Pass. I also got the letter for both disney and TSA at the airports stating my sons Disablities and stuff. My son is not the most patient person and he is a bolter at times so I think its best to skip the lines when I can. It's always good to have in case. Leaving in 13 days and hoping it all goes well. I would not feel guilty getting a pass. You have to do what you feel is right for your child. Don't worry about what people think. Have a great trip..
[FONT="Book Antiqua"]July 1996 off site
July 2001 off site
May 2004 AKL
May 2005 All Star Resort Movies
May 2006 PoP Century
May 2007 POFQ
June 2008 Coronado Springs Resort
April 2010 Disney Boardwalk Inn
November 2012 Port Orleans Riverside
-
Guest Relations will not read doctor's notes- just a heads up (it is not needed to get a GAC).
Cruises:
Feb 12-16, 2012 (Dream), Oct 20-27, 2012 (Fantasy Eastern), Sept 8-12, 2013 (Dream) Jan 20-24, 2014 (Magic) Sept 14-18, 2015 (Dream) Sept 25-29, 2017 (Dream) Sept 22-29, 2018 (Fantasy Eastern) Sept 23-27, 2019 (Dream)
-
They always read mine - I do not want to sit and explain it all so I hand them the note and wait - they read it and give us the necessary cards. They may not ask, but I assure you they will read one.
Dec 2013 - Wilderness Lodge
Dec 2012 - Wilderness Lodge
Mar 2012 - AKL
Nov 2011 - Wilderness Lodge
Dec 2010 - Wilderness Lodge
Jun 2008 - Wilderness Lodge - Yippee!
Feb 2007 - Wilderness Lodge
Dec 2005 - Wilderness Lodge
Feb 2004 - All Star Sports
Dec 2000 - Offsite
Dec 1996 - Offsite
-
Originally Posted by TexansInNY
They always read mine - I do not want to sit and explain it all so I hand them the note and wait - they read it and give us the necessary cards. They may not ask, but I assure you they will read one.
I suppose it depends on the cast member, and how busy they are...
I couldn't get them to read mine...
Uh, no problem getting a pass though.
-
Just wanted confirm that a doctor's note is not necessary to get a GAC.
Beth
INTERCOT Staff--
Theme Parks and Accommodations
Take a look at what INTERCOT's wonderful sponsors have to offer!
-
I would get it just in case. You don't have to use it every time. Just play it by ear
My son as SPD and ASD and we get it. You'd never know at first glance or just pacing but he has his moments too.
Anyway, they have never once asked for any kind of 'confirmation'. And I go monthly 1-2 times [we live close]. I just go to Guest Relations and say I need a GAC. And a stroller as wheelchair tag.
They have always been great. Even engaging my son and giving him stickers.
Terra - Wife, mother, special needs teacher. Disney addict! °o°
Advocate for my 2 sons. David: Auto-immune disorder. Praying for remission!ASD/SPD & Aaron: ADHD/Anxiety/ASD. Life makes us stronger!
-
I LOVE the guest assistance card!!!! Our son is ASD and he has a super hard time sitting sit in a crowded area. They gave us a sticker for our stroller and allowed us access wherever a wheelchair could go. Everyone was so nice about it. They didn't question if he really needed the help, there was so arguing. I just told them his needs. Do not hesitate to get one!
DVC MEMBER since 2009
CS- Oct.2006 *Honeymoon*
ASM- Sept. 2009 BLT- Nov. 2010
WLV- Oct. 2012 SSR- July 2013
BLT- Jan. 2014 WLV- Nov. 2015
SSR- Mar. 2016 OKW- Oct. 2017
SSR- Apr. 2018 BC- May. 2018
BC- Aug. 2018 BLT Dec. 2018
-
A doctor's note for Down's Syndrome? No.
We thought our nephew with Down's would be fine at age 7, very healthy kid, but he just didn't have the stamina of his siblings. Stopped at Guest Services to ask if there was anything they could do for us and they gave us a GAC card and a sign for his stroller so it could be used as a wheel chair, which meant we didn't have to park his stroller outside the attractions. There's a lot of walking involved in just getting from the stroller park to the attraction and through the line and it was wearing him out.
Using the wheelchair and GAC meant a shorter wait sometimes, being able to push the stroller through the line sometimes, and sitting in the wheelchair section for shows. CM's for the most part went out of their way to help us. It made our trip a lot easier and more enjoyable.
My nephew did give us the slip a couple of times, even with 10 of us taking turns keeping an eye on him. He is fast! Luckily, we found him nearby, but I understand your concern. I think he had his name and contact info in a lanyard around his neck, just in case. Good luck and enjoy your trip. It will be magical!
First trip: 1992 with sister, last trip 2018 with grandchild, not done yet!
-
Get a GAC anyway it's free and it will come in handy don't worry about feeling guilty
"I want to be apart of your world."
All Star Music 2000-present & future
Share This Thread On Social Media:
Share This Thread On Social Media:
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
|
Share This Thread On Social Media: