[blindkid] FW: [sensoryintegration] RE: DISNEYLAND RALLY THIS SATURDAY

Fri Oct 11 12:06:14 UTC 2013

It seems to me that blindness alone MAY be enough of a reason in some cases-- for example, if Disney (as mentioned by others) won't offer more appropriate seating for a low vision guest to see what can be seen in a show (from the front row perhaps) without a pass, or if there are possibly some tactile opportunities which would require being in a particular spot for access (I can't specify an example, but it seems potentially possible.)

What especially concerns me is when blind park guests (or parents of the same) begin to feel like they must not accept accommodation for a situation that may well be appropriate (like a sensory issue, for example) where a person might be overwhelmed by a line, crowd interaction, etc. 

Some of us seem to want everyone to decline the accommodation option because we don't want the general public to see this as a negative issue regarding blindness, when the cause may have nothing to do with the blindness per se.

We often speak of having typical children who happen to be blind, but what of, say, an autistic child, who happens to be blind? Do we want to make that parent feel like they should place a child in a situation where the child may be stressed and miserable simply to avoid perpetuation of misconceptions about BLINDNESS? That's really not fair if we do that, though we all realize that what the public is going to SEE is the child's white cane, not the fact that the child has other sensory issues to manage. 

The discussion is somewhat moot at this point, because a large portion of the available (Disney) accommodation has been withdrawn, and I suggest that this withdrawal has little to do with abuse of the accommodation by blind guests OR sensory impaired guests (or many other special needs guests). 

From what I understand, a substantial number of able-bodied guests were outright misrepresenting their situations, and in some cases, park visitors were actually going so far as hiring a disabled person to accompany their family to gain fast-pass access to rides and attractions. 

It seems to me that the "take home message" in all of this is to do what you honestly feel is right and appropriate in your own situation and let others make their own choices.  Hopefully not enough people will abuse the system to the point where voluntary accommodations from the likes of Disney continue to be limited or withdrawn. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 10, 2013, at 8:23 AM, "Brandy W., with Discovery Toys" <ballstobooks at gmail.com> wrote:

> While I understand that blindness alone doesn’t need a special pass at Disney many of our children have other disabilities that do make the pass make their trip a special and equal experience. Please if you have children who will be effected by this pass please write to the information in this email.
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> Thanks,
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> Bran
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> From: sensoryintegrationgroup at yahoogroups.com [mailto:sensoryintegrationgroup at yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of girllofgod at yahoo.com
> Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2013 12:45 AM
> To: sensoryintegrationgroup at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [sensoryintegration] RE: DISNEYLAND RALLY THIS SATURDAY
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> Hi Everyone,
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> We are putting a rally together at Disneyland on Saturday. We need as many supporters as possible. We are going have a few leaders in different locations like possibly the 7/11 location again and Downtown Disney and somewhere else. Please message me if you want to participate and please, please spread the word. Time T.B.A.
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> I believe all entertainment venues are watching this and are children's freedom is in jeopardy. For those of you who cannot participate, we are asking to hold rally's at your local Disney Stores. Please voice your concerns by calling the park and sending your letter and sharing your stories how the Disability Passes need to be made available for any person with Special Needs.
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> Here is the information to let your voices be heard. Feel to flood their Facebook page under the recommendations section as well.
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> CALL (714) 781-4636. Select the option to speak to a cast member about general questions. Once you get a live person on the other end, ask to be transferred to "Guest Relations In the Park." This is some kind of code for them. But also ask for them to stay on the line while you are being transferred to make sure it goes through. You should then be talking to someone else who will know a lot more about the proposed discontinuation of the guest services program than the initial people you reach will.
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> For those people with annual passes, I tried to call the number for help with that, (714) 781-7277, but ended up back at the same voice menu you get when you call the general number.
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> MAIL YOUR LETTERS WITH YOUR PERSONAL STORIES TO
> 
> Mailing Address:
> Disneyland Resort
> P.O. Box 3232
> Anaheim, CA 92802-3232
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> AND
> CC:
> Robert A. Iger
> Chief Executive Officer
> The Walt Disney Company
> 500 South Buena Vista Street
> Burbank, CA 91521-4873
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> AND
> cc:Thomas O. Staggs
> Chairman
> Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
> 500 South Buena Vista Street
> Burbank, CA 91521-4873
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> Nancy
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