GAC abuse

[Syndrome]

Another big thank-you for your service to our country. My dad was Army (WW II vet) and my brother was a Marine, so I have a deep respect and admiration for those who serve and protect America.

[Cheshire Figment]

I am very familiar with the GAC and related policies.

For those really interested, or who think they may need to get one, I would suggest going over to http://www.disboards.com and go to the disABILITIES Forum, which is about #17 or so down the list. On the first page of that forum one of the stickys is the disABILITIES FAQs. Post #6 discusses the GAC.

However, we actively discourage (usually by PM) people from discussing specific stamps or anything about being able to bypass lines under certain circumstances. People on this board are specially aware that many SGs will do almost anything for the "me first" concept, which is why in the disABILITIES Forum we edit or cut down a lot of the discussion.

And, Syndrome, I see you on several forums at DisBoards but have never noticed you either in disABILITIES or the disABILITIES Community Subforum; you might be interested (professionally) in some of those discussions, especially in the Community subforum.

[Yeti Chaser]

I know that the ADA does allow companies to ask about a disability and to ask for documentation as long as it is phrased correctly. I think Disney could do it as long as they do it the same way Six Flags does it. The phrase they use is "May I see a form or other documentation so that I can make sure we help you get the most out of your stay with us today. This will also allow us to ensure your safety on all of our rides and in the park." As soon as I find the Actual ADA guidelines on asking guests this question I will post them here and a link so that someone might be able to approach management with it. This way we can stop any and all abuse of the system. Sorry for the long rant but it angers me when people with out a disability abuse the system set-up to help those that actualy need it.

Crash: I applaude your courage and thank you for your service to your country. As for GAC abuse, it is there and the guests who stretch the truth to get one have only themselves to blame. Now as for asking for doumentation for proof of disability, that can be construed as a violation of HIPAA guidelines and patient confidentiality.

NAMASTE

[Syndrome]

And, Syndrome, I see you on several forums at DisBoards but have never noticed you either in disABILITIES or the disABILITIES Community Subforum; you might be interested (professionally) in some of those discussions, especially in the Community subforum.

I actually lurk there quite frequently because much of the information is invaluable for my clients (both counseling and travel clients). I only tend to post when someone asks about hearing and fireworks, since I have hyperacusis myself. But you're right, the information is fascinating to me from a professional standpoint. It's a real "slice of life" on what so many people deal with everyday.

[Syndrome]

Crash: I applaude your courage and thank you for your service to your country. As for GAC abuse, it is there and the guests who stretch the truth to get one have only themselves to blame. Now as for asking for doumentation for proof of disability, that can be construed as a violation of HIPAA guidelines and patient confidentiality.

NAMASTE

Actually, it's not a violation of HIPAA. That's a very common misconception. HIPAA regulates medical professionals, but a patient is free to distribute their own medical information to anyone they choose. Voluntarily giving a letter from their doctor or related information to someone else is perfectly allowable, and that person is free to read it. If a doctor sent a letter without patient consent, THAT would be a violation of patient confidentiality.

[marcusgalen]

Um, just to add my two semi-lurking cents in...

My dad was a Leut. Col. in the Marine Corps, and served as a pilot during the Vietnam conflict among other duties.

He, as were others, was exposed to Agent Orange, and has developed a heart problem, in his case, AF, Atrial Fibrilation, I believe is the term. Basically, his heart will occasionally stop beating in sync. He's 100% VA disabled, with plates and everything.

We've been to WDW at least 3 times in the past two years, for a few days at a time.

He's NEVER considered the GAC, for the same reasons as mentioned above. He feels there are other people who deserve it more than him. He'll sit and rest, enjoy people watching, then get back into lines when he feels better.

Ah, and...Crash? I speak for my dad, I know, when I thank you for your sacrifice. He talked to the USMC about re-entering the Corps from retirement, to help, but was told his heart would make it impossible. Still gripes about it.

So, a Toast to you and your other friends, Crash. :winetost: Fly High, I believe is the motto.

