DeafBlind qualify for DAS Pass?

[Lalenalily]

I have researched everywhere and even called Disney Guest Services and DAS office several times. I am not getting straight answers. I want to know if my fiancè, who is 100% Deaf, his left eye is 20/900 and his right eye is 20/600, which states he is legally blind. He cannot see anything out of his left eye but his right eye is like a tunnel vision, but looking through a straw.

Disney said that he can use a captioned handheld device or read the captions on the screen, but he cannot read small letters. He can't read anymore, and they said that he can use Braille, but he hasn't gotten training in reading Braille.

DAS kept sending me automated responses, which frustrated me.

The reason I asked if he can get a DAS pass is because of his safety and for others. He cannot see anything in the dark (like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Test Track, etc).


If he doesn't qualify for DAS, what tips can you guys recommend????

 

[WorldExplorer]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic to your husband's condition, but your concerns seem to be with him already on the ride. Why do you think he should need a shorter wait, specifically, which is what the DAS pass is for?

This seems like the solution would be largely the same as it is for people who are only blind, which is whatever strategies they use (cane, family help, etc) to navigate a normal area are used to navigate the queue.

You can ask at each attraction for accommodations, but what they offer you are far as getting to the ride is going to vary. They're not going to be able to offer much for actually experiencing the ride itself outside of what you were already offered.

 

[Angel Ariel]

**please forgive my fast reading and lack of comprehension this morning**

DAS is specifically about accommodating a need to wait outside the line. If there are specific safety concerns regarding his navigating a queue, then you would have to have a live video discussion with a DAS cast member (they can be scheduled out as far as 60 days before your trip now, I believe). They won't answer questions on the chat module. And guest relations in the park will give you an iPad to start a live call with the same people you'd do a video chat with 60 days beforehand.

I hope this helps!

 

[Ayla]

I believe they have audio devices that can describe the rides as he's experiencing them. They ask for a $25 deposit/day that they refund at the end of the day upon the device's return. You can read more about the visual accessibility options Disney has here:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/blind-lowvision/#drawer-card-DrawerAudioDescription

DAS is specifically about accommodating a need to wait outside the line. If there are specific safety concerns regarding his navigating a queue, then you would have to have a live video discussion with a DAS cast member (they can be scheduled out as far as 60 days before your trip now, I believe). They won't answer questions on the chat module. And guest relations in the park will give you an iPad to start a live call with the same people you'd do a video chat with 60 days beforehand.

I hope this helps!

He's deaf. An audio guide isn't going to work.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Oof, this is a tough one.

Unfortunately, I don't think DAS is going to be very helpful in your case. DAS just sends you through lightning lanes, which can be just as crowded as regular lines. It's meant more for people who can't stand in long lines (right now, it's supposed to be just for developmental disabilities like autism, but that's another can of worms I won't get into). A lot of people were abusing it unfortunately.

Disney does have alternate accommodations which may be more helpful for you. For attractions, they do have wheelchairs in line, which could help for rides where there's dark spaces and he cannot see well (I don't know specifics about vision; I know some blind people have tunnel vision or partial vision while still being legally blind; I have no idea what the numbers mean, sorry).

The following attractions have alternate entrances:

• Tower of Terror
• Space Mountain
• Jungle Cruise
• Star Tours
• It's a Small World
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

These are typically for mobility issues, but with his issues, this is likely something you can ask for. I can provide more details for how it works, but I ask people to private message me (again, because of abuse).

The following attractions have stairs in the queue:

• Toy Story Mania
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• Dinosaur

For those attractions, if you feel like he cannot navigate the stairs, there should be a CM right before them, so just ask for an alternate path.

Some attractions have stairs at the exit (Flight of Passage, Smuggler's Run, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind). They also have elevators. No one is going to stop you from using the elevators if you need them.

For ride captioning...err, that is a tough one. They do offer it, but they don't typically have a deaf/blind guest, so that's not something they'd readily offer. If you had more details on what he typically does for things like watching movies, that would be helpful.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[thomas998]

I have researched everywhere and even called Disney Guest Services and DAS office several times. I am not getting straight answers. I want to know if my fiancè, who is 100% Deaf, his left eye is 20/900 and his right eye is 20/600, which states he is legally blind. He cannot see anything out of his left eye but his right eye is like a tunnel vision, but looking through a straw.

Disney said that he can use a captioned handheld device or read the captions on the screen, but he cannot read small letters. He can't read anymore, and they said that he can use Braille, but he hasn't gotten training in reading Braille.

DAS kept sending me automated responses, which frustrated me.

The reason I asked if he can get a DAS pass is because of his safety and for others. He cannot see anything in the dark (like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Test Track, etc).


If he doesn't qualify for DAS, what tips can you guys recommend????

