Universal now requiring documentation be sent to a third party for accessibility

[razlime]

Just signed my son up for this for Universal Hollywood now that we have annual passes.

Took all of 3 minutes. I used his IEP as the supporting documentation, since that's an easier option. I do have a signed letter from my son's psychiatrist as well, but right now will use the IEP since it has a lot less personal information.

We were issued a .pdf of his temporary card immediately via email. Seems like a very simple system.

The IEP feature seems really handy for kids. Adults with disabilities are definitely in a tougher spot.

 

[disney-inspired]

Are you talking about Disneyland Paris or Tokyo? Disneyland (CA) doesn't use any sort of preapproval system currently.

To get DAS you need to complete an 'interview' for the DAS; I'm referring to the virtual interview can be done prior (up to 30 days) and no less than 2 days before arriving at the parks. You can't just walk up and get the pass without having a conversation about the need for the pass.

It's different than what Universal will be implementing but it is still a pre-approval of sorts.

 

[DLgal]

All this and a limitless supply of marketing material forever flooding your email and physical mail boxes. You can only “opt out” of their sharing your information AFTER you sign up. They don’t provide any information about how long it takes to get off their distribution list, and once your info is shared, you can’t claw it back.

So what? You can simply use email filters to block anything you want from any sender. So use them.

This is such a non issue. I don't forsee my inbox being "flooded" by emails from this organization, but I will be interested to get any relevant emails regarding our registration status, renewal requirments, etc.

 

[disney-inspired]

I think that poster means the pre-registration, which is optional. I can't speak for whether it has impacted DAS use in CA.

Yes, I was referring to the pre-registration but you still need to 'make your case' for the DAS.

 

[disney-inspired]

The IEP feature seems really handy for kids. Adults with disabilities are definitely in a tougher spot.

I agree. The doctor's note could be relatively easy for those with easy access to their doctor but if not, it's could be very difficult and time-consuming.
Thankfully my doctor's office (UCLA health) is very pro-technology and I can connect w/ them via the MyChart app. I was able to get my handicap placard paperwork completed quickly as well.

 

[DLgal]

The IEP feature seems really handy for kids. Adults with disabilities are definitely in a tougher spot.

How so? You can upload any government document that certifies your disability. Many adults with disabilities are enrolled in state or county specific support programs for adults. Adults who are conserved or placed under guardianship have a court document stating such. Disabled adult veterans have VA documentation stating their disabilities. Anyone else with a legitimate disability and need for accommodations should be under the care of a doctor who would have no problem writing a basic letter (or, better, just signing their name to a letter that you pre write for them). My son's psychiatrist didn't charge me to generate a letter that we needed to submit to a government agency showing that he was an adult dependent child with a disability that does not allow him to be self sufficient in terms of gainful employment. She didn't charge a penny for it. We asked during a routine appointment. She very helpfully added his diagnoses and summarized his limitations. This is a routine ask of doctors who care for patients with disabilities. It is needed for a LOT of services and benefit programs.

 

[DLgal]

To get DAS you need to complete an 'interview' for the DAS; I'm referring to the virtual interview can be done prior (up to 30 days) and no less than 2 days before arriving at the parks. You can't just walk up and get the pass without having a conversation about the need for the pass.

It's different than what Universal will be implementing but it is still a pre-approval of sorts.

Not totally true. Universal explicitly states that the card will NOT simply grant you ride access. You STILL have to visit Guest Relations and speak to a Team Member in order to obtain an attraction assistance pass. This card simply gets the ball rolling on the process.

And whether you do the DAS pre registration or ask for it in person, it's the same process and the same questions asked by the Cast Member. We have done it both ways for both WDW and DL. Just did it this week for our upcoming WDW vacation and my son is a current DAS holder at Disneyland as well.

 

[greeneyedchick]

You all are so helpful with accessibility at Disney, I just wanted to make sure you heard Universal is ending their AAP program and switching to the third party program that Six Flags uses which will require either a doctor's note or an IEP for proof, IBCCES Accessibility Card.

Details can be found on Universal's accessibility information page.

I have pretty mixed feelings. This is an additional barrier for people in need of accommodations to get them, especially if they don't have easy access to a specialist willing to fight for them, but I understand taking validation off the plates of workers at the parks. I do wish they'd also update the paper pass system to an app-based one like Disney has at least.

If anyone has experience with IAC and wants to share I'd love to hear it!

Thank you for letting me know. I wasn't aware of this. In some ways I think this would be better because I feel like they just think I'm trying to scam them since they aren't allowed to look at my child's diagnosis. My child is homeschooled, so he doesn't have an IEP. Does anyone know if a 12 page neuropsych evaluation would suffice as a doctor's note or would I have to bother the specialist for a note, in addition to the report?

 

[razlime]

Quick update, from another forum:

"I just registered and received the card using an old work accommodation letter from my therapist. The bigger part was needing their NPI#, which they do provide a link to lookup...the fact that it just auto-approved once I provided all that info is weird af, you would think a 48 hour recommendation means someone human is reviewing the applications but apparently not."

Which means, essentially, than anyone with a work accommodation letter (something as little as "needs frequent breaks") could get approved. So they're adding hurdles but loosening restrictions, strange!

ETA: A few people called Universal - I guess the old AAP system will stay in place with the additional hurdle of getting this IAC before you can even request the specific accommodations. Good to hear it's at least not too frustrating once you have the doctor's note.

 

[DLgal]

Thank you for letting me know. I wasn't aware of this. In some ways I think this would be better because I feel like they just think I'm trying to scam them since they aren't allowed to look at my child's diagnosis. My child is homeschooled, so he doesn't have an IEP. Does anyone know if a 12 page neuropsych evaluation would suffice as a doctor's note or would I have to bother the specialist for a note, in addition to the report?

During the registration process, they only want one page. It either has to be a government document OR a letter (specfically, a letter with a specific diagnosis and that also explains the need for accommodations, along with the name and contact information as well as the license number of the provider).

An evaluation will not suffice.

 

[DLgal]

Quick update, from another forum:

"I just registered and received the card using an old work accommodation letter from my therapist. The bigger part was needing their NPI#, which they do provide a link to lookup...the fact that it just auto-approved once I provided all that info is weird af, you would think a 48 hour recommendation means someone human is reviewing the applications but apparently not."

Which means, essentially, than anyone with a work accommodation letter (something as little as "needs frequent breaks") could get approved. So they're adding hurdles but loosening restrictions, strange!

They issue you a temporary card and say it will be reviewed over the next 7 days and will be either certified or denied within that time frame.

From our email:

"Thank you for registering for the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC). Attached is a pdf of your card as well as additional information. Your card will show as temporary for up to 7 days until it has been reviewed and approved. You can login and access or update your card at any time. Please print or download your card and take to guest services of your favorite attraction to see what accommodations might be available."

 

[DisneyOma]

Just signed my son up for this for Universal Hollywood now that we have annual passes.

Took all of 3 minutes. I used his IEP as the supporting documentation, since that's an easier option. I do have a signed letter from my son's psychiatrist as well, but right now will use the IEP since it has a lot less personal information.

We were issued a .pdf of his temporary card immediately via email. Seems like a very simple system.

What do you do once he has aged out of school (or graduated) and no longer has an IEP?

 

[greeneyedchick]

During the registration process, they only want one page. It either has to be a government document OR a letter (specfically, a letter with a specific diagnosis and that also explains the need for accommodations, along with the name and contact information as well as the license number of the provider).

An evaluation will not suffice.

Thank you for the info.

 

[DisneyOma]

Very concerned that an IEP is a valid form of identifying a disability - IEPS are developed for educational situations. How they apply to a vacation at a theme park is a stretch to me. How this isn't against ADA is beyond me as well - sounds like you have to give them a lot of personal, documented medical information. Since they are requiring medical info, do they now get covered under HIPAA regulations?

 

[DLgal]

What do you do once he has aged out of school (or graduated) and no longer has an IEP?

He is under the care of a psychiatrist. She will write him a note. It's not a big ask.

