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HomeHomeSpecial Needs a...Special Needs a...Physical Disabi...Physical Disabi...Blogger tells how easy it is to get GAC card from DisneylandBlogger tells how easy it is to get GAC card from Disneyland
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1/7/2012 5:52 PM
 

I came across this blog where the owner tells how she got a GAC card by telling Guest Services that she gets foot pain.

 Copy and paste the link, I did not want to add to her traffic through SEO - http://disneylovinmom2010.wordpress.com/2011/08/28/disabled-at-disneyland/

This just tee's me off!  So.....  I know I can get Disney to notify her that she is violating Disney copyright and would have to give up her domain name, but I thought I should communicate to my Disney parks just how bad this sets an example of people getting accessibility assistance when they don't deserve it.

Have you ever used a GAC, if so, did you ever jump to the front of the line? 

Do you have a comment about this that I could share with Disney, I would like to have several for my letter, I would only use initials like this - GL, Boston

Any thoughts?


   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/7/2012 8:44 PM
 
I read the blog and I do not see anything wrong with what she did.

She apparently wanted to test the system and prove you can get one very easily....... and she said she did not use it.

I don't see a problem.

pogo....AKA: Tom
Mouse-aid Staff
pogo@mouse-aid.org

@mouseaider on Twitter
Next Trip 05/01/2013 - 05/08/2013 Maybe.
Head Possumator, JQU

I want to put my two cents in

 
New Post
1/7/2012 9:27 PM
 
This blog could encourage others to try it. I see the problem not with the woman, although as a mom she should set by example and not show how to abuse the system. Disney is more at fault for not ensuring that this woman was unchallenged with her claim to disability, That's the subject I'm upset with. Proof of disability should be shown at all times, A doctor's note does not have to specifiy the disability, my doctor notes simply sate that I am a patient of his, I've been under his care for 36 years and that my disability requires the use of a service animal, that I have mobilty, hearing and visual disabilities. And that I am unable to remian in sunlight for period of 10 minutes or more.


   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/8/2012 11:17 AM
 

Tasha315 I do agree that work is needed to help those who deserve it but it's difficult because if you get too strict then some in need are left out. The problem with Dr's notes is that anyone can get one from a friend who is a doctor and then what is allowable and what is not. I have my own opinions on how it should be handled.

When we traveled with my dad to WDW his last visit was hampered by his limitations on accessibility. I was told that they only give GAC's to people with autism and make a wish by the CM. As a professional who I know I know more than any cast member about accessibility and the needs of elderly or anyone for that matter I was insulted. What I was not aware of was that you could just go to a different CM and get another answer.

IMO the staff is in need of a great inservice from the outside as to what limitations are for various disorders or disabilities.  I actually heard a woman brag about obtaining an alternate entrance pass for a child with ADHD.  Yes a child with ADHD (this includes all forms they were collapsed into one so ADD and ADHD are the same diagnosis) is impulsive however it is contraindicated to allow them encourage these children to feel they should not be encouraged to wait their turn.

I don't mind telling Disney my opinion but I don't feel I am in the position to "police" other sites.

My mom has a GAC and we use it when she comes with us and what many people don't understand is the time that is lost when traveling to WDW with a disabled person and the sacrafices made by the family. I think we need more info out there about why the sometimes shorter lines helps to make the trip equivocal to a trip of a typical visitor. My mother may only do 3 rides in a day but without the GAC there have been days when we only got on 1 ride and couldn't access the ride without the card. My dad, without the card, was limited to rides he could get on easily as he could not move through several lines like POC or HM. I am still sad that we couldn't get him on his favorite ride on his last trip becauses we were denied a GAC for entrance.


Mouse-Aid Staff - WebMaster
Next Trip: May 18th - 25th - Wilderness Lodge!!!...

Beth@Mouse-Aid.com

 
New Post
1/8/2012 6:51 PM
 

I don't care what other sites are doing and sayng, my only interest is to get Disney to educate the CM's that work at Guest Services, your right, I have experienced this myself where on cast member says no, then another says yes.  Guest Services CM's need to be consistent with their answers.  Doctor's notes are not going to work as I know my own Doctor will give me a note for whatever reason I want. 

What I have found are those that do truly need the GAC will get them, yet unless really needed won't use them.  I am one of those.  I know for instance that when your cruising an accessible stateroom is usually larger than those cabins in the same category, but I really don't need an accessible.  I have met people braggin about their large stateroom, actually telling a table mate that his travel agent suggested it.  Shameful.  When there are no available accessible cabins those who need them are not able to cruise.

