[garada3]

I have read many stories (here and elsewhere, shhh) that discuss people cutting across the path of those using wheelchairs and EVC's. Besides being very aware of our immediate surroundings before changing course and trying to help my children do this also : ), how else can we help?

Many common curtesy issues have been discussed here such as giving up one's seat to one who needs it more, please's, thank you's and I'm sorry's, not running over people with the stroller etc. I really hope that my lessons at home carry over to vacation.

Are there any other things that park goers can do to make everyones experience more enjoyable?

Here are a few questions:
Are doors to restaraunts etc the "push button" open kind? Are the diaper decks in the common area of the restrooms or in the assistance device equipped stall? Are the store aisles accessible?
Are attractions seats reserved for those who need assistance only filled by those who need assistance? What about transportation, are there certain seats in monorails, busses etc specifically marked? Is it considered rude to use these seats/doors if there is no one around who needs them?

After working with adults with intellectual disabilities for several years, I have come to understand that many more people would be willing to help if they knew what to do or what to say. Can you offer any suggestions?

[Amneris]

Some answers...

Are the diaper decks in the common area of the restrooms or in the assistance device equipped stall?

I think they were in the common area ... but I'm not 100% on that one.

Are the store aisles accessible?

Yes and no. The MAIN aisles in the stores are. But moving around the displays, and checking out the stuff along the walls of the shops can at times be tricky.

Are attractions seats reserved for those who need assistance only filled by those who need assistance? What about transportation, are there certain seats in monorails, busses etc specifically marked? Is it considered rude to use these seats/doors if there is no one around who needs them?

Both rides (of the sit-down theater type) and the monorail have special sections for wheel chair guest and their companions. With the rides, I don't think you really can sit there if you are not disabled. With the monorail, I've often leaned against the divider with the handicap symbol on it when there was not a disabled person in the car -- that one's not a problem.

[jmouse]

Are doors to restaraunts etc the "push button" open kind?
Not all doors. You also have to look for ramps to bypass steps.

Are the store aisles accessible?
Some places are tight fits. Do not attempt to go into most stores with an ECV at very crowded times.

Are attractions seats reserved for those who need assistance only filled by those who need assistance?
Yes. Guests who sit in these areas who are not disabled will be asked to move. The ony exception is that sometimes these areas are opened up to all guests at the last minute when they are not needed for those requiring such assistance.

What about transportation, are there certain seats in monorails, busses etc specifically marked? Is it considered rude to use these seats/doors if there is no one around who needs them?
Yes, there are certain seats/areas designated for the disabled in all buses, boats, and monorails. Guests who do not need these areas will be asked to move if the seats/areas are needed for disabled guests.

[tinkerbell]

ok this is just me :) in bathrooms I never use the one that is for handicapped, I have always been that way .. but I think when it comes to small children and pregnant women .. its understandable :) lol specially pregnant women!!!

garada3, love your post .. and I think we have to be realistic .. specially at WDW. DH and I have talked about how you just get so caught up in the magic that you arent really paying attention to what / or who maybe near by. The best I think you can do is try to. What we both love about his wheelchair is all it takes to stop it is let go the control. small children are our biggest worry ..because we know how quickly they can move and lets face it folks .. they maybe littler then us but they sure are faster :)

[garada3]

I try not to use them too Tinkerbell. It really bothers me when businesses put the diaper deck in that stall. When my kids were in diapers (were!!!!) I always felt bad taking up that stall to change them!

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by jmouse


Are the store aisles accessible?
Some places are tight fits. Do not attempt to go into most stores with an ECV at very crowded times.

or a electric w/c. DH tried at the large Disney Store at DTD but it just was not possible for him to get around in there with the crowd. Actually it was that way for him in all the stores.
When we went down to Old Port Royal he would always use his cane. If we had not stayed so close though it would have been impossible for him to have done so.

He never took his w/c in to the restuarants. he would leave it outside and use his cane. The reason he did this was a post here where someone said their child in a restuarant was run over :( and he wanted to make sure he did not do anything like that.

I know it takes consideration on everyones part :)