I love Disneyland. I really do! Ever since I was a kid and we made our annual Christmas pilgrimage as a family, ever since they used E tickets, ever since long before the Captain EO days. I am a diehard fan of frolicking, fun and fairies. Yes, we love Disneyland.
As the parent of a child with special medical needs Disneyland has several things that make our trip a bit easier, like a Guest Assistance pass and an awesome First Aid that we use A LOT! I can take Austin in there for feeding, breathing treatments and even a diaper change, thanks to our handy dandy "stroller as a wheelchair" pass.
The problem is that Austin's stoller doesn't LOOK like a wheelchair. {But really, should that even matter?} We get nasty glances and rude comments from other "happy" patrons. Occassionally we even get a cast member who thinks we don't belong in "that" line.
Every time it happens, which is unfortunately every time we visit. I want to scream, "Don't-you-think-I-would-give-up-the-life-saving-equipment-and-all-this-crap-to-walk-my-kid-through-the-line-if-I-could?-You-jerk!" Which of course makes me, you know sorta well, unhappy.
Trust me, this stoller is laden down with our mega diaper/medical bag, a feeding pump, a suction machine, a nebulizer and a few blankets for the nighttime weather. Not to mention a medically needy two year old. Does it need to have an Oxygen cart strapped to it for it to be more believable?
I have had my share of ignorant people before, but really this is not something I want to experience when I go somewhere to be HAPPY!
So to the man who gave me dirty looks as we both waited for a Guest Assistance pass, to the lady who refused to step aside near It's A Small World and to the other lady who made a snide comment as I unloaded and reloaded our mega stroller at the entrance: My child deserves a day of fun. So stop the judgment. Oh and please kindly get out of my way, because simply put, I WILL run you over next time. That is all.
It never fails, every time I am dismantling the stroller to pack it in my tiny sedan trunk I say the same thing. "Tell me why I am doing this again?"
The answer is easy:
He deserves it.
Thanks for peeking,
12 Peekers:
I heard stories about 3 years ago from folks who were told not to suction their kid in public at Disneyland. Moms had to go to the first aid places. Uproar. Alex couldn't have survived that policy. It was changed.
Come over to the east coast and we will go to Disney World together. No one ever gave me a lick of grief or so much as an eyebrow over Alex's "stroller as wheelchair." My biggest problem was getting people to stop touching his face and praying for his health. Okay, pray if you want, but keep your hands OFF MY BABY!
I love this post! My children do not have special needs but I can, from your excellent writing, get exactly how you were feeling when those people's eyes were boring into you. I bet you had a few choice words for them screaming inside your brain while you kept quiet! thanks for writing this.
Super article. It's a shame people need an explanation for everything. Had you been holding a sign explaining your situation, I'm sure everyone at the park would have given their approval, however it should never have to come to that! This further proves that it's important to spread awareness about the fact that there are many people with special needs that isn't immediately obvious.
some people just have blinders on, and closed minds. you sound like an awesome mom not to blow up at those idiots, of course maybe if you said something then they might have been enlightened, but it is none of their damn business anyway!!
he is too precious on that carousel!
Oh Janis I Simply have tears in my eyes, very beautifully written.
Janis no matter where we go there will always be rude, uneducated, and ignorant people. I learned that from our first attempt at a vacation. Quite frankly it does knock you on your ass at first, but alas the children allow us to become stronger right?
I'm sending you a big hug right now okay....ummm what's that...you sounded a bit muffled....oops sorry I must have been squeezing too tight!
Hugs,
Lisa
As you probably remember we went to Disneyland in August. I posted pictures on Ainsley's blog. We had the same issue using the stroller "as a wheelchair". A lot of people don't realize that children can be disabled too. Ainsley was 2 3/4 then, but she can't even stand unassisted. I hate feeling that judgement out in public and it "almost" makes me want to go out and buy a realy expensive, akward, heavy wheel chair just to avoid that type of thing. So just know that you aren't alone. Even though we had a great time at Disneyland it WAS hard being in the public eye there.
We've only done Disney World...and only had issues with the bus drivers (well and one ride netherlands or something like that)...but it sure can be infuriating.
Sarah
Unreal! Beautiful photo and I can see why it is worth it! I have noticed how rude people are to parents with regular strollers and I know my frustration level at Disney World in Florida; however, they need to be way more considerate to Austin! What is wrong with this world? No one is respectful anymore. Austin deserves to be at Disney as much as the next kid, despite his gear.
You have every right to run over people if they are out of line! I support you 100%!
Awesomely written, beautiful boy and wonderful photo.
Ive actually said just that at disney land
The woman said: These lines wouldn't be so long if people actually followed the rules and didn't take advantage(gestering to her friend towards us). I said: WHAT?! and then...
"dont you think Id trade this spot n this line for my daughter's health? Because I would! She has a life threatening medical condition and multiple handicaps--this very well might be her last happy healthy day on this planet and I'm not about to let YOU ruin it...for her or me! The woman was SHOCKED. But I don't care. Marissa has a convaid cruiser and I guess the 2 IV lines and the feeding pump and drainage bag and afo's just didnt give it away!
~Renee
I think maybe we had the same experience at separate parks! I'm so frustrated with it.
Happiest place on earth..dammit! ;)
You go, girl. It also seems that those with the least consideration are the same people who expect the most consideration froml others.
Hang in, there.
Yaya
Yaya's Changing World
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