DeafBlind qualify for DAS Pass?

[jaklgreen]

No one here can say for sure what Disney will do in this situation. But with the changes, it looks as if the line itself is the problem, then a person doesn't qualify. And DAS doesn't do anything for you as far as the rides are concerned, the ONLY thing that it does is give you a return time based off of the posted standby wait time where you would then enter through the Lightening Lane.
It won't help at all at the rides, in the restaurants, or with transportation. So you would have to explain how and why you going through the standby line would not work for you. It doesn't hurt to try, but I wouldn't count on it.
I also recommend that you reach out to their disability help service. They would know what is available for those with hearing and vision loss.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

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????

As others have stated, you/he will need to explain why the queue itself is a problem. You mention safety, but be prepared WDW may suggest he be pushed through queues in a wheelchair. Unfortunately, "blind" has not typically qualified for a DAS for many years and the latest tightening of qualifications makes it very unlikely. You won't know without doing a video call, which I realize will be challenging in and of itself if you both have hearing disabilities. There should be a way to turn on closed captioning for the Zoom call. I do recommend trying even if he doesn't qualify for DAS because they may have other suggestions.

As to other accommodations regarding experiencing the attractions -- I don't have any good suggestions other than think about how he experiences life. There are audio readers which won't help; there are closed captioning devices but it sounds like that may not be of any benefit. Does he use any apps that help to enlarge print so he can read it? Does he attend movies or experience TV shows or concerts? What do you/he do in those situations to help him know what's occurring? WDW is simply more of that.

Good luck!

 

[Comped]

Unfortunately, "blind" has not typically qualified for a DAS for many years and the latest tightening of qualifications makes it very unlikely.

I qualified for some 20 years with (admittedly less severe) vision issues, and a secondary disability that still may technically qualify under the new-ish rules (I haven't bothered to try to get DAS since the change). Under the old system stretching back to the GAC cards (I still have mine from my first trip in 2004), I almost never had an issue getting approved for DAS for my vision issues... I got it renewed right until the system changed with only one or two problems in many years. So the idea it "not typically qualified for a DAS for many years" isn't exactly right.

I have, also antocedently on a different social media site, talked to a blind user who happened to get approval under the new system. Just one. So perhaps it's not impossible, but darn difficult.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

I almost never had an issue getting approved for DAS for my vision issues... I got it renewed right until the system changed with only one or two problems in many years. So the idea it "not typically qualified for a DAS for many years" isn't exactly right.

GAC was a different system. Your experience with DAS is not typical based on reports that I've read. I'm glad it worked for you; many others had more challenges.