[Goofyernmost]

Goofynermost, your comments were a bit hurtful to someone who has watched her beloved struggle with this issue for over a year now. We don't know what happened; he had a massive panic attack one day that put him in the hospital (I thought he was having a heart attack) and now he rarely leaves home (only when accompanied by me) and has cotinually had smaller panic attacks throughout the year. If you do not live with a particular disability, please don't judge others. As I said, we're not looking to be in the front of all the lines, only to be able to be "apart" from others during shows. We believe he'll do okay in the queues because I will be there with him. And we even have a plan for when we are riding the thrill rides and he has to wait for us.

I'm sorry that you see it that way. I am not without sympathy for someone with a problem like that what I am saying is that when one has that sort of problem they must adjust to that situation. It is not up to the rest of the world to adjust around it. Within reason, yes!

My comment was made because it seems obvious that if you have a problem with crowds, going where crowds are seems less than thought out to me. I have an anxiety with large wooden roller coasters, so guess what...I don't go on them. Am I missing out on something? Probably, but it is what it is. I have to accept that I cannot do it for my own health and happiness.

In your individual case, and each one is individual, I don't understand why anyone would subject themselves to such discomfort. Disney is great, but not a lot of fun if you are hurting. It is commendable that he would attempt it for the benefit of his family, but there is really very little that can be done to eliminate crowds in a place that is famous for it's crowds.

Sorry if I offended you.

[scpergj]

Um, just to add my two semi-lurking cents in...

My dad was a Leut. Col. in the Marine Corps, and served as a pilot during the Vietnam conflict among other duties.

He, as were others, was exposed to Agent Orange, and has developed a heart problem, in his case, AF, Atrial Fibrilation, I believe is the term. Basically, his heart will occasionally stop beating in sync. He's 100% VA disabled, with plates and everything.

We've been to WDW at least 3 times in the past two years, for a few days at a time.

He's NEVER considered the GAC, for the same reasons as mentioned above. He feels there are other people who deserve it more than him. He'll sit and rest, enjoy people watching, then get back into lines when he feels better.

Ah, and...Crash? I speak for my dad, I know, when I thank you for your sacrifice. He talked to the USMC about re-entering the Corps from retirement, to help, but was told his heart would make it impossible. Still gripes about it.

So, a Toast to you and your other friends, Crash. :winetost: Fly High, I believe is the motto.

marcusgalen

My dad was Air Force during the Agent Orange days - he was aircrew on C-130's, and actually handled the stuff with his bare hands. He too had heart problems, as well as liver problems, lung problems, pretty much everything but cancer. He too had a handicap tag, and even rode an electric scooter -and like your dad never asked for a GAC or anything like that...it just wasn't his style. He had over 50 heart procedures before he died in 2003 - three months before I graduated from college. He said the Corps was way ahead of the other branches of the service when it comes to taking care of it's people - especially where Agent Orange was concerned.

Thank your dad for his service - I work with several retired Marine officers - including my boss, all of whom also fought in Viet Nam. They are pretty tough - and always the guys you want on your side!

[turkeyham]

My friend's dad was in the NAVY. He was exposed to agent orange also. He went to the hospital a few weeks ago and thought he was having a heart attack. The agent orange made him stiff as a board and he can no longer move. Parolized all over. He turns 80 on Sunday. :(

[Heavenleigh]

Speaking as a mother of a autistic child. She is only 4 so I use her stroller as a wheelchair. Does she need it all the time no she doesn't. However when she gets to crowded by people or stops moving she begins to hit kick and grab anything thats around her so the stroller is more of a way to keep her in a safe spot and her away from guests. She also has the GAE because she NEEDS it. Before I found out about that pass we maybe did one ride the entire day because the waits were to long... and explaining that to a autistic child... not fun.

I do agree thou when my family comes to town and we are a part of 4 or more the other people do wait in the regular line. Because the pass is for MY child not the 100 people with me who are just trying to get out of waiting in line.

I also think people and families who have someone with a disabilty would have NO problem having paperwork with them to prove that their child or whoever has a disability. My child looks typical until you see her start walking on tiptoes or with her headphones on to block out loud noises or flapping her arms.

I also think if you CAN wait in lines you should because is only fair. I WISH my child could wait in lines. I would be doing cartwheels at disney If I had a typical child and didn't need the GAE.

As for people who get wheelchairs and makeup illness to get ahead of lines... well hopefully karma's a b#$%h!!!