DAS representative asking to interview child

[jennab]

It threw me off when I called a few weeks ago and spoke to a woman who wanted to interview my 11 year old son for his DAS pass. She asked him what accommodations were in his IEP/504 plan? I almost laughed at that, like he even knows he has one let alone what is in it. I just answered for him. She asked some other questions he struggled to answer. She did approve him but yeah... it feels uncomfortable asking someone who can't articulate very well very pointed questions. I guess this is just the new normal so we will roll with it.

Yep, my son wouldn’t have know the accommodations in his IEP he has either

 

[Evita_W]

But who “shouldn’t be denied”? That is up to Disney, not you and I.

I am not going to provide examples, but there are many who get denied when the DAS is the best accomodation and even under the new rules people getting approved when it is not the best option. But my biggest issue is the other accommodations have been very poorly implemented. Done correctly, they could indeed work, but explaining needs at every attraction is very tedious and tiring for many that may have some non-visible/non-physical disability, but don't qualify for the DAS for example. Again, I am not saying they should automatically be approved for the DAS, but those who think they should have to pay for lightning lane access to be properly accommodated are incorrect, it also doesn't work in many cases. For example, you are limited to once per attraction per day using the Lightning Lane access, but many with disabilities can't ride all of the attractions, so this means they can't use it at attractions they can't ride and yet now can only ride each attraction they can once per day.

Sorry, but DH an I neither one will keep making excuses for Disney's poor implementation, many on here seem to have the attitude of Disney can do no wrong, they most certainly can and are indeed doing wrong and that doesn't mean the previous system was right either, it means there needs to be a better balance and that doesn't mean making it stricter, it means fine tuning things that aren't working and in some cases making things less strict to make sure people aren't being denied the tools they need to have an enjoyable day in the parks.

 

[jennab]

I am not going to provide examples, but there are many who get denied when the DAS is the best accomodation and even under the new rules people getting approved when it is not the best option. But my biggest issue is the other accommodations have been very poorly implemented. Done correctly, they could indeed work, but explaining needs at every attraction is very tedious and tiring for many that may have some non-visible/non-physical disability, but don't qualify for the DAS for example. Again, I am not saying they should automatically be approved for the DAS, but those who think they should have to pay for lightning lane access to be properly accommodated are incorrect, it also doesn't work in many cases. For example, you are limited to once per attraction per day using the Lightning Lane access, but many with disabilities can't ride all of the attractions, so this means they can't use it at attractions they can't ride and yet now can only ride each attraction they can once per day.

Sorry, but DH an I neither one will keep making excuses for Disney's poor implementation, many on here seem to have the attitude of Disney can do no wrong, they most certainly can and are indeed doing wrong and that doesn't mean the previous system was right either, it means there needs to be a better balance and that doesn't mean making it stricter, it means fine tuning things that aren't working and in some cases making things less strict to make sure people aren't being denied the tools they need to have an enjoyable day in the parks.

DAS is just one of many accommodations and per Disney it is meant for a specific type of disability (but not everyone with that disability). I’ve seen many positive reports of the other accommodations working. More than I’ve seen negative, other than people who are just complaining because it’s not as good as DAS was for them.

Disney could get rid of DAS tomorrow. It’s not a requirement. Realistically their business model does not work if they give it out to everyone (plus 4-6 of their friends) who claim they need it.

 

[OurBigTrip]

No, it is better to let a small minority cheat than to discriminate against those who are disabled and yes, forcing them to pay extra just to be accommodated IS discrimination.

No one is being forced to pay for accommodations

 

[mistysue]

I am not going to provide examples, but there are many who get denied when the DAS is the best accomodation and even under the new rules people getting approved when it is not the best option. But my biggest issue is the other accommodations have been very poorly implemented. Done correctly, they could indeed work, but explaining needs at every attraction is very tedious and tiring for many that may have some non-visible/non-physical disability, but don't qualify for the DAS for example. Again, I am not saying they should automatically be approved for the DAS, but those who think they should have to pay for lightning lane access to be properly accommodated are incorrect, it also doesn't work in many cases. For example, you are limited to once per attraction per day using the Lightning Lane access, but many with disabilities can't ride all of the attractions, so this means they can't use it at attractions they can't ride and yet now can only ride each attraction they can once per day.

Sorry, but DH an I neither one will keep making excuses for Disney's poor implementation, many on here seem to have the attitude of Disney can do no wrong, they most certainly can and are indeed doing wrong and that doesn't mean the previous system was right either, it means there needs to be a better balance and that doesn't mean making it stricter, it means fine tuning things that aren't working and in some cases making things less strict to make sure people aren't being denied the tools they need to have an enjoyable day in the parks.

I think the question you need to ask is whether people who need to explain their needs at EVERY attraction are being denied.
I believe that you are discussing this from a stance that imagines a circumstance that is not the intent anywhere. Anyone who has a problem at EVERY attraction should be talking to customer service. What is happening now is that people who sometimes need an alternative at some rides, or only as issues occasionally arise, are being told to just address that as it comes up. That is not the same thing as telling people to discuss it at every attraction.

Unless you mean something like a loading issue (exclusively, not involving the queue itself) that would need to be discussed regardless of whether the person used DAS or the standby line, therefor DAS is not an appropriate accommodation. DAS is an accommodation that only addresses a problem with physically being in the queue space. It is not meant to accommodate anything else.

 

[jennab]

I think the question you need to ask is whether people who need to explain their needs at EVERY attraction are being denied.
I believe that you are discussing this from a stance that imagines a circumstance that is not the intent anywhere. Anyone who has a problem at EVERY attraction should be talking to customer service. What is happening now is that people who sometimes need an alternative at some rides, or only as issues occasionally arise, are being told to just address that as it comes up. That is not the same thing as telling people to discuss it at every attraction.

Unless you mean something like a loading issue (exclusively, not involving the queue itself) that would need to be discussed regardless of whether the person used DAS or the standby line, therefor DAS is not an appropriate accommodation. DAS is an accommodation that only addresses a problem with physically being in the queue space. It is not meant to accommodate anything else.

Some people think they might have an issue at every queue. So in their mind they think they need to talk to the CM because their issue may or may not come up while in the queue (people who have intermittent issues).

 

[Angel Ariel]

Some people think they might have an issue at every queue. So in their mind they think they need to talk to the CM because their issue may or may not come up while in the queue (people who have intermittent issues).

Exactly. Isn't the whole return to queue accommodation centered around asking what the procedure is *in case* you need to use it? If the issue is intermittent and not predictable, then people would naturally feel like they need to ask at every ride because they don't know when they'll need to know...

 

[FireflyTrance]

It threw me off when I called a few weeks ago and spoke to a woman who wanted to interview my 11 year old son for his DAS pass. She asked him what accommodations were in his IEP/504 plan? I almost laughed at that, like he even knows he has one let alone what is in it. I just answered for him. She asked some other questions he struggled to answer. She did approve him but yeah... it feels uncomfortable asking someone who can't articulate very well very pointed questions. I guess this is just the new normal so we will roll with it.

This was exactly my concern. My daughter can’t answer and/or won’t want to answer questions like this. I think it’s inappropriate to be asking a child directly and expecting them to be able to articulate an answer. Neurodivergent children may have a lot of trouble answering these questions. Just because a child can’t or won’t answer doesn’t mean they don’t have a disability, if anything it might be more proof of their disability but I still think those questions should be directed at the parent.

 

[jennab]

This was exactly my concern. My daughter can’t answer and/or won’t want to answer questions like this. I think it’s inappropriate to be asking a child directly and expecting them to be able to articulate an answer. Neurodivergent children may have a lot of trouble answering these questions. Just because a child can’t or won’t answer doesn’t mean they don’t have a disability, if anything it might be more proof of their disability but I still think those questions should be directed at the parent.

I was worried about this too. I didn’t even have my son in the room. I told the CM he was in the home, but I would prefer to speak without him being present and told her why. She had no problem with it.

 

[mistysue]

Some people think they might have an issue at every queue. So in their mind they think they need to talk to the CM because their issue may or may not come up while in the queue (people who have intermittent issues).

Exactly. Isn't the whole return to queue accommodation centered around asking what the procedure is *in case* you need to use it? If the issue is intermittent and not predictable, then people would naturally feel like they need to ask at every ride because they don't know when they'll need to know...

I do understand intermittent issues - but there has to be some point where we acknowledge that accommodating the possibility of an issue is not the same as accommodating an issue. Is it really fair, to anyone, if Disney accommodates anyone who is concerned that they might have a problem sometimes? At that point the only fair way to manage this is literally to give everyone access to DAS, to be used as they personally feel appropriate - which is essentially the same as nobody having any sort of pass.
Every single person entering any line MIGHT have a problem in the line. There is a whole lot of grey area in there, not only among those with a diagnosed issue but also with those who don't have any sort of diagnosis. If we are going to be fair, there are absolutely people without a diagnosed disability who are more at risk of having an issue than those with a diagnosis. I personally have days where I have had to leave lines 3-4 times, and I have no official reason. That's more frequently than some who believe they need a DAS pass because they might have an issue.

