Report on GAC from last week -- a LIFESAVER

[OneMoreTry]

Our daughter (5) is now heavy enough (myoclonic epilepsy with drop seizures) that we can't carry her and we HAVE to use the wheelchair entrances. She can stand and walk, but not reliably so in a line and both our backs are in pain due to carrying her.

The GAC's are for 6, but we have 7 in our family. the kids are stair-step in size and look alike so it's obvious we're all in one family.

The cast members were great and let us all use wheelchair entrances together. The GAC was a LIFESAVER for us and made the parks possible.

HOWEVER, we only did 3 park days out of a total of 8 full days at WDW. And we took off afternoons from about 1230 to 6 pm. We didn't do rides at night -- just parades and fireworks and hanging out and eating. And one night walking around World Showcase. We're to the point we enjoy those things more than the rides anyway.

 

[saymama]

I have to agree. We did 23-27 and GAC was wonderful. There is no way we could do disney without it. I am actually about to write a letter to Disney to thank them for doing this. My boys had a fabulous time. And the cast members were so incredible too. Only once a cast member told me twice while I was waiting for my family to join me to go in, that I'd have to park my stroller and when I showed her my GAC, she apologized. The nicest people though had to be the bus drivers (once they found out that he was actually in a wheelchair-can't tell you how fabulous the medical stoller was. it was a lifesaver!) and even better were the monorail workers.

Just one hint though. For those that use GACs and alternate entrances, beware of the Haunted Mansion. He asked if my son could walk comfortably for 5 mins. I said yes, praying he wouldn't noodle on me. The bottle-necking to get to the buggies is HORRIBLE. I don't have autism I could barely stand the people on top of me. I know better next time. And the people didn't seem to care that we are holding 2 children. One of which is really heavy. We picked them up because I was afraid of the people pushing. We tried to stand back and let the others go ahead, but a nother group of people came in. We would have been there all day if we hadn't starting pushing in too. You can forgo that and go straight to the buggies.

 

[tigger2on]

We stayed there last week with our disabled daughter and there was an adorable little girl there as well with delays. We met her with her mom and dad in the elevator and saw her again suroounded by kids in the quiet pool!

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad you all had a good time.
I agree with the Haunted Mansion tip. If you have been on it before using the regular entrance, you might know a little of what to expect. The push of people to go from the shrinking room into basically a single file "funnel" is sometimes really bad.
But, if you go thru the exit to board, you go directly to the doom buggies for boarding and miss the shrinking room. If the person with special needs can walk, one alternative would be to just hang back in the shrinking room until everyone leaves and then head into the boarding area. That way, the "mass of humanity" would be in front of you, not pushing behind you.

 

[Carrieberry]

Could you tell me more about the medical stroller? What is it and how do you get one? We have a so who is deafand autistic and it would e wonderful to have something like that for our trip in Dec since he barely fits in his stroller now but needs his own contained safety space. Any information would be great. Thanks!

We got a GAC at DL a few weeks ago and it was a lifesaver!

 

[saymama]

do a search for convaid cruiser. That seems to the a very popular one. I got a script from my dr for an ot eval for it. then the medical supply guy came out measured my son, the ot signed off on it and then they called the dr and got a new script for the model stoller. Then they sent it off for insurance and medicad approval. They did a rush on it and since my insurance approved it immediately, I pressured them to order it. I got in a total of 3 weeks. I was lucky. It usually takes about double that just to hear something.

good luck. I'd start with your dr and therapist.

 

[Carrieberry]

Thank you so much! I will talk to his OT when she comes on Monday and he actually has a Dr. appointment next week as well. I wonder if my state (AZ) Dept of Disabilities would pick up whatever my insurance doesn't cover. Right now they are getting me a boardmaker program for PECS (Picture Exchange Communication system) which is working great since he won't wear the cochlear implant he has due to sensory aversion. I almost feel bad asking my support coordinatior about the convaid.

 

[saymama]

Don't feel bad. It's their job. And your son is just as entitle to the things that he needs as any other kid. I know a lady here in town that has a teenager that is deaf and autistic. If you'd like, I can see if she can emai you.

 

[SueM in MN]

Convaid is one brand, but be sure to look at others on the internet too. There might be one that fits your needs better. Other popular brands include Maclaren (which is like a giant umbrella stroller), Baby Jogger, Pogon and Pixi.

Here's a link to Adaptive Mall page about special needs strollers.

 

[Carrieberry]

Thanks to both of you! I did find the adaptive mall website last night and saw the Maclaren and the pogon, both look like they woud be suitable and they are far less expensive than the convaid. We might even be able to just buy the Pogon by ourselves without involving the state.


saymama-I would love to hear from anyone that has a child with similar disabilites! Maybe they have some words of advice for us! ThanK you!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Originally posted by tigger2on
We stayed there last week with our disabled daughter and there was an adorable little girl there as well with delays. We met her with her mom and dad in the elevator and saw her again suroounded by kids in the quiet pool!

Yes, we were there. Lisette is 5 and wears a helmet much of the time. Pretty obvious.
It was probably us that you saw.