We have to have him apply for SDI once he turns 18, so we will need a doctor's letter for that. My husband is a disabled veteran who receives disability compensation and we will have to prove that he is an adult dependent child after he turns 18, so will need a doctor's letter for that also. He is already a client with our county Regional Center so they will take over support services after he is released from the school district. He will have an IEP until he turns 22. He already has a Person Centered Plan from Regional Center. That is a governement document too. It will never be a problem for us to provide documentation that he needs accommodations for his disability.

 

[razlime]

Many adults with disabilities are enrolled in state or county specific support programs for adults. Adults who are conserved or placed under guardianship have a court document stating such. Disabled adult veterans have VA documentation stating their disabilities. Anyone else with a legitimate disability and need for accommodations should be under the care of a doctor who would have no problem writing a basic letter (or, better, just signing their name to a letter that you pre write for them).

I know dozens of disabled people through some political activism I do. Only a couple are in state programs. Most have minor workplace accommodations they are able to get without doctor's notes. Nearly all are underinsured. If you are disabled in the United States, you are twice as likely to be poor than someone who is not disabled.

Assuming navigating healthcare bureaucracy and cost is easy for all disabled people based on the narrow experience of your son with an IEP and your husband with the support of the VA is a bit silly.

And what would you consider a "legitimate disability"? I have a disability carved out specifically in ADA workplace regulations, but I've gone for years of my life with little contact with doctors beyond requesting med refills that would absolutely charge me the full OOP cost of an appointment for an accommodation letter.

 

[DLgal]

Very concerned that an IP is a valid form of identifying a disability - IEPS are developed for educational situations. How they apply to a vacation at a theme park is a stretch to me. How this isn't against ADA is beyond me as well - sounds like you have to give them a lot of personal, documented medical information. Since they are requiring medical info, do they now get covered under HIPAA regulations?

IEPs have diganoses on them that qualify the student for special education services. Public Schools are government entities.

We didn't technically have to give this credentialing agency any medical information. They got my son's name, address, date of birth, my name, address, and phone number (as his parent) and the front page of his IEP, which has basically all that same information as well as his DOB and his qualifying conditions for special education (autism and speech language disorder). They have no actual medical information about my son, except his diagnosis, which is not some closely guarded secret. Anyone who interacts with him can figure that one out.

At the end of the day, if you want to take advantage of a program designed for people with disabilities, you should have no problem proving you are eligible for it.

 

[DLgal]

I know dozens of disabled people through some political activism I do. Only a couple are in state programs. Most have minor workplace accommodations they are able to get without doctor's notes. Nearly all are underinsured. If you are disabled in the United States, you are twice as likely to be poor than someone who is not disabled.

Assuming navigating healthcare bureaucracy and cost is easy for all disabled people based on the narrow experience of your son with an IEP and your husband with the support of the VA is a bit silly.

And what would you consider a "legitimate disability"? I have a disability carved out specifically in ADA workplace regulations, but I've gone for years of my life with little contact with doctors beyond requesting med refills that would absolutely charge me the full OOP cost of an appointment for an accommodation letter.

We are literally talking about a program for theme park ride access. We are not talking "in general" here. In general, I KNOW that people lack appropriate supports and medical care. Are those same people routinely visiting theme parks?

 

[razlime]

We are literally talking about a program for theme park ride access. We are not talking "in general" here. In general, I KNOW that people lack appropriate supports and medical care. Are those same people routinely visiting theme parks?

Most of the people in this thread seem concerned about the process in one way or another, so it seems so! I personally have a great doctor that has already helped me with accommodations in the past, so I'm not too worried for myself. I just think your repeated dismissive comments are a little unkind in this thread.

Thank you for sharing your experience getting it for your son, I hope you'll let us know how the in-park experience is!

 

[notatallmagic]

Just signed my son up for this for Universal Hollywood now that we have annual passes.

Took all of 3 minutes. I used his IEP as the supporting documentation, since that's an easier option. I do have a signed letter from my son's psychiatrist as well, but right now will use the IEP since it has a lot less personal information.

We were issued a .pdf of his temporary card immediately via email. Seems like a very simple system.

We were just wondering if my kiddo's 504 would work; her primary doc is on maternity leave at the moment..