Question for you, do all children with hidden disabilities receive SSDI?  I am under 60 and my community will accept SSDI cards as proof of disability to ride our senior transit system, otherwise it is open to seniors over 62. 

I know that there is really very little that can be done to improve upon this situation, but if Disney thinks the current system is working they need to see that it is not.

This is just my pet peeve of the month, now don't get me started about people who park in HP parking that are not. 


   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/8/2012 6:51 PM
 

I don't care what other sites are doing and sayng, my only interest is to get Disney to educate the CM's that work at Guest Services, your right, I have experienced this myself where on cast member says no, then another says yes.  Guest Services CM's need to be consistent with their answers.  Doctor's notes are not going to work as I know my own Doctor will give me a note for whatever reason I want. 

What I have found are those that do truly need the GAC will get them, yet unless really needed won't use them.  I am one of those.  I know for instance that when your cruising an accessible stateroom is usually larger than those cabins in the same category, but I really don't need an accessible.  I have met people braggin about their large stateroom, actually telling a table mate that his travel agent suggested it.  Shameful.  When there are no available accessible cabins those who need them are not able to cruise.

Question for you, do all children with hidden disabilities receive SSDI?  I am under 60 and my community will accept SSDI cards as proof of disability to ride our senior transit system, otherwise it is open to seniors over 62. 

I know that there is really very little that can be done to improve upon this situation, but if Disney thinks the current system is working they need to see that it is not.


   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/8/2012 7:32 PM
 

I don't know if it's possible to teach them everything and no not everyone with special needs has an SSDI card, especially someone with an injury or cancer or a small child. We use my mom's handicap driver's license but they didn't take it with my dad.

I believe that people will always try to cheat the system so WDW needs to figure out what will help. My suggestion would be that they give a limited number of "fast pass type cards like they had with the YOAMD. Most people who are handicapped as you mention do not ride Space Mountain 6 times or other fast rides but people who have them abuse it so others can just take advantage of the card. I know with my mom if I can easily get her on 4 rides I feel like we did well, 6 would be nice and 8 we could proabably never use (in a day), then use regular FP for the other rides. If any of the cast members knew how much work is involved before you get to the park when you have someone with special needs they would have a better appreciation of what is needed.

IMO they could regulate the FP and program it so anyone with a handicap could get a FP as needed but it wouldn't allow you to get unlimited for a ride within a certain time frame, for example, 1 for a party of 6 per ride per hour. 

 


Mouse-Aid Staff - WebMaster
Next Trip: May 18th - 25th - Wilderness Lodge!!!...

Beth@Mouse-Aid.com

 
New Post
1/10/2012 6:41 AM
 

 First off, welcome to Mouse-aid. 

 I can tell from your comment about handicapped parking that if a person doesn't have a disability you can actually see, then you don't think they have one at all. It's nice that you don't mind sharing with someone your disabilities but not everyone feels that way. Maybe some cast members are basing the answers to the request for a gac based on how people look without taking into account that not all disabilities can be seen. And not all people feel comfortable talking about them. I like knowing that I wouldn't have to prove myself at Disney if I should suffer from a disability. I don't think proof she be required, now or ever. When we all went to Disney, my dad went to one park and was very short of breath walking around. He refused to use a wheelchair for the rest of the trip and stayed mainly only in the resort. We think because he was embarassed. And if you were to ever see my mom and dad parking in a handicapped spot, you would never know that my dad has an enlarged heart, pacemaker, cardiac stents and angina and that my mom has just a little over one lung left. They look like two elderly people in the best of health. And they have the handicapped permit. 
As with all good things in life, people will abuse the system. I do think that more training perhaps would be more helpful in Disney to keep the cast members more consistent with their answers.

MrsGaribaldi ~aka: Stephanie~

next up March 2012 Mouse-Aid Staff
Pretrip Reports
Chronic Illness
Grief & Loss:
-Special Needs Adults
-Disney Pets

Medical issues while at Disney


Smokes128@msn.com/ MrsGaribaldi@mouse-aid.org
 
New Post
1/10/2012 8:10 AM
 

 

Thanks for the welcome!
 
You wrote: “I can tell from your comment about handicapped parking that if a person doesn't have a disability you can actually see, then you don't think they have one at all. It's nice that you don't mind sharing with someone your disabilities but not everyone feels that way.”
 
Now where did you get that from my comment, “now don't get me started about people who park in HP parking that are not?”
 