It's also the case that even if a person feels the need to ask at every queue, they would not need to ask at every queue every time. Once you know the basic idea of what they have people do, you have a sense of what to do. As I've said a few times if someone really had a need at every line and was constantly having to leave, that is a case where they should be talking to guest services because that should be worked with.

But does it seem fair that someone should get a pass to be allowed to never be in line because they are concerned they sometimes might not be able to wait for the line? I would say that is absurd because that's literally everyone.

 

[jennab]

I do understand intermittent issues - but there has to be some point where we acknowledge that accommodating the possibility of an issue is not the same as accommodating an issue. Is it really fair, to anyone, if Disney accommodates anyone who is concerned that they might have a problem sometimes? At that point the only fair way to manage this is literally to give everyone access to DAS, to be used as they personally feel appropriate - which is essentially the same as nobody having any sort of pass.
Every single person entering any line MIGHT have a problem in the line. There is a whole lot of grey area in there, not only among those with a diagnosed issue but also with those who don't have any sort of diagnosis. If we are going to be fair, there are absolutely people without a diagnosed disability who are more at risk of having an issue than those with a diagnosis. I personally have days where I have had to leave lines 3-4 times, and I have no official reason. That's more frequently than some who believe they need a DAS pass because they might have an issue.

It's also the case that even if a person feels the need to ask at every queue, they would not need to ask at every queue every time. Once you know the basic idea of what they have people do, you have a sense of what to do. As I've said a few times if someone really had a need at every line and was constantly having to leave, that is a case where they should be talking to guest services because that should be worked with.

But does it seem fair that someone should get a pass to be allowed to never be in line because they are concerned they sometimes might not be able to wait for the line? I would say that is absurd because that's literally everyone.

Oh 100% agree with you. It’s a will/might situation. Someone that will have an issue in every queue all the time is different than someone who might have an issue in every line. Take IBS (I use this example because my husband has it). He could have an issue in any line, it’s really hard to say. Some lines he could totally be fine in and wait and other lines he might need to bail. The line itself isn’t even his issue, I don’t think he should qualify for DAS. Instead, he could ask the CM what to do IF he needs to exit the line. However, I would likely just buy LL instead anyway.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Is it really fair, to anyone, if Disney accommodates anyone who is concerned that they might have a problem sometimes?

That's literally what Disney is telling people to do though. If they think they might have an issue requiring them to leave the queue, to ask a CM at the queue how that is handled for that attraction. I'm not saying these people should have DAS - my post wasn't saying that at all. I'm saying the fact that they don't know when their issue may hit can absolutely lead them to need to ask how RTQ is handled at every attraction. They won't have to ask repeatedly at the same attraction, but Disney is the one saying each attraction handles it differently. We've been told here repeatedly that their answer depends on crowd levels, party size, line length, etc - which is why Disney can't create a standardized guide - so it's not unreasonable for those needing to use RTQ to feel they need to ask about procedure any time they feel they may need to use it.

As for this:

"But does it seem fair that someone should get a pass to be allowed to never be in line because they are concerned they sometimes might not be able to wait for the line? I would say that is absurd because that's literally everyone."

I honestly have no idea where this comes from because neither @jennab nor I said anything indicating everyone should be able to get a DAS.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

That's literally what Disney is telling people to do though. If they think they might have an issue requiring them to leave the queue, to ask a CM at the queue how that is handled for that attraction. I'm not saying these people should have DAS - my post wasn't saying that at all. I'm saying the fact that they don't know when their issue may hit can absolutely lead them to need to ask how RTQ is handled at every attraction. They won't have to ask repeatedly at the same attraction, but Disney is the one saying each attraction handles it differently. We've been told here repeatedly that their answer depends on crowd levels, party size, line length, etc - which is why Disney can't create a standardized guide - so it's not unreasonable for those needing to use RTQ to feel they need to ask about procedure any time they feel they may need to use it.

As for this:

"But does it seem fair that someone should get a pass to be allowed to never be in line because they are concerned they sometimes might not be able to wait for the line? I would say that is absurd because that's literally everyone."

