DAS representative asking to interview child

[Evita_W]

The change needed to happen regardless of whether they were going to sell LL access. You can't have half of the park eligible to skip every line as many times as desired, which is what DAS was turning into, because now the LL line (full of DAS users and their parties) was effectively becoming the main line, with a secondary line of those who didn't find a reason to apply. Many in the DAS line only needed the DAS line because of how many people were in that line in the first place. When visiting the park, when ride capacities are filled with mainly LL and most of those people are there for a disability, it's a problem. Operations had to figure out if there is some alternative way to meet people's needs, which is why DAS is being reserved for people who need it most or all of the time, not people who might need it for some rides sometimes. I have taken those trips where their system was pushed to fill the entire ride from LL, then allow one party from standby - and fixing that is not about greed.

You can dislike the timing, but there are many people who only had an occasional need, and that is why there are other accommodations. Nobody should be explaining constantly - that is the sort of situation DAS is meant for. That may warrant a call to member services and describing the situation, as nobody who needs to leave every single line should be forced to stand through every single line.

None of your points prove this is about money at all. They are things you are saying you wish would happen. But they don't make some huge case that if Disney doesn't hand out DAS like free candy it's because of greed.

Again, I clearly stated that I am not saying it didn't need changes, it did indeed and I don't have an issue with not handing out DAS like candy, I have an issue with poorly implemented processes to accommodate people's needs and how the new system is not well thought out. This isn't an all or nothing thing. And the fact that they poorly implemented a different system combined with timing does indeed suggest it was really about money and not actually fixing the issues. I gave concrete examples that don't involve handing out a DAS of ways that could have worked and not have the issues the old system had, but yet those get ignored for whatever reason.

 

[Evita_W]

Sorry, but no. This is a pet peeve of mine. People vastly misunderstand HIPAA. HIPAA only pertains to healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearing houses, and other business associates who perform related functions for such entities that might bring them into contact with PHI. WDW is not bound by HIPAA regulations. HIPAA does not pertain to requesting accommodations from a public business. It simply doesn't.



True, you only need to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. If the business doesn't feel you made your case for accommodation and you don't wish to share more, that's your choice; if you feel they are asking for too much, that's an entirely different matter and you can file a complaint with the ADA -- it is not a HIPAA violation though. There is no legal definition of "receiving too much information" because it's entirely up to you to share or not. Your consent is implied when they ask to speak to the child and you allow the child to be in front of the CM (camera or in person).




Disney doesn't want you to write such information in the chat because they don't keep the chat files in a manner consistent with storing PHI. But verbally it can be shared, by child or adult. Whether you want that information shared is a different argument. Again not a HIPAA matter; a matter of personal preference.



I agree with you. Again, though, it has nothing to do with HIPAA; it's more a preference or maybe a morality factor than any matter of legality. I do believe the OP's situation was one of misunderstanding on her part. In 15+ years I am not aware of any regular situation of a CM asking a child about disability accommodations or medical matters.

Actually, since they are partnering with a health provider for the DAS training and such, the argument CAN be made that they are now a "business associate" of a healthcare provider and as such are indeed governed by HIPAA. I am not saying this would or would not hold up in court, but that the argument could be made. Also due to the nature of this, they do have access to some protected health information (PIH), which may also subject them to HIPAA. Again, not saying it would or wouldn't hold up in court, but pointing out that it isn't as black and white as either side wants to make it.

 

[Evita_W]

People are acting like this is a “there are four lights” situation here.

The CMs are looking for a brief interaction with your kid. If they ask anything that is inappropriate you are there to shut it down. If your kid volunteers something that is inappropriate and you don’t stop them in time the CM really doesn’t care, and certainly isn’t writing it all down to store in some master database.

You are welcome to decide that your child should not speak with the CM at all. But in that case Disney is also welcome to determine that you have not proven to their satisfaction why DAS is the most appropriate accommodation for your family’s situation.

The choice is yours.

The may not be writing it all down, but that is because the conversation IS being recorded (and likely a transcript is being made) on their end, the terms and conditions make that abundantly clear and there are good reasons for them to do so, but let's not pretend they don't please.

