Heelys for the Handicapped?

[ThunderCat]

Ok... so by now I'm sure there isn't a one among you that hasn't seen the Heelys in the parks (and those of you that haven't: they're sneakers that have a wheel mounted in the heel of the shoe so they can be used rather like roller skates). And yes, according to management, they are probited in the parks, and we're supposed to say something to the guests who come in wearing them.

So I'm outside working FP Return, when I see a party come striding towards the FastPass line. Mom has a GAC in one hand, and is towing her kid with the other, who is rolling along in his Heelys. As they approach I smile and say, "Well, howdy there, pardners. I'll be happy to let you in, but I'm afraid I have some bad news for ya there. We don't allow roller-skating in the park, so I need you to remove the wheels from your shoes."

Mom glares at me. "We don't have a wheel-removal tool!"

"Not necessary, ma'am. The wheels snap out by hand. The only tool you'll need is the tool to remove the heel plugs you put in afterwards. And since we don't allow roller skating in the parks, that shouldn't be a problem." (Note: No, I don't have a pair of Heelys. I looked the info up on their website since I deal with this situation so frequently.)

"But he's handicapped!" she snapped.

Needless to say, I was stunned, but quickly recovered. "Then I recommend he use a wheelchair or an ECV, both of which we have available for rental. But we cannot allow roller-skates."

Guest snorted, rolled her eyes, and stalked off up the line. <sigh> Just another SGT.

Anyone have any others?

[pixieprincess]

Ok..now that is really wierd..i have a disability and use a wheelchair but i have never heard of Heelys as medical equipment...wow...

[hhsrat]

having been a hockey player (ice and inline) for many years, I'm struggling mightily to think of any handicap which could actually be HELPED by wearing skates.

[justafigment84]

Amazingly enough I had a guest today that when told the wheels needed to come out, sat on the ground and pulled them out. No problems. Almost had to pinch myself to make sure I wasnt dreaming.

[leftcoaster]

Is there anything on any ADA website that says anything about, "recommended handicapped equipment," "official handicapped equipment," or "officially recognized handicapped equipment?" If you can find anything, then you could indeed say, "the only official handicapped equipment recognized by the ADA, are wheelchairs, crutches..., __________, "