You read way too much into my posting. I have multiple invisible disabilities. I have a laminated parking placard that allows me in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where I live to park in HP spots. The placard bears my name and photo as required under the law. When you’re issued your placard you are given a white sleeve that hides this information from public view. All that is seen is the placard with the HP logo and a serial which can be check on by the police, much like your driver’s license. If there is a placard hanging in your car there is no problem parking in HP spaces. Every community can also issue temporary HP cards, these are for people who say break a leg, have surgery, etc. They are issued for up to 90 days and clearly show an expiration date. 
 
My issue is with people with no placard parking in HP spots that do not belong there without the proper placard. This is no different when driving without a license or insurance, or being illegal in our country or in Massachusetts not having insurance. All residents of Massachusetts are required to have medical insurance, if they can’t afford insurance we give them insurance through a program called MassHealth. It also covers what Medicare does not cover. All I am upset about is people who abuse the HP parking by not being disabled who are simply looking for a great parking spot. This happens a lot during holiday shopping at the malls.
 
I’m quite proud of Massachusetts; we go beyond the ADA when it comes to disability laws. The ADA is simply the minimum standard.
 
You wrote: “Maybe some cast members are basing the answers to the request for a gac based on how people look without taking into account that not all disabilities can be seen. And not all people feel comfortable talking about them.”
 
That is probably true, CM’s must take guests at their word and not everyone can express themselves without revealing their disability, if your there asking for an assistance card shouldn’t you need some sort of assistance? GAC is not an access pass to get you to the front of the line. Disney does not care about anyone’s disability, only what is needed to give you the best possible experience.  As a former travel agent I would recommend that you have a doctor’s note. Not one that tells Disney what your disability is, that is none of their business, only a note that states you are under a doctor’s care, and that you may require special needs and spelling out what those needs are.
 
You wrote: “I like knowing that I wouldn't have to prove myself at Disney if I should suffer from a disability. I don't think proof she be required, now or ever. When we all went to Disney, my dad went to one park and was very short of breath walking around. He refused to use a wheelchair for the rest of the trip and stayed mainly only in the resort. We think because he was embarrassed. And if you were to ever see my mom and dad parking in a handicapped spot, you would never know that my dad has an enlarged heart, pacemaker, cardiac stents and angina and that my mom has just a little over one lung left. They look like two elderly people in the best of health. And they have the handicapped permit. 
 
Your family choose not to ask for assistance, that is everyone’s choice, I would be like your dad if I did not rent a wheelchair, and with my sensitivity to light and triggers from scents, I would not ask for a GAC. I do so because I spent a good sum of money to enjoy Disney, not to hide in a resort, my home is for that. People are going to assume a lot about you, they way you look, what you wear, even your odd quirks. I travel with a service dog; you can’t possibly imagine my own embarrassment having a seizure in the middle of main straight. Just walking around with a service dog tells everyone “I am disabled.” If you live life with the idea that you won’t go or do anything that is going to embarrass you then you are not living life. My disabilities are not going to stop me, and they never have.  
 
You wrote: As with all good things in life, people will abuse the system. I do think that more training perhaps would be more helpful in Disney to keep the cast members more consistent with their answers.
 
This is all I am asking of Disney, The blogger went to Guests Services with the idea of cheating the system, she accomplished that, she brags about that, shame on her.

   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/10/2012 11:17 AM
 
@Tasha315......... First and foremost......... thank you for joining our family here. We really appreciate all the valuable information you can help with.

I think MrsGaribaldi did misunderstand your complaint. But she is also dedicated to helping people with challenges enjoy their Disney experience.

I went back and re-read the blog to be sure I didn't miss anything. Yes..... the writer did say she was trying ti find out how easy it was to get, but she is also appalled by the fact it is so easy. So with that said, it appears we are all on the same page. We just say it differently.

I am sure the law that prohibits Disney from asking what kind of disability you have is HIPPA. As an insurance agent I work with this law every single day. You do not have to divulge to anyone the nature of your health to anyone. And there is no way for Disney to refuse the use of the GAC without prying and breaking the law so they will issue every request they have.

This blogger probably did nothing more than educate people how easy it is but I don't think any action could.... or should be taken at this point.

Have you ever contacted the blogger to express your concern? IF not, then please do. All of us in the Disney family seem to get a long extremely well and I think a conversation would prove beneficial to all involved.