 

[mistysue]

Again, I clearly stated that I am not saying it didn't need changes, it did indeed and I don't have an issue with not handing out DAS like candy, I have an issue with poorly implemented processes to accommodate people's needs and how the new system is not well thought out. This isn't an all or nothing thing. And the fact that they poorly implemented a different system combined with timing does indeed suggest it was really about money and not actually fixing the issues. I gave concrete examples that don't involve handing out a DAS of ways that could have worked and not have the issues the old system had, but yet those get ignored for whatever reason.

The only example you brought up that would have anything to do with DAS access was putting people's need on their band - and I'm not sure it would work as easily to have CMs have to scan someone's band, read through a description, and figure out how to proceed every time. It is actually far more efficient for a person to state "I can only do X, so I need Y". Especially because people's needs can change due to specifics of a single line or how they are that morning. They can hardly put down a complex system of 20 different modifiers for the CM to guess what a guest needs today in real time.

If you want ride loading videos, they are all over the internet. I don't know for sure why they don't have 3d models of every ride, but I've never seen them elsewhere either. I would imagine it's simply the impracticality, constant need for update, and reality that there is not much demand for it.
I still don't think it had to do with money. DAS was not sustainable. Given that more and more common issues are being considered disabilities, diagnosis rates are rising, and people are surviving longer with far more complex issues, there is simply too much of the population that can truthfully say they have a disability. That particular pass is not the accommodation for anything at all that a person feels makes things more difficult, it is the accommodation for people who can't go through the line.

 

[eandt]

The change needed to happen regardless of whether they were going to sell LL access. You can't have half of the park eligible to skip every line as many times as desired, which is what DAS was turning into, because now the LL line (full of DAS users and their parties) was effectively becoming the main line, with a secondary line of those who didn't find a reason to apply. Many in the DAS line only needed the DAS line because of how many people were in that line in the first place. When visiting the park, when ride capacities are filled with mainly LL and most of those people are there for a disability, it's a problem. Operations had to figure out if there is some alternative way to meet people's needs, which is why DAS is being reserved for people who need it most or all of the time, not people who might need it for some rides sometimes. I have taken those trips where their system was pushed to fill the entire ride from LL, then allow one party from standby - and fixing that is not about greed.

You can dislike the timing, but there are many people who only had an occasional need, and that is why there are other accommodations. Nobody should be explaining constantly - that is the sort of situation DAS is meant for. That may warrant a call to member services and describing the situation, as nobody who needs to leave every single line should be forced to stand through every single line.

None of your points prove this is about money at all. They are things you are saying you wish would happen. But they don't make some huge case that if Disney doesn't hand out DAS like free candy it's because of greed.

This still needs tweeked … 2 people known to me have received a DAS because their malady (not handicap) allegedly required that that don’t stand long in the sun ….. Hellooooo it’s Florida my friends the sun shines virtually every day … to make matters worse one of these folks is a football coach and we all know that every now and then the Sun might just shine during 2-3 hour practices so then what???… come on man! Disney and every paying standby customer got played

 

[lanejudy]

Actually, since they are partnering with a health provider for the DAS training and such, the argument CAN be made that they are now a "business associate" of a healthcare provider and as such are indeed governed by HIPAA. I am not saying this would or would not hold up in court, but that the argument could be made. Also due to the nature of this, they do have access to some protected health information (PIH), which may also subject them to HIPAA. Again, not saying it would or wouldn't hold up in court, but pointing out that it isn't as black and white as either side wants to make it.

Are you HIPAA trained? I am HIPAA trained for my job. No, neither WDW nor the “health partner” makes them a “business associate” subject to HIPAA regulations. There is NO healthcare or treatment going on and the individual controls ALL sharing of information.

They do not ask for or keep data about diagnosis or treatments. Any PHI is freely given and while they have a duty to maintain any data they request in a manner consistent with PHI data rules, it does not make them subject to HIPAA.

If your neighbor is a pharmacy tech and over the back fence you mention taking migraine medication, that doesn’t suddenly make the interaction subject to HIPAA or PHI rules.

 

[OurBigTrip]

While a person can share information they are not required to. Under ADA one only needs to share what is relevant for the accommodation requested. However when asking questions of a child they could easily ask questions of the child and receive too much information which since I as an adult did not consent too and the child is not allowed to consent too, that would certainly violate HIPAA.

As an example, while I would share about the neuro diversity needs of my child when asking my child directly what they do to cope with things may receive information such as what meds they are taking in the child's response. That is not health information they are entitled too but they could receive because the child was unaware due to age of how to answer.