I think you may want to consider whether Disney or any amusement park is a good idea for someone that is deaf and blind. Imagine a ride like a roller coaster, even a very tame one... part of the safety feature on any of them is the rider and how they prepare themself for a drop or turn.... If someone is completely deaf and blind is put on one of those they are going to get whipped around in a way that could cause whiplash because the would just suddenly be slammed this way or that. I know people like to share experiences with others, but sometimes others in particular circumstances might not be able to share experiences in the same way. On other rides you are also simply putting the person at risk in other ways. It isn't common, but it does happen that rides fail and guests have to get off an walk off a ride... I've experienced that, I'm not sure how that would work with someone that is deaf and blind but I suspect it would be very difficult.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I think you may want to consider whether Disney or any amusement park is a good idea for someone that is deaf and blind. Imagine a ride like a roller coaster, even a very tame one... part of the safety feature on any of them is the rider and how they prepare themself for a drop or turn.... If someone is completely deaf and blind is put on one of those they are going to get whipped around in a way that could cause whiplash because the would just suddenly be slammed this way or that. I know people like to share experiences with others, but sometimes others in particular circumstances might not be able to share experiences in the same way. On other rides you are also simply putting the person at risk in other ways. It isn't common, but it does happen that rides fail and guests have to get off an walk off a ride... I've experienced that, I'm not sure how that would work with someone that is deaf and blind but I suspect it would be very difficult.

Respectfully, I think adults are aware of what amusement parks are and can determine for themselves whether it is a "good idea" for them to go or not. The OP didn't ask for opinions as to whether or not her fiancé should go at all, she is asking to understand what accommodations are available and what tips others may have. I highly doubt her fiancé is the first person to be in this situation at Disney.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I think you may want to consider whether Disney or any amusement park is a good idea for someone that is deaf and blind.

As someone who has multiple disabilities, I am not in the business of telling someone with disabilities what is or is not a good idea. If the boyfriend wants to do it, then go for it. There's already enough in this world we cannot do.

 

[Angel Ariel]

He's deaf. An audio guide isn't going to work.

As I've edited my post to acknowledge and I apoligized for my misreading. I was reading quickly after getting some bad news at a doctors appt for my child. I should have waited to respond.

 

[MissingDisney]

I have researched everywhere and even called Disney Guest Services and DAS office several times. I am not getting straight answers. I want to know if my fiancè, who is 100% Deaf, his left eye is 20/900 and his right eye is 20/600, which states he is legally blind. He cannot see anything out of his left eye but his right eye is like a tunnel vision, but looking through a straw.

Disney said that he can use a captioned handheld device or read the captions on the screen, but he cannot read small letters. He can't read anymore, and they said that he can use Braille, but he hasn't gotten training in reading Braille.

DAS kept sending me automated responses, which frustrated me.

The reason I asked if he can get a DAS pass is because of his safety and for others. He cannot see anything in the dark (like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Test Track, etc).


If he doesn't qualify for DAS, what tips can you guys recommend????

What safety concerns are you looking to have accommodated? You mentioned he has a number of different abilities but what solutions are you seeking? None that you listed would interfere with waiting in a regular line, so is there something else that you are concerned about?

 

[JAN J]

Regarding specific accommodations outside of DAS, between you and him you both have way more knowledge of his daily issues and coping strategies / mechanisms to offset / mitigate / address than anyone, so any recommendations we give will likely be something you probably already thought and decided to adopt or not.

Regarding DAS, it lets you enter through the LL queue at a specified time, akin to Lightning Lane passes. But these are issued in very few cases now. Mostly people that have developmental / neurological disorders that get exacerbated by waiting in line, and it’s mostly given to kids rather than adults (there’s a whole discussion around in a different page in this forum but as mentioned above, it’s a can of worms to go through, so read at your own discretion).
All that to say that I believe it’s very unlikely blind/deaf would qualify for DAS.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I don't mean to sound heartless, however, I know what it is like to be just a little bit handicapped in a place like WDW. I have a question, and again don't judge it to much, but how would a deaf/blind person get to enjoy going to a place that is made up of 99% visual and auditory stimulation. I think I would feel miserable knowing that so much is happening around me that I couldn't experience in any real manner. I really don't understand. Even if you had one of those senses it might be easier to understand, but with both missing, I'm at a loss to comprehend it.

Just thinking about it, if I were in a situation where the bulk of my experience was just to feel the heat and humidity, I'd prefer staying at home. What would be the purpose? The two senses that are the most important in enjoying WDW would be sight and sounds. Smells are nice but not worth $100.00 per day.