I am leaving for WDW tomorrow morning and I hope to have a conversation with some Disney CM's concerning their guidelines about this subject. I'll let you know more when I return.

pogo....AKA: Tom
Mouse-aid Staff
pogo@mouse-aid.org

@mouseaider on Twitter
Next Trip 05/01/2013 - 05/08/2013 Maybe.
Head Possumator, JQU

I want to put my two cents in

 
New Post
1/10/2012 1:19 PM
 

Hi pogo,

 
You wrote: I think MrsGaribaldi did misunderstand your complaint. But she is also dedicated to helping people with challenges enjoy their Disney experience.
 
I sure that hope Mrs. Garibaldi she did not feel my post was not any type of attack, nor should anyone else in this forum. Please never take anything personal from my emails, sometimes I do get emotional and many people do read more into my email than I intended.

You wrote: I went back and re-read the blog to be sure I didn't miss anything. Yes..... the writer did say she was trying to find out how easy it was to get, but she is also appalled by the fact it is so easy. So with that said, it appears we are all on the same page. We just say it differently.
 
That’s certainly true, and that what’s great about this forum, although I’m afraid that I might sometime come across differently, I appreciate the fact that everyone can voice their opinions and that we can all learn something.

You wrote: I am sure the law that prohibits Disney from asking what kind of disability you have is HIPPA. As an insurance agent I work with this law every single day. You do not have to divulge to anyone the nature of your health to anyone. And there is no way for Disney to refuse the use of the GAC without prying and breaking the law so they will issue every request they have.
 
I believe that Disney is bound by rules from ADA and not HIPPA. For a business to assume that HIPAA affects only healthcare service providers and insurers is shortsighted: In addition to the healthcare industry, HIPAA also affects those providing certain information or services to or for healthcare providers. For example, a company that performs medical billing or other services involving “protected information” for healthcare providers is governed by the HIPAA privacy requirements.  Under the ADA CM’s can’t ask what the Guests disability is. I may be wrong but having been a disability advocate the ADA is what is usually cited with respect to divulging your health information to anyone. No one can ask for it.   

You wrote: This blogger probably did nothing more than educate people how easy it is but I don't think any action could.... or should be taken at this point.
 
Knowing how easy it is does not help those of us who need the help. Of course this all goes back to the CM, come give them out like candy while other CM’s guard them as if it is gold.

You wrote: Have you ever contacted the blogger to express your concern? IF not, then please do. All of us in the Disney family seem to get a long extremely well and I think a conversation would prove beneficial to all involved.
I’d respond privately, however I never got a response.

You wrote: I am leaving for WDW tomorrow morning and I hope to have a conversation with some Disney CM's concerning their guidelines about this subject. I'll let you know more when I return.
 
I would love to hear what the CM’s may tell you, also any tips you may uncover.

   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

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New Post
1/19/2012 6:53 AM
 
After speaking with several CM's about the GAC, I've learned nothing more than what we already knew.

Anyone can get the card by requesting it and every CM that I spoke to says that are not allowed to ask why the guest needs it. But one older CM said that most people will explain if he just stands quietly and looks at them after they request it. :)

And it does not always mean the GAC is a fast pass. There are different levels of GAC and they are issued as need be.

pogo....AKA: Tom
Mouse-aid Staff
pogo@mouse-aid.org

@mouseaider on Twitter
Next Trip 05/01/2013 - 05/08/2013 Maybe.
Head Possumator, JQU

I want to put my two cents in

 
New Post
1/19/2012 7:19 AM
 
Thanks pogo for checking up on this, I always ask CM lots of questions about how the GAC is working. Looking forward to reading your trip report!

Aulani, I'm so jealous. I graduated from UH and visit every couple of years. This is one place I want to stay at on my next trip to Hawaii

   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

Accessibility Information For Disney Destinations

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New Post
1/20/2012 1:20 AM
 

 

I didn't respond sooner but not because I was offended. I know how typing is different from talking.

 

Anyway, about the HC parking in Disney. We all went in 2000 and I believe that when I was with my sister and her kids, thay allowed us to park in the HC area even without a sticker. My niece had broken her leg and was in a cast up to her knee and we had our own rented wheelchair with us. I think they just asked if we could park there and my sister said why and they let us in. That's all my eperience with HC parking in Disney. Really all HC parking because when I drive my mom and dad they never bring the HC permit. Face it, we only go to Atlantic City together


MrsGaribaldi ~aka: Stephanie~

next up March 2012 Mouse-Aid Staff
Pretrip Reports
Chronic Illness
Grief & Loss:
-Special Needs Adults
-Disney Pets

Medical issues while at Disney


Smokes128@msn.com/ MrsGaribaldi@mouse-aid.org
 
New Post
1/20/2012 6:25 PM
 
Let's not forget that I am a bit more emotional in my senior years, I often read more into emails than I should. I'm working on it! Hope we're ok, no hard feelings here.