I have no problem with them talking to my child in a general sense such as how old are you, what do you do for fun, etc...., I do have a problem talking with my child about their medical conditions to determine need, those questions should be directed to me the parent.

HIPAA doesn’t play into this situation in any way, shape, or form, as HIPAA doesn’t apply to a person disclosing their own medical info.

If you’re trying to say that questions might be asked that would violate the ADA, that’s something totally different; ADA and HIPAA aren’t related .

 

[jennab]

This still needs tweeked … 2 people known to me have received a DAS because their malady (not handicap) allegedly required that that don’t stand long in the sun ….. Hellooooo it’s Florida my friends the sun shines virtually every day … to make matters worse one of these folks is a football coach and we all know that every now and then the Sun might just shine during 2-3 hour practices so then what???… come on man! Disney and every paying standby customer got played

Within the last year they’ve been approved for DAS under the new rules for sun issues?

 

[FireflyTrance]

Children with intellectual and/or neurodivergent disorders often do not understand how they are different and thus do not have the capability to answer such questions.

Adults do have this capability. Of course adults who wish to make nasty posts, and then repeat them seem to lack the capacity for decency. Lord forbid someone have to wait in the standby line longer for a kid with a disability than an adult with the money for lightning lane. We all know it was $$ that changed the system.

Did you call back? If so, how did it go?

My son is a similar age and I told rhe CM at the beginning of the call that he was in the house, but I would be speaking on his behalf. I did caution my son before I called that they may want to ask him questions and let him know I’d be there to help answer if they did.

The CM only asked to speak to my son after she said I was approved. She asked his favorite ride and took a photo. She did not ask him any medical questions.

Yes I did end up calling back and did the DAS interview again with a new CM. This time I said they could talk to my daughter but I would prefer if any questions directly related to her medical condition or needs for accommodation be directed at me. They did speak with her but didn’t ask her any questions related to her need for accommodation, so it was fine.

I’m still not sure if I misunderstood on the last call or not. It seems like what happens on the call and what you get asked is up to the individual CM.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

OP- how did it work out?
I'm wondering if all of the worry was simply a difference in that individual's speech. My son was "interviewed" and it just to the woman who asked meant saying hi, verifying his name, and asking to take a photo. She didn't ask me to leave, and was open to him talking but did not require it. It's entirely possible what one CM referred to as getting a photo this other one was calling interviewing. They do need to verify that this child you are discussing is real, and seems vaguely like the person you are talking about. (I know you are aware of that) I'm thinking the stress of the moment maybe left you overthinking what was an innocent finishing up of the process.



Why even bring commentary like this? All this does is sew ******* and stress into a frustrating situation while showing your clear denial of the number of users when everyone with every possible need gets the same gold level pass. Being upset that the guidelines changed isn't helped by making up conspiracies about why.


LOL- just so it's clear, I'm not swearing at you. The word for disharmony or disagreement gets asterisks apparently.

I did and will call out those that when someone posts for help, they post a response that is no help and insinuates the person who posted must be lying if she is upset by Disney’s ask.

DAS at this point is equivalent to lightning lane, but without the cost. So there is no ‘made up conspiracy theory’. I am honest and so is the original poster.

And you are absolutely incorrect stating ‘everyone with every possible need gets the same gold pass.’ No where near ‘everyone’ nor ‘every possible’ received DAS. You are dishonest with this statement

 

[Mirabell Rose]

The change needed to happen regardless of whether they were going to sell LL access. You can't have half of the park eligible to skip every line as many times as desired, which is what DAS was turning into, because now the LL line (full of DAS users and their parties) was effectively becoming the main line, with a secondary line of those who didn't find a reason to apply. Many in the DAS line only needed the DAS line because of how many people were in that line in the first place. When visiting the park, when ride capacities are filled with mainly LL and most of those people are there for a disability, it's a problem. Operations had to figure out if there is some alternative way to meet people's needs, which is why DAS is being reserved for people who need it most or all of the time, not people who might need it for some rides sometimes. I have taken those trips where their system was pushed to fill the entire ride from LL, then allow one party from standby - and fixing that is not about greed.