 

[nickys]

I don't mean to sound heartless, however, I know what it is like to be just a little bit handicapped in a place like WDW. I have a question, and again don't judge it to much, but how would a deaf/blind person get to enjoy going to a place that is made up of 99% visual and auditory stimulation. I think I would feel miserable knowing that so much is happening around me that I couldn't experience in any real manner. I really don't understand. Even if you had one of those senses it might be easier to understand, but with both missing, I'm at a loss to comprehend it.

Just thinking about it, if I were in a situation where the bulk of my experience was just to feel the heat and humidity, I'd prefer staying at home. What would be the purpose? The two senses that are the most important in enjoying WDW would be sight and sounds. Smells are nice but not worth $100.00 per day.

Perhaps you shouldn’t try and judge other people about why they enjoy Disney parks.

How you would feel is irrelevant to the OP.

 

[John park hopper]

I don't mean to sound heartless, however, I know what it is like to be just a little bit handicapped in a place like WDW. I have a question, and again don't judge it to much, but how would a deaf/blind person get to enjoy going to a place that is made up of 99% visual and auditory stimulation. I think I would feel miserable knowing that so much is happening around me that I couldn't experience in any real manner. I really don't understand. Even if you had one of those senses it might be easier to understand, but with both missing, I'm at a loss to comprehend it.

Just thinking about it, if I were in a situation where the bulk of my experience was just to feel the heat and humidity, I'd prefer staying at home. What would be the purpose? The two senses that are the most important in enjoying WDW would be sight and sounds. Smells are nice but not worth $100.00 per day.

I agree with a lot of what you posted IMO DAS would not apply - being deaf and legally blind would not hinder standing in line. If this person can get some enjoyment good for him

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Perhaps you shouldn’t try and judge other people about why they enjoy Disney parks.

How you would feel is irrelevant to the OP.

Don't fall off that high horse there.

Someone made a post, on a public forum, asking for tips/opinions from other people. The whole point of the post, and really this message board, is to get the thoughts and feelings of other people. If you, or anyone really doesn't want to hear other peoples thoughts/feelings, don't ask them questions, and certainly don't do it in a public setting where literally anyone can respond.

As to the OP, the post itself is a little unclear as to 1) what the concern about safety is, and 2) what they are looking to get, either out of DAS, or other accommodation that can solve some issue.

Not to sound crass, or to make light of a situation that i know little to nothing about, but in some manner, the OP and her fiancé have to physically make it from where ever they are located, down to Orlando and into the parks, and to whatever ride they might want to go on. There was no mention of a physical disability that would prevent the fiancé from waiting/walking through the line so I am left to assume the concern might be navigating through the line in question, and then i guess getting into/out of the ride vehicles. Without some further information about physical disability, I am not sure what would prevent them from walking through the line, in the same manner they used to walk through the park, either with the OP serving as a walking guide, or assisting him a wheel chair for example. I don't know of any ride that does NOT have that access capability for wheel chairs or other devices completely independent of DAS.

 

[Disstevefan1]

In my brief reading of posts about the new DAS, while technically this person does not seem to qualify, I have also seen other posts that may indicate there is hope here.

I welcome experts to chime in

Firstly, it seems you can do multiple tries at the online interview if you exit the correct time?

Second, if you stress your condition may cause a danger to you or others in the queue, this apparently will qualify you. I do not know about this individual but it seems to me if you cant hear and have very limited vision, this condition may present a potential danger to the individual and folks in the queue; not being able to navigate the queue in general, bumping into folks, trip and fall issues, evacuation issues in an emergency etc.

And there is the very inconvenient process of going to the cast member of each attraction and ask for accommodations each time.

 

[WorldExplorer]

This sounds dangerously close to passing around tips to try and circumvent the screening process; I don't think we should be doing that. It's bad enough they've had to overhaul it twice.

If they can navigate their way to the line, there's no reason navigating the line is suddenly dangerous.

 

[Disstevefan1]

If they can navigate their way to the line, there's no reason navigating the line is suddenly dangerous.

Sincerely, that is the question.

Can the individual safely navigate the queue without presenting a danger to themself or others in the queue?

 

[WorldExplorer]

Sincerely, that is the question.

Can the individual safely navigate the queue without presenting a danger to themself or others in the queue?

Edit: The point is that telling people "say it's dangerous" and "if you leave at certain points you can try again" aren't presenting solid evidence why they need it, they're things people pass around to try and get around the rules. We should not be doing that.

 

[lazyboy97o]

This sounds dangerously close to passing around tips to try and circumvent the screening process; I don't think we should be doing that. It's bad enough they've had to overhaul it twice.

If they can navigate their way to the line, there's no reason navigating the line is suddenly dangerous.

The actual building and fire codes say you’re wrong. Special Amusement buildings have to have a number of different life safety features because they are not the same as just walking around anywhere else.