Autism & the Special Assistance Card at WDW

[disneyfanmom]

The countdown is on for our next trip...only 3 and a half days 'til we head down to WDW!!
:sohappy:
I've noticed that a lot of CMs visit these boards, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to bring attention to those of us who rely greatly on the Special Assistance Cards to make it through our stay.
My 11-year-old son has High-Functioning Autism, and is a HUGE Disney fan. Over the years, I've met a number of very helpful CMs that have been very understanding about the pass/card, and have been extremely kind to my son. On the other hand, some people have been very hostile to us, refusing to let us use the "handicapped" or Fast Pass entrance. I think it might because my son is very verbal and doesn't appear to have a disability, sometimes people think we are just trying to abuse the system.
So in advance, I would like to thank the CMs that always take a moment to remember this:
For every other day of the year, my son's life is a struggle. He has to work extra hard to learn every little social nuance, and is often treated poorly by others because of his differences. He has been going to school for 12 months of the year ever since he was eighteen months old! He deals with countless meetings and doctors and tests, school changes and social challenges. Disney is the one time of the year that he catches a break!
So the next time you - as a guest of the park or a CM - see a child using a special entrance or Fast Pass lane with a special card, keep in mind that you never know what the story is behind the child. It might even be my son...
Thanks!

 

[bluesnut]

Here Here.

My family has dealt with a similar problem with Arthritis. My grandpa and my mom both have suffered with osteoarthritis that sets in at a very early age. My mom who is young I won't mention her age :lol: I am 26. We go to the parks allot and she has to be in a wheelchair owing to the fact she cannot stand for more than a minute without assistance. Many people look at her like she is just using the chair to jump the lines. But she has slowly deteriorated to the point that she can no longer get on some of the slow rides without them stopping the whole thing for her. It's painful and can be embarrassing. I understand where you are coming from. :wave:

 

[bartman454]

Well DisneyfanMom, I am a seasonal CM myself so I thought you might like to know that just a few months ago WDW switched its Special Assistance Pass and its now known as a Guest Assistance Pass. Just remember at guest relations to tell them precisely what assistance you will need during the day because certain cards may read for a guest to use "an alternate entrance" and the CM's at particular rides have been instructed to make sure they read the guest cards because some disrespectful guests try to take advantage of the Guest Assistance Card. This way the CM can just look at the card and you can be right on your way to Disney magic without any delay Have a great trip

 

[bluesnut]

I haven't ever heard of these do all handicapped guest need them or only certain ones.

All the years we have been going and have never heard of this. Amazing? no Disney is a learning process something new every day.

 

[castmember]

Guest Assistance Cards

Guest Assistance Cards are designed for guests who have non-apparent disabilities. These cards help inform our attraction Cast Members of extra assistance you may need, which would not be readily apparent. As a result, those guests travelling in wheelchairs or utilizing a cane do not need to obtain a Guest Assistance Card. These Guests will be permitted to use the Entrance for Guests with Disabilities at each attraction they visit.

(Keep in mind, that at most Walt Disney World attractions, the Entrance for Guests with Disabilities is the same as the standard queue. Walt Disney World has ensured that their queues are wide enough to accomodate a Guest travelling in a wheelchair and are free from steps or other obstacles. Those attractions that do not have accessible queues will have an alternate entrance for Guests with Disabilities.)

Even if you do not require a Guest Assistance Card, you may be interested in stopping by Guest Relations to obtain a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities which will describe the services we provide along with boarding procedure for each attraction.

If you do feel you need extra assistance for a non-apparent disability, stop by Guest Relations (located at the front of each Walt Disney World Theme Park) and speak with a Guest Relations Host or Hostess. They will be able to provide you with a Guest Assistance Card to fit your needs. A doctor's note is not necessary. You will only be called upon to explain what type of assistance would be helpful for your situation.

Common reasons to request a Guest Assistance Card include vision or hearing disabilities, Guests needing to utilize their stroller as a wheelchair for a child with disabilities, and other non-apparent disabilities such as Aspergers or Autism.

For those guests who have stamina issues, Walt Disney World strongly suggestes utilizing a wheelchair or motorized ECV because the distance between our attractions is much greater than the distance within our queues. If you are utilizing a wheelchair or ECV, you will be permitted to bring it into the queue (in most cases) so you can remain seated while waiting to board the attractions.