You can dislike the timing, but there are many people who only had an occasional need, and that is why there are other accommodations. Nobody should be explaining constantly - that is the sort of situation DAS is meant for. That may warrant a call to member services and describing the situation, as nobody who needs to leave every single line should be forced to stand through every single line.

None of your points prove this is about money at all. They are things you are saying you wish would happen. But they don't make some huge case that if Disney doesn't hand out DAS like free candy it's because of greed.

Half the park? This is no where close to being true. We can explain it over and over, but we can’t understand it for you when you aren’t even truthful about the prior DAS situation.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

Yes I did end up calling back and did the DAS interview again with a new CM. This time I said they could talk to my daughter but I would prefer if any questions directly related to her medical condition or needs for accommodation be directed at me. They did speak with her but didn’t ask her any questions related to her need for accommodation, so it was fine.

I’m still not sure if I misunderstood on the last call or not. It seems like what happens on the call and what you get asked is up to the individual CM.

I’m glad the call back went well and your daughter did fine on the call. I hope you both enjoy your upcoming trip.

 

[jphilhower]

We called for a DAS pass for our son is intellectually disabled and 47 years old and likes to ramble when he talks. When we go to the doctors I have to tell him just answer the questions and don't tell stories. The attendant who was very nice and asked to speak to him and she did. She asked him how he handles long lines. He answered the question and went on to talk about something unrelated and I thought here we go. She was very patient.
Long story short we got the DAS pass. All questions to me and him where about how we handle long lines both at Disney World and the real world.

 

[eandt]

Within the last year they’ve been approved for DAS under the new rules for sun issues?

Yes

 

[jennab]

Yes

Well they must have either had other medical issues or lied then, because no way they would be approved if they told the CM they couldn’t wait on queues solely due to sun issues. My guess is they have other medical issues and did not even bring up the sun one.

 

[eandt]

Well they must have either had other medical issues or lied then, because no way they would be approved if they told the CM they couldn’t wait on queues solely due to sun issues. My guess is they have other medical issues and did not even bring up the sun one.

Your guess would be wrong … the sun was the issue … it needs tightened up even more

 

[jennab]

Your guess would be wrong … the sun was the issue … it needs tightened up even more

Yep, that’s why I said my “guess”. Neither you nor I know what their conversation was, unless they told you. The reason I guessed that is because I have a sun allergy that it is due to other medical conditions AND I have other non physical medical issues. Now I don’t apply for DAS, but given my own circumstances with having multiple medical conditions I could see someone else having more than one as well.

 

[lanejudy]

Yes

There are lots of reports of individuals denied DAS for sun-exposure needs so I hate to say it but your friends more than likely “embellished” their request. The system isn’t foolproof.

 

[jennab]

There are lots of reports of individuals denied DAS for sun-exposure needs so I hate to say it but your friends more than likely “embellished” their request. The system isn’t foolproof.

Unfortunately some probably went that way because they still think they “deserve” DAS…. I like to think people wouldn’t do that and they might have other medical conditions in addition to sun issues, but I’m sure some people are “embellishing” to get what they want too. Just like before.

 

[Bearval]

So I just got off a call where the DAS representative asked me a lot of questions about my child, then they brought on medical professional who asked me the same questions again. After that they asked if they could interview my child and that took me off guard. She is only 12 and I have never been asked my any medical professional or her school to interview her directly to ask her about accommodations. I didn’t know what they would ask her and it seemed inappropriate so I told them I would call back. Have others been asked this? She has a developmental disability and we were approved for DAS on a visit last month. On that call they only took her photo they didn’t ask her a bunch of questions. I would prefer as a parent that I be the one answering questions, or I could also provide medical documentation from her doctors, but I don’t want strangers she hasn’t met asking her to justify her disability or what accommodations she needs. I’m not sure to what extent she could answer that anyway and if she answers “wrong” then we aren’t approved for DAS and then she feels like she said something wrong? At minimum I would want to know what they are asking her so I could determine if I think it’s appropriate questions to ask a child. Am I overreacting here?

At this point I’m just upset and I’ll have to wait for another day to call back. I also don’t understand why we were approved last month and they didn’t ask about interviewing her then, so it seems like standard procedures are not followed?

I find it hard to believe they would ask your child any thing specific about her disability. I do know that with my daughters disability and what she went thru with medical professionals (bad experiences) that she will tell them what she thinks they want to hear so they will leave her alone.