Re: Disney's Segway Ban Upsets Some Disabled

[Guest guest]

Much of this probably has to do in relation to Dolly Parton's theme park.

All one has to do is ask for a reasonable accommodation, and most all

businesses, this case theme parks, are accommodating. I'm sure a letter from

our

community can help them amend their policies to provide accommodations that are

suitable to our community also.

Telesca

www.islandtalk540.com/talkshows/ability.htm

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[Guest guest]

Hi Irene,

Maybe we are not referring to the same thing and I am not real sure what a

" Special Assistance Pass " is but we have been to Disney World every year to

year and a half since 1980 or so and I have over heard people renting electric

scooters JUST for the express purpose of getting in front of the lines. That is

not fair and really ticks me off (and I was not shy about telling people I

thought so!)

Be that as it may:

We were just at Disney World in Orlando in December and the new policy at EPCOT

and Animal Kingdom (we didn't go to the Magic Kingdom) is that you get an

assigned time to board the rides, everyone gets them. It frees up the need for

long lines and allows you to look around (getting more ride times) get a snack,

go to the restroom, or just hang out in a more comfortable setting (rather than

standing in line) while being assured of a time slot for your ride.

I am not sure if it is a trial run of a future permanent policy but it was fair

I thought. Since I used my scooter as my legs too I was a bit upset at the new

policy until I discovered it really works quite well and seems fair for

everyone. To my way of thinking since I have been crying out for equal treatment

and accessibility for everyone this policy seems equitable for everyone.

Karolyn

" Disney's Segway Ban Upsets Some Disabled "

Disneyland recently made some policy changes where they now

will refuse LP's or any disabled persons to use the " Special

Assistance Pass " into any of its major theme parks, unless you

have a wheelchair (which is a horrible new policy). I recently went

to Disneyland and it killed me standing in line for practically an

hour or more to board on each ride (we were only able to go on a

total of 5 rides in an 8 hour day).

The Orange Blossom Chapter is looking into talking to the

Operations at the Disneyland park in Anaheim, CA. so if you're

interested in helping out or meeting with the Disneyland

Operations Manager, please contact Joanna at:

jjjhcampbell@...

Thanks.

Irene

----------------

Article link:

http://story.news./news?tmpl=story & u=/ap/20040208/

ap_on_bi_ge/disney_no_segways_5

===

[Guest guest]

I am not sure how legitimate this information is...however on this

site I found that a person useing an adaptive device can get a

Special Assistance Pass...and if they do not use a device, they will

have to prove a disability.

I hightly doubt think that they can prohibit people with

disabilities from obtaining the assistance pass if they have a

disability. If they try to stop someone, I believe they are

breaking the law... " American's with Disabilities Act "

Don't believe everything you hear. I will believe it if I hear it on

the news...and something like this will not fly.

Here is the information to look into it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.mouseplanet.com/tag/around.htm

For guests not using an adaptive device, you will need to obtain a

Special Assistance (SA) pass from City Hall. Just ask a cast member

in City Hall for this pass. Be aware that you may need to show some

proof of disability to be issued the pass. Generally accepted proof

of disability is a state issued disabled ID, letter from your

physician, leg cast or brace, crutches, or some other proof. This is

done to help prevent abuse of the pass by those who do not have a

legitimate need.

For guests using a wheelchair, cane or walker, your adaptive device

should serve as your pass for using the disabled entrances. In

reality, this does not always work for guests using a cane or

walker, as some cast members are not aware of the park's policy. If

you are hassled by a cast member, ask them to call City Hall to

verify the policy, or ask to speak to their manager. If it continues

to be a issue, note the names of the cast members involved and let

City Hall know about the problem. If you want to just avoid the

problem all together, take three minutes when you enter the park and

obtain a Special Assistance pass from City Hall. No, you shouldn't

HAVE to do this. But, this guide is all about making your day at

Disneyland easier. Wouldn't you rather spend three minutes at the

start of your day to avoid the hassle of untrained cast members?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

a

> Disneyland recently made some policy changes where they now

> will refuse LP's or any disabled persons to use the " Special

> Assistance Pass " into any of its major theme parks, unless you

> have a wheelchair (which is a horrible new policy). I recently

went

> to Disneyland and it killed me standing in line for practically an

> hour or more to board on each ride (we were only able to go on a

> total of 5 rides in an 8 hour day).

>

> The Orange Blossom Chapter is looking into talking to the

> Operations at the Disneyland park in Anaheim, CA. so if you're

> interested in helping out or meeting with the Disneyland

> Operations Manager, please contact Joanna at:

> jjjhcampbell@e...

>

> Thanks.

>

> Irene

[Guest guest]

Here is another informational website regarding this issue!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.dimensionsintravel.com/guide_dogs/guide_dogs_info_disney.s

html

Special Assistance Passes and Entrances

The Special Assistance Pass provides park visitors with non-apparent

special needs (like asthma or a heart condition) access to the exit

or alternate entrance of the attraction. The passes are available at

Disneyland City Hall or California Adventure Theme Park Guest

Relations. Guests who display a visible mobility disability (like a

cane, guide dog or wheelchair) do not require a Special Assistance

Pass.

Disabled visitors and (up to 5 people in your party) can go to the

front of the line for each ride. However, this does not grant you

immediate boarding privileges, nor is it guaranteed to minimize your

waiting time (but it usually does!). Sometimes what causes a wait is

that no more than 3 disabled people may be on a ride at any time for

safety reasons.

Enter the ride wherever the sign with the blue and white disabled

icon is posted, even if this means going up the exit line. A Disney

cast member will greet your party and advise you on what to do next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> > Disneyland recently made some policy changes where they now

> > will refuse LP's or any disabled persons to use the " Special

> > Assistance Pass " into any of its major theme parks, unless you

> > have a wheelchair (which is a horrible new policy). I recently

> went

> > to Disneyland and it killed me standing in line for practically

an

> > hour or more to board on each ride (we were only able to go on a

> > total of 5 rides in an 8 hour day).

> >

> > The Orange Blossom Chapter is looking into talking to the

> > Operations at the Disneyland park in Anaheim, CA. so if you're

> > interested in helping out or meeting with the Disneyland

> > Operations Manager, please contact Joanna at:

> > jjjhcampbell@e...

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> > Irene