Summary: <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/The-Magic-is-for-Everyone-e1439931299571.png"></a> Guest Maureen Deal from <a href="http://autismattheparks.com/">AutismAtTheParks.com</a> joins Kathy to discuss whether or not Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS) accommodation is "fair" and, if so, to whom? We have discussed the change in Disney's system of accommodation for guests with disabilities from the GAC to the DAS at length in previous episodes. Today we begin a dialogue, not about the effectiveness of the current system, but rather whether or not the current system is fair. This is in response to recent posts on social media from travel agents specializing in Disney vacation-planning who expressed frustration regarding some of their clients' response to the current system. Unlike the previous system of accommodation, the DAS does not provide accellerated access to attractions for guests with disabilities. It should be noted that Maureen and I are speaking as parents of children on the severe end of the Autism Spectrum. Naturally, this has affected our own experiences and our personal opinions. Opinions of Special Mouse listeners regarding this question were requested and permission to share was granted. Some points covered in this episode are: Accommodations for Disney Park guests with special needs are now provided based upon specific criteria and many people "fall through the cracks." Guests with challenges related to mobility/endurance are advised to rent a wheelchair or scooter if they do not already have one and the alternate entrance accommodation is provided if a queue is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests who find it difficult to wait in a standard queue environment due to cognitive/sensory issues are offered the DAS, which provides not accellerated access, but a "virtual wait" (Details regarding services for guests with disabilities can be found on <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/">Disney's official website.</a>) What is "fair?" Is "fair" the same as "equal?" <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Equal-vs-Fair.png"></a> Was the DAS created to be fair for Disney park guests with disabilities or fair for "all of our guests?" (Meaning, the guests who do not require accommodations for disabilities.) We discuss society's attitudes toward people with disabilities, particularly intellectual disabilities. Has the GAC/DAS issue fostered an "us against them" mentality between typical guests and guests with disabilities and their families? Do guests with disabilities feel "entitlement?" Are guests without disabilities insensitive to the needs of others? Is accommodating the needs of the disabled fine and dandy UNTIL it is perceived to impact the non-disabled guest experience? Does one size fit all when it comes to accommodations for special needs? (DAS or Mobility Device.) After all, that one glass slipper didn't fit every foot! Special Accommodations for Specific Circumstances DAS, with its virtual wait, will accommodate many of our Guests with disabilities. We recognize, however, that our Guests with disabilities have varying needs, and we will continue to work individually with our Guests to provide assistance. In unique situations, our Guest Relations staff will discuss special accommodations for persons who are concerned DAS doesn’t meet their needs (e.g., those whose disability limits the duration of their visit to the park or limits their choice of attractions). Are guests' individual needs taken into account when additional accommodations are requested as promised by Disney in October of 2013? Or is additional accommodation "one-size-fits-all" as well? (Individual attraction re-admission pass (essentially one additional FastPass) that must be requested daily and on an individual basis.) <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Oliver.jpg"></a>
