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  1. #1
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    Our experiences with the DAS have been okay for us. My son is high functioning and has sensory issues. We enjoyed the benefits from the GAC and it certainly did make trips much more enjoyable. The DAS is a little more limiting, but it is still helpful. We use FP (and now FP+) and are able to do what he wants in the order he "needs", if that makes sense.

    I think the lawsuit is absurd, especially the part about the photo. That's one way to ensure that the proper person is using the card.

    I agree with Natalie, if DW made him multiple meltdowns, we wouldn't go. Autistic meltdowns are more difficult to handle as he gets older simply because he's taller than I am and weighs more. When he throws his arms around or something similar, he can really hurt someone. Thankfully, we've not had to deal with one in a long time.

    I explained to him that we were lucky to have the old system and now need to adjust to the new. Thankfully he understands that. I also understand that there are many children that can't understand that. Believe me, just a few years ago he wouldn't have understood it either. If that was still the case, and I thought it would be difficult for him to comprehend while we were there, we'd end up putting off a trip.

    I'm hoping that Disney will review the policy they've put into place and try and modify it for those that truly need it.
    Jodi

    Many, many trips as a kid with family
    Last trip: November 2013
    Next trip: June 2014 - Just me and my son!

  2. #2
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    Oct 2004
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    As a former special education teacher, I have read this thread and other articles about the new DAS program with interest. But I will say this (and I truly mean no disrespect).... with the level of special needs described here and in the lawsuit, I'm wondering why in the world parents of children with the degree of sensory issues they seem to have, would bring their children to Disney World or Land in the first place? I understand families wanting to experience this most magical place but many of my former students would "meltdown" simply because the over-stimulation of crowds/lights/darkness/etc. would be too much for them to handle - whether at Disney World or a shopping mall.

    Disney is a private entity. It is not a public park/school or hospital. You have a choice to attend or not. And you, as a parent of a special needs child, need to decide if that environment is appropriate. I've counseled many parents (albeit years ago) on appropriate after-school outings and family vacation ideas. I understand wanting to please everyone in the family but we are all a quirky, diverse bunch with a plethora of individual needs, wants and abilities. Sometimes, theme parks (unless you rent them out for only you to attend) are not an option.
    ~Maureen

    "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."~Walt Disney

  3. #3
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    Nov 2012
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    Coming from a parents perspective we only think that it would be nice to allow our children the experience that all other children are able to get. That is all we want. As I said earlier, I am not okay with the lawsuit, but I know that I want my child to have life experiences also. We can't keep our children locked up at home, because this does not serve them well either. They have to live life too. ADA does require that accommodations be made for those with disabilities to be accommodated so that they are given the same experience as a person without a disability, whether public or private.
    Ashley
    Art of Animation- Nov/Dec 2015
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  4. #4
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    Jul 2002
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    47 miles from the Magic! Babson Park, FL
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    Quote Originally Posted by dvcmember83 View Post
    Coming from a parents perspective we only think that it would be nice to allow our children the experience that all other children are able to get. That is all we want. As I said earlier, I am not okay with the lawsuit, but I know that I want my child to have life experiences also. We can't keep our children locked up at home, because this does not serve them well either. They have to live life too. ADA does require that accommodations be made for those with disabilities to be accommodated so that they are given the same experience as a person without a disability, whether public or private.
    Yes to this. That would be my response as well.

    As a special education teacher you should know that there are triggers. They can go along just fine. And when the input is from themselves [or something they feel they can control] then it's generally okay. If it's something outside of their control, it can mean a breakdown. At least this is what I experience with my son.

    I'm surprised that you would discourage certain settings. When taught at my son's special needs school that he went too from ages 2-5, we purposely took the children on field trips to places that may be over stimulating or uncomfortable. But it was kind of for reasons that Brernat said and Ashley. To #1 give them the same opportunity as "normal" functioning adults. And #2, to begin teaching coping skills.

    Yes, I do know what I'm in for when I take him, but we still do make the choice, because there are times that the times of joy for him there outweigh the toughness that I may have to put into it for him. I'm okay with that.

    He also has a fabulous ESE teacher who is specifically trained and has a therapy dog, runs one the best ASD unit in our county. She is wonderful for pushing them and letting them experience life at the same time. They go to Legoland, petting zoos, the aquarium, all places that can very stimulating. Even when there are meltdowns, what my son remembers are the smiles and laughter. I LOVE that!
    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!

  5. #5
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    I've counseled many parents (albeit years ago) on appropriate after-school outings and family vacation ideas. I understand wanting to please everyone in the family but we are all a quirky, diverse bunch with a plethora of individual needs, wants and abilities. Sometimes, theme parks (unless you rent them out for only you to attend) are not an option.
    I'm not sure this is a very accomodating statement. WDW is "appropriate" for my son and, I would assume, the vast majority of others with disabilities. It also happens to be his favorite place on earth to go. If the enviornment becomes too much for him, we leave or take a break somewhere. My son is almost 15 and he needs to be able to recognize when an environment is becoming too much for him and remove himself. I won't be there to guide him forever.

    I applaud Disney for providing the service so everyone can enjoy the park, whether others deem it appropriate or not.
    Jodi

    Many, many trips as a kid with family
    Last trip: November 2013
    Next trip: June 2014 - Just me and my son!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by clausjo View Post
    I'm not sure this is a very accomodating statement. WDW is "appropriate" for my son and, I would assume, the vast majority of others with disabilities. It also happens to be his favorite place on earth to go. If the enviornment becomes too much for him, we leave or take a break somewhere. My son is almost 15 and he needs to be able to recognize when an environment is becoming too much for him and remove himself. I won't be there to guide him forever.

    I applaud Disney for providing the service so everyone can enjoy the park, whether others deem it appropriate or not.
    *Like*

    And agree!
    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!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
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    Chaska, Minnesota
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    I follow a mom on Facebook that has a blog about her daughter with Autism. She has been asked to do many speaking engagements & other things based on her experience with Autism.
    She was contacted by Disney after they implemented this new pass, to get her input. She gave them a great amount of info, and said she was very pleased with how they took her info, and seemed genuinely interested in making it a great experience for everyone.
    My oldest is going to be 17, and he had Aspergers. I can also say, it does get better. I never imagined he would have a social life, friends, and an amazing sense of humor back when he was younger. We have never used the pass for him because we always had ways to keep him distracted & busy in line. Plus if the wait is more then 30-40 min we didn't do it.
    1999 off site- July
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    2005 Poly won free from Disney-Jan
    2007 POP-Oct
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    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

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