I honestly have no idea where this comes from because neither @jennab nor I said anything indicating everyone should be able to get a DAS.

But what do you think the right solution would be in this case? How much responsibility do guests have to try to meet their own needs? I suppose Disney could create signage at every entrance that could detail the procedures in case someone needs to leave the line, and then a CM would be responsible for updating it every time conditions change. I wonder though if part of the reason that people are supposed to ask is to put CMs on notice that someone might have a problem, reducing the potential for abuse.

 

[mistysue]

That's literally what Disney is telling people to do though. If they think they might have an issue requiring them to leave the queue, to ask a CM at the queue how that is handled for that attraction. I'm not saying these people should have DAS - my post wasn't saying that at all. I'm saying the fact that they don't know when their issue may hit can absolutely lead them to need to ask how RTQ is handled at every attraction. They won't have to ask repeatedly at the same attraction, but Disney is the one saying each attraction handles it differently. We've been told here repeatedly that their answer depends on crowd levels, party size, line length, etc - which is why Disney can't create a standardized guide - so it's not unreasonable for those needing to use RTQ to feel they need to ask about procedure any time they feel they may need to use it.

As for this:

"But does it seem fair that someone should get a pass to be allowed to never be in line because they are concerned they sometimes might not be able to wait for the line? I would say that is absurd because that's literally everyone."

I honestly have no idea where this comes from because neither @jennab nor I said anything indicating everyone should be able to get a DAS.

Because that is where the conversation stemmed from, the overall implication (not necessarily by either of you) that it's wrong not to give people DAS, and that DAS was only reined in to make money.
I don't think it's an issue to ask a CM how it would be handled if someone had to leave. I understand it can be stressful, but sometimes it's our responsibility to manage our own things even when that is stressful. I also don't see a realistic way of getting around it, as giving people scannable medical data for every CM to read and interpret would be more difficult to utilize on the spot than asking how to leave/return. It also opens the door for all sorts of crazy privacy invasions.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

There is no way that Disney wants to be responsible for storing private medical information for any length of time, nor would they want to build out the infrastructure required to collect/store/retrieve said information for CMs to make a decision about how to accommodate someone who may or may not have a need in front of them at that specific moment in time. I think that we should just let that idea go.

 

[NaptownMom]

Man, these conversations just go around and around in circles, and we never seem to make any forward progress. I suspect it's because, on some level, neither side really wants to understand if it might mean moving off their original beliefs.

 

[mistysue]

There is no way that Disney wants to be responsible for storing private medical information for any length of time, nor would they want to build out the infrastructure required to collect/store/retrieve said information for CMs to make a decision about how to accommodate someone who may or may not have a need in front of them at that specific moment in time. I think that we should just let that idea go.

Could you imagine standing at the front of the line, and now everyone has to wait for the CM to read the private notes before responding? Or worse, someone is trying to exit and has to wait for the CM to scan, read, instruct them before they can go?

 

[jennab]

But what do you think the right solution would be in this case? How much responsibility do guests have to try to meet their own needs? I suppose Disney could create signage at every entrance that could detail the procedures in case someone needs to leave the line, and then a CM would be responsible for updating it every time conditions change. I wonder though if part of the reason that people are supposed to ask is to put CMs on notice that someone might have a problem, reducing the potential for abuse.

I honestly don’t get why it’s that big of a deal to just ask the CM at the ride entrance what the process is. No one needs to go into detail on their disability. Also, some of the lines might only be 20min, in which someone might not need to talk to the CM.

 

[Angel Ariel]

But what do you think the right solution would be in this case? How much responsibility do guests have to try to meet their own needs? I suppose Disney could create signage at every entrance that could detail the procedures in case someone needs to leave the line, and then a CM would be responsible for updating it every time conditions change. I wonder though if part of the reason that people are supposed to ask is to put CMs on notice that someone might have a problem, reducing the potential for abuse.

What do you mean? I'm not saying there needs to be a solution. Someone asking at an attraction what the procedure is in case they need to use it - however often they need to use it - is what is intended. The poster I responded to indicated that if someone is doing that at every ride then it's a problem - I'm honestly wondering why that is a problem when that seems to be the system working as Disney intended?

 

[Angel Ariel]

I honestly don’t get why it’s that big of a deal to just ask the CM at the ride entrance what the process is. No one needs to go into detail on their disability. Also, some of the lines might only be 20min, in which someone might not need to talk to the CM.

Agreed