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Places such as Six Flags and Noah’s Ark are popular for many families. Amusement parks and theme parks are usually fun relaxing places for most people.
That isn’t the case for people with physical disabilities. Rollercoasters and many other rides aren’t accessible. Even if I could get on a ride with assistance, because of my poor head control, I’m not allowed on most rides.
When my sister and I were younger, we did the Disney parks in Orlando, Florida. We did a different park almost every year. Disney is actually pretty accessible. They do all they can for people with disabilities. People with disabilities and their families are automatically moved to the front of the lines. I don’t agree with this policy for the most part. It made my family and I feel a little embarrassed when we were escorted to the front of lines when sometimes literally hundreds of people had been waiting hours for a ride or an attraction. We didn’t feel right that just we got to go first just because I have a disability.
In recent years, Disney has come under scrutiny regarding the policy. They’ve had issues with identifying people with disabilities and some people faking having a disability just so they could get to the front of the lines. I believe there are some special circumstances where people should be granted the privilege of being at the front of the line. When an individual is terminally ill and time is literally of essence, I believe they shouldn’t have to wait in lines. I also think that there some unique circumstances when people have a very hard time waiting because of their intellectual disability. I’m not sure how Disney (and other theme parks) can police this. Maybe people get a note from their doctor and then get a card when they arrive at the park that identifies that they need that privilege. That’s just my idea.
My family loves to go to Wisconsin Dells. We love to swim. Waterparks aren’t very wheelchair friendly. We went to Family Land (now Mount Olympus) quite often when we were little. It was less hilly and a little bit more accessible than Noah’s Ark. The wave pool and lazy river are my favorite! The waterslides are really hard to access. There are usually steep hills and stairs up to them. I remember when I was really little, a few times my dad carried me up, handed me to my mom, he went down first so he could catch me when I came down with mom, and then I went down on mom’s lap. That only happened a few times though because it took a lot to get me up there. I absolutely love the wave pool because I can sit in an inner tube by myself and ride the waves. Someone has to be right next to me in case the tube flips, but I just love it! My parents and I recently went to Mount Olympus again for the first time in 10 or 15 years. I was surprised that the accessibility hasn’t improved much. In fact, in my opinion, it has gotten worse from how it was years ago. Sure, they have accessible restrooms and changing rooms, but with all the new attractions and rides they’ve added (very few of which I could enjoy), it’s much more hilly and hard to get around.
I understand that when most amusement parks and waterparks are developed people with disabilities aren’t normally thought of as prime clientele, but we enjoy and deserve to have fun with our family and friends too. I’ve recently read about how some amusement parks are becoming more disability friendly. One theme park in Tennessee added a sensory room for those who have sensory disorders. Other parks are making similar accommodations. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn’t been a wheelchair accessible rollercoaster made yet. If there ever is, though, you can bet I’ll be the first in line!
Do I wish I could go on every ride just like everyone else? Of course I do. I would love nothing more than to be able to go to Six Flags for a day with a bunch of friends, but that’s just not possible. I figure life is full of enough rollercoasters I can ride!
***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Family Care and IRIS Programs Expand to Rock County
By SD Network, 2016-07-06
On July 1st, Family Care and IRIS expanded to Rock County. This will put an end to a waiting list for over 400 people who have been waiting for long-term care service. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County has been counseling people, helping them decide which program best meets their needs.
A new app with VoiceOver technology allows people who have visual impairments to enjoy their favorite newspapers. The free app doesn't need any special formats. It works directly from the newspaper website and uses the computer version algorithms to interpret the newspaper layout. The app supports English, Spanish, French, and German.
Applications are being accepted for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking. Partners is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state, who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Apply now!
Download the application here: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/projects/partnersinpolicymaking/partnersadvocacytraining.cfm
People with disabilities often struggle to stay physically active. Apple recently announced that the Apple Watch will soon allow people who use wheelchairs to track their activity level much like the fitness trackers allow for people running and walking. The software update coming in fall will apply wheelchair pushes to all-day calorie goals. It will also be to offer things such as wheelchair-specific workouts.
On June 1st, Ohio became the first state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Ohio, the accounts are known as "STABLE accounts." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. STABLE accounts are open to both residents in Ohio as well as across the country.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Tennessee Launches Country’s Second ABLE Program
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
On June 14th, Tennessee became the second state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Tennessee, the program is known as "ABLE TN." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Tennessee as well as across the country.
Nebraska launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Nebraska, the program is known as "ENABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Nebraska as well as across the country.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about Summer Fun & Safety
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
Summertime is usually thought of as a time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. Families often take vacations to theme parks and waterparks, people play sports, etc... For many people with disabilities, though, the summer season can present a host of challenge. Are parks accessible? How can I stay safe in the heat? The list goes on and on.
Here is a great list of things to keep in mind about summer fun and safety. There are a bunch of links to helpful resources included in the list.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 26 at the end of July. The ADA improves lives of people with disabilities in many ways. This blog talks about some of them and discusses briefly how the Act was formed.