http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/ For the special side of us all! Discuss your special need: mobility, hearing, autism, pregnancy, infants, diet, and more! en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:26:23 GMT vBulletin 120 http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/ http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/209084-flying-g-tube-pump-feedings.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:40:06 GMT Has anyone flown with a g-tube recently?

I understand the airlines will not consider a feeding pump in a backpack to be part of the passenger's baggage allowance, but how do you manage a continuous feeding? Will the TSA allow a feeding to be infusing while going through the security check and while flying?

I'll talk to home health about this question, but I assume we'll travel with the pump they provide us, rather than renting one when we get there... But what about the formula, bags and tubing, as well as syringes for flushes? -- do we take that, or arrange it to be delivered to the resort by an agency in Orlando?

This is new territory for us!! Thanks for any light you can shed on our path!

--Linda ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs lindadarrall http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/209084-flying-g-tube-pump-feedings.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/209049-cochlear-implants.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:37:22 GMT Hi everybody,

We heading to WDW in 14 days. First time for all of us. I have a profoundly deaf daughter wearing bilateral cochlear implants. The new generation of behind-the-ear processors are splash resistant, but by no mean waterproof! I was wondering which attractions to stay away from. A little spray is ok, like she can be in the rain and it's no problem, but she can't shower or swim with them. She hates to remove them although she can read lips ok and talk clearly without them...

All of you who have been there before, what should we stay away from?

Thanks for your help.

Annie ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs sdcanuck1998 http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/209049-cochlear-implants.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208928-gac-should-i-get-one.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:31 GMT I tried reading the sticky but found it confusing for my particular situation. I'm not sure if I need to get one or not and thought my fellow passporters with experience in this area would be able to help me.

As you know from my previous posts, I have stress fractures in my legs, 3 in total. It happened at the start of October but I didn't actually get the diagnosis until the end of October. I have one in my right leg which isn't too bad and I can put weight on it without issue. I have 2 stress fractures in my left shin bone. 1 in the upper third, which is further along in the healing process, and 1 in the lower third, which is the more painful of two and the one which is the worse fracture. It is for this reason that I have a walking cast on my left leg. I have had the cast since the end of October and I will have the cast until just after I return from my trip to WDW which takes place December 1 -9, 2009.

It is because of the cast that I have opted to rent an ECV for the entire length of my stay to assist me in getting around WDW. The cast not only adds about 5 - 10 additional pounds to the weight of my left leg but it stunts the way in which I walk which puts pressure on my knees and hips after an extended period of time. So the ECV will assist me by allowing me to get around WDW without the need to walk.

My question is will I need to get a Guest Assistance Card as well? I have needed one in the past as I have no issues that would require the use of one. Even though I am renting an ECV, I am more than able to transfer out of it into the ride vehicles, with assistance from my mother, who is travelling with me, when necessary, like if I have to step down into the ride, as I cannot bend my ankle when wearing the cast and my foot turnover is not very good. It is obvious that I am wearing a cast on my leg, especially if I am in shorts, but even if I am wearing long pants, as it doesn't look anything like running shoe. But then I know that people tend not to be very observant of things, as I've noticed in the few weeks of wearing the cast.

Would having a cast on my leg/foot warrant the use of a Guest Assistant Card?:confused: ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Mystic http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208928-gac-should-i-get-one.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208807-two-seperate-gacs.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:11:46 GMT Our son has autism. We have got guest assistance card to help him deal with his issues last time we went to DW/MK. He is doing awesome but it still going to freak out if someone, you know, LOOKS at him, or speaks to him, or heaven forbid, touches him. We actually kept his GAC from last time, so I am figuring that handing over that and the doctor's letter asking for those accommodations should make getting a new card for him simple and painless.

But now, our daughter. A few years ago after our last visit she developed a tremor. A serious business tremor not a little thing. Then ataxia. Stressful months have lead to no diagnosis (but thankfully some helpful meds). She has cerebellar atrophy, dygenesis of the corpus callosum (which we actually knew about at age 5 months but had never caused a problem), a couple hippocampal cysts, migraine headaches, ataxia, REM sleep behavior disorder (associated with the cerebellar problems), visual field disturbance, square wave jerks and saccadic intrusions that occur often and rapidly enough that they interfere with her vision, cognitive deficits, left side motor in coordination, and ataxia.

