Summary: <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Fairimage1.jpg"></a> Special Mouse listeners weigh in with their opinions during Part Two of Disney's DAS: Is it "fair?" With guest Maureen Deal from Autism at the Parks. Thank you to all the listeners who submitted their insights to this important question. Regretfully, not all submissions were mentioned on the show due to time constraints. To continue this discussion about Disney's DAS and others of interest to Disney travelers with special needs, consider joining the Special Mouse Listener Discussion Group on Facebook. Contact Kathy at specialmousepodcast@gmail.com for more information about this private discussion group. Mentioned during this episode: Ed Russell: There were many people that 'gamed' the system with the original GAC; even the paper DAS had its share (but not as many); the electronic DAS has reduced 'gaming' to a minimum, in my opinion. Is it fair? Those with mobility issues probably don't think so, BUT the majority of mobility issue really are resolved with a wheelchair of ECV - and you don't need any more accommodations if a mobility issue is your only problem. For other problems, the DAS IS fair - in general. However, there are a few times when NOTHING can really accommodate the problems, not even the DAS and extra accommodations. Occasionally you will run across the CM that doesn't really understand your needs - ask to speak with a supervisor. Disney really does try to accommodate everyone, and is better at it than most companies. Jen Ivey: I think on paper it sounds like fair and reasonable accommodation and would work great for someone who has a full understanding of the concept of waiting or interests in multiple things to fill that wait time. We will be using the DAS for the 1st time in Sep. My son doesn't care about characters, window shopping or sitting to eat for any length of time so filling that 40min to an hour us going to be difficult either way. It seems the qualifications for DAS are different than the GAC so that results in less use and in theory they could've kept the old system and less people would be allowed "instant Access" as people called it and really doesn't affect the other riders at all. The DAS is not fair in the fact it adds to our whole family’s anxiety on vacation at a place where we try to function as a typical family. Does that make sense? Michelle Haffer: Is the DAS fair....? Good question. I can only answer from our perspective and that is from a parent of a 12 year old daughter who is on severe side of the autism spectrum and has moderate MR according to her diagnosis. I don't like that word, but it is written in her diagnosis. When the DAS first replaced GAC I panicked. The GAC work so well for us and we were able to see and do so much before DD needed a break from the parks. Midday breaks are a MUST. How could we achieve that with the new DAS!? In April 2014 we made our first trip with the DAS and also carefully planned FP+ return times to coordinate with DAS return times. We tend to focus on attractions in one area of the park, especially at MK, and felt the DAS/FP+ combo worked excellently for our family, especially for rides she likes to do twice. However, please know that she doesn't usually need to repeat rides like some of the spectrum do. My Maddy has autism and has needs that fall under the new DAS guidelines. Is the DAS fair to everyone? I am seeing more and more reports of guests being denied a DAS. The Disney FAQ page states the DAS is for those that cannot wait in the conventional queue. I know that there are MANY valid reasons why guests cannot wait in the conventional queue, not just our reasons. [autism-related] Does that seem fair, NO.” Diane Myers From my view the DAS is an attempt to throw a blanket access accommodation over a significant portion of the guest population where the blanket doesn't cover everyone. Is it fair? I'm not sure how to answer that.