   
Mickey's Fan Club - Disney With Disabilities

Accessibility Information For Disney Destinations

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New Post
1/21/2012 9:08 AM
 

 

 

Oh this one is getting difficult to follow but I will put in my 2cents of course

Tasha315 wrote:

Hi pogo,

 
You wrote: I think MrsGaribaldi did misunderstand your complaint. But she is also dedicated to helping people with challenges enjoy their Disney experience.
 
I sure that hope Mrs. Garibaldi she did not feel my post was not any type of attack, nor should anyone else in this forum. Please never take anything personal from my emails, sometimes I do get emotional and many people do read more into my email than I intended.
 
Its so easy for any of us to be passionate about the issues we face. Thanks to all for being so open minded and polite.. GREAT JOB!!

You wrote: I went back and re-read the blog to be sure I didn't miss anything. Yes..... the writer did say she was trying to find out how easy it was to get, but she is also appalled by the fact it is so easy. So with that said, it appears we are all on the same page. We just say it differently.
 
That’s certainly true, and that what’s great about this forum, although I’m afraid that I might sometime come across differently, I appreciate the fact that everyone can voice their opinions and that we can all learn something.
 
Thanks again... I read it differently too at first.

You wrote: I am sure the law that prohibits Disney from asking what kind of disability you have is HIPPA. As an insurance agent I work with this law every single day. You do not have to divulge to anyone the nature of your health to anyone. And there is no way for Disney to refuse the use of the GAC without prying and breaking the law so they will issue every request they have.
 
I believe that Disney is bound by rules from ADA and not HIPPA. For a business to assume that HIPAA affects only healthcare service providers and insurers is shortsighted: In addition to the healthcare industry, HIPAA also affects those providing certain information or services to or for healthcare providers. For example, a company that performs medical billing or other services involving “protected information” for healthcare providers is governed by the HIPAA privacy requirements.  Under the ADA CM’s can’t ask what the Guests disability is. I may be wrong but having been a disability advocate the ADA is what is usually cited with respect to divulging your health information to anyone. No one can ask for it.   
 
Let me clarify that a little, no one can ask for it who may limit your opportunities, job entrance etc. I can and do ask people about their disabilities all the time because I do Vocational evals for the state. I am bound by HIPAA in the fact that I can not tell anyone about my findings w/o proper written consent...   So there is probably some clause that allows them to ask what their needs are e.g. limited with hearing, mobility etc. so they can fulfill their needs. It's not to limit visitors; but to help.

You wrote: This blogger probably did nothing more than educate people how easy it is but I don't think any action could.... or should be taken at this point.
 
Knowing how easy it is does not help those of us who need the help. Of course this all goes back to the CM, come give them out like candy while other CM’s guard them as if it is gold.

I think too that we all have different needs here. I could get a GAC for my dad but not an alternate entrance GAC. I needed that to get him on older rides like Haunted Mansion because he couldn't walk from the foyer to down the hall and load or unload without slowing the car and assistance. They would not slow the car w/o the alternate card which was just crazy b/c what if he fell?  Unfortunately it limited his opportunities on his last trip (which angered me), again just any card is not a problem and its the fact that the CM's don't know the difference btwn who needs one and who doesn't is sad. As we were told it's only for children, well if the parks are only for children why do adults pay more to get in?

You wrote: Have you ever contacted the blogger to express your concern? IF not, then please do. All of us in the Disney family seem to get a long extremely well and I think a conversation would prove beneficial to all involved.
I’d respond privately, however I never got a response.

You wrote: I am leaving for WDW tomorrow morning and I hope to have a conversation with some Disney CM's concerning their guidelines about this subject. I'll let you know more when I return.
 
I would love to hear what the CM’s may tell you, also any tips you may uncover.

 


Mouse-Aid Staff - WebMaster
Next Trip: May 18th - 25th - Wilderness Lodge!!!...

Beth@Mouse-Aid.com

 
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HomeHomeSpecial Needs a...Special Needs a...Physical Disabi...Physical Disabi...Blogger tells how easy it is to get GAC card from DisneylandBlogger tells how easy it is to get GAC card from Disneyland


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