The simplest description would be she is like someone who had a stroke. It takes her longer to understand what you are saying, longer to respond, and anything she is trying to do with her left side, well, allow a long time. She kind of sundowns. Starts out strong and then wavers as the day goes.

Initially I wasn't planning on getting her a GAC. I mean, her brother will have one. And we're taking a good (older) friend for her to go on some of the rides that I can't tolerate with her. AND sometimes she is okay. I mean, there will be times, until she gets too tired that she can walk about the park like every other 12 year old out there. And once she can't there's a fair chance we'll have to rent a wheelchair. Which will make it obvious we need help.

Then, I was thinking, what if we separate them and she does need it. We usually took Monkey (DS) out of the park after just 2 hours there last time. Would it be easier to just get two at the start so I have one for her if she needs it. And of course, if she is doing well and doesn't need it we just won't use it.

Or If I have 3 kids with me and need 2 passes are they going to look at me like I'm smoking crack?

Anyone with similar issues that can be exacerbated by fatigue? People that could be fine, or could not? Any advice would be MUCH appreciated. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Txmommy929 http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208807-two-seperate-gacs.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208640-could-use-advice-suggestions.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:13:30 GMT My dad is going to join us on our upcoming trip (in less than a week!) He has rheumothoid arthritis and he also has a serious heart condition. The arthritis causes him a LOT of pain when walking for very long (especially stairs) and his heart condition causes him to tire easily and he is prone to fainting when he gets over tired or standing too long. He does NOT want to rent a scooter even though I know he needs it. I also think a GAC would be great for him, but I know with out even mentioning it that he would be dead set against it. He says he will just head back to the hotel when he is tired. Any suggestions? Also can someone tell me the cost of scooter and wheelchair rentals at the park? I'd like to have a rough cost in case he changes his mind once he is at the parks. Thanks! ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs B.M. http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208640-could-use-advice-suggestions.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208465-disney-dining-plan-3yr-old-does-not-eat-solid-food.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:51:25 GMT My son son is three and has developemental delays. He currently eats very pureed food and will not tolerate anything solid. He also will not sit and stand for a very long time and does not walk at all. I am planning a trip for next June 2010 and would like to get the deluxe dp. for an 8 day trip with hoppers. What do I do with my son's admission and dp? I really don't want to pay for something he will not use at all. However, I don't want to lie about his age and be made to pay his portion on the day of check-in. What should I do? ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Gina Mouse http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208465-disney-dining-plan-3yr-old-does-not-eat-solid-food.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208463-scooter-charging-power.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:28:07 GMT I'm heading to the World in 3 weeks time and will be renting an ECV for the first time for the length of my stay from Walker Mobility. I'm wondering if I should maybe pack an extension cord or something, like one of the heavy duty orange ones, in case I can't get the scooter close enough to an outlet in the room to plug it in.

Also will I have any issues getting it through the hotel room door? We really don't want to have to request a handicapped room as I am mobile enough to not require a handicapped shower or anything. I have stress fractures in my left shin and a removable walking cast on my leg which allows me to use a normal tub and shower.

One other question, how long will the charge on the scooter last? Will it go all day? We have one day planned where we're spending the day in AK from park opening until at least 5pm, then we have a 7:30pm dinner at Raglan Road and we are thinking of heading to MK after dinner as it's open until 1am that night. Will the scooter go that long?

I've never rented one before, never had the need, so my mom and I have a lot of questions. Oh and we're staying at the Poly if that helps. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Mystic http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208463-scooter-charging-power.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208396-special-needs-sharing-question-does-traveling-warmer-climate-help-your-aches-pains.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:33:13 GMT Some say yes, and some say no. Does traveling to a warmer climate help your aches and pains? If not, do you have any tips for helping with creaky arthritic joints, or that old football injury that acts up every winter? Some say yes, and some say no. Does traveling to a warmer climate help your aches and pains?

If not, do you have any tips for helping with creaky arthritic joints, or that old football injury that acts up every winter? ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Sandra Bostwick http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/208396-special-needs-sharing-question-does-traveling-warmer-climate-help-your-aches-pains.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207960-special-needs-sharing-question-scooter-techie-tips.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:15:12 GMT Can any ECV experts share their tips for those who might be riding for the first time? This is not for discussing specific rental places, which is discussed in the stickie, but for any mechanical, operational, or navigational hints. Can any ECV experts share their tips for those who might be riding for the first time?

