Alright – so, if you know me or follow my advocacy then you understand I think there are two ways to fight. One is through advocacy and inclusion and the other is via lawsuits. I have written about this which has also affected me. My son loves Disney but after they changed their services for people with disabilities including autism – it has been very hard to visit Disney. Children with autism often don’t understand the concept of waiting which is why so many ABA programs start with a wait target. Usually it is waiting for seconds or maybe minutes at a time. However, Disney’s new rule says – the wait for this line is an hour and half, we will give you a pass to use after the ninety minutes are over. I know what now? If my child can wait for 90 minutes for something, heck anything – then why are we even here. We could just stand and wait in the regular line with people without disabilities. This is similar if you told someone with no legs to be in a running competition with someone who has legs and the only accommodation you made was give them a wheelchair. The one with legs will still win because a wheelchair can’t compete fairly in this situation. Maybe this is not a good example but the point is the ability to understand waiting concept is one of the characteristics for autism and to make them wait for a ride when they can’t even comprehend the concept waiting is just cruel.
At any rate, there have been some amazing autism parents in various states such as California and Florida who sued Disney and some judge took on the side of Disney but some the parents appealed and there is a good news on this. Also, if you want to keep calling Disney as I do and complain about their proper accommodation for people with disabilities particularly those with developmental disability, you can call 8185601000 and press one. You can tell them your experience with your child. The more of us call – the better.
Here and here are previous blogs on this issue. I am a firm believer that individuals with autism must be part of their communities including going on vacations and enjoying life as any other human being. I also believe it is right and fair to accommodate them when necessary and needed because of their disability. No one is perfect, but individuals with autism are perfect in an imperfect world.
Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee.
Idil – Autism Mom