This is not for discussing specific rental places, which is discussed in the stickie, but for any mechanical, operational, or navigational hints. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Sandra Bostwick http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207960-special-needs-sharing-question-scooter-techie-tips.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207860-audio-assistive-device.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:10:01 GMT I know all my friends here will be able to help with this question. My "dreams take flight" group of kids is visually impaired and speak mostly french. there are 8 of them. one of the Air Canada employees travelling with the kids asked about audio assistive devices (?hand held) to help the kids. it would be great if they were in french. it seems to me i have seen folks with some sort of earphone things on and that those were in different languages. so, can anyone help me out with any info about any such devices? thanks..... ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs skateycat http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207860-audio-assistive-device.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207697-first-time-ecv-renter-has-questions.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:04:59 GMT I just returned from WDW with sore knees, arthritis, so I guess my next trip will be with an ECV. Remember, I've never rented one at WDW, or really paid too much attention, so I'm sorry I've got some real basic questions. I really only need the scooter for long distances-like getting from BCV over to FW in Epcot. But once I'm at, say, the F&W festival center, I could walk all around inside. Same thing at UK, I need the ECV to get there, but I can walk around all the stores. Walking in and around Beaches and Cream is no problem, but where do I leave my ECV while I do these things? I know at MK, there are stroller "parking lots". Is this the type of place I leave my ECV? In Africa/AK, if I want to go to Dawa Bar, shop in some stores, go on the KS ride, is there one central place I can leave the EVC if I really only need it for the long trip back to the front of the park, or do I have to take it everywhere with me? And if anyone knows of any helpful "ECV 101" links, I'd really appreciate it. TIA. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207697-first-time-ecv-renter-has-questions.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207530-best-place-see-parades-wheelchair.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:46:13 GMT Since we will be taking DD's wheelchair to WDW next month for the first time, I am wondering where would be the best place to catch a good viewing of the parades and Wishes. As for Illuminations in Epcot, we have a 7:30 ressie at Rose and Crown. I am hoping for an outside table so we can enjoy dessert while we watch Wishes. SO I am mostly wondering about MK. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs PamelaK http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207530-best-place-see-parades-wheelchair.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207512-might-need-rent-wheelchair.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:05:03 GMT After both x-rays and some bone scans, I found out from my doctor that I have stress fractures in my leg. I'm now waiting to get into a fracture clinic to find out what they're going to do to treat it so I'm not 100% sure yet if I'll be in a cast or not. My mom and I are scheduled to arrive at Disney on December 1. I'm thinking I'll most likely need to rent a wheelchair as I don't think my leg, even it it's not in a cast at the time, will be able to handle a full day of walking on it in the park, even if I can manage walking on it at the resort (either with or without my crutches). I'm looking at renting a standard wheelchair for the length of our stay, I'm not comfortable with renting an ECV, and I'm undecided about which company to rent one from. I'm looking for peoples opinions and experiences (both good and bad) with renting from Walker Mobility and Care Medical.

Thanks in advance

Mystic. ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Mystic http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207512-might-need-rent-wheelchair.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207461-man-motorized-chair-gets-dwi.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:48:14 GMT DWI in La-Z-Boy: Driver pleads guilty - Vehicular weirdness- msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33436913/ns/us_news-weird_news/?GT1=43001) So be careful, you members on wheels!:p DWI in La-Z-Boy: Driver pleads guilty - Vehicular weirdness- msnbc.com

So be careful, you members on wheels!:p ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Sandra Bostwick http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207461-man-motorized-chair-gets-dwi.html http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207388-special-needs-sharing-question-do-you-have-any-tips-managing-noise-sensitivities-crowded-loud-places.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:33:01 GMT What do you do to manage noise sensitivities in crowded or loud places? Do you use any special devices? Do you have any timing routines? What tips can you give for those who might have sensitivities to noise? What do you do to manage noise sensitivities in crowded or loud places?

Do you use any special devices?

Do you have any timing routines?

What tips can you give for those who might have sensitivities to noise? ]]> Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs Sandra Bostwick http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/vacationing-your-way-your-special-needs/207388-special-needs-sharing-question-do-you-have-any-tips-managing-noise-sensitivities-crowded-loud-places.html