Hidden disability lanyard scheme

[Mrs_Potts]

My mum has a lanyard as she is extremely hard of hearing and it works well for her!

[ely3857]

My daughter has type1 diabetes and we’ve used the lanyard. It helps pre-security stress as staff are trained to just be more patient and expect a non-standard approach (her equipment such as pump and monitors can only be subjected to some electronic scanners and not others so if needed we have to request a manual pat down) but in addition to that it was noted at MCO and we were led to the front of the queue. We didn’t actually leave any quicker as luggage was a horrendous wait but we were able to wait sat down (on the floor!) and concentrate on her blood levels without getting a telling off (even though mobiles etc are not allowed still her equipment is all electronic and it was far easier to check sat in a corner than it would have been in a line)

[ely3857]

Originally Posted by keepgoingback

If visiting the Disney parks, also look to use their DAS pass if DH struggles to stand for long periods.

See more...

The DAS is for people who find it difficult to queue in general rather than can’t stand for long periods. I’m not saying those who can’t stand aren’t in need but Disney would direct you to wheelchair options rather than DAS.

[LeaPinkSnowball]

Are the lanyard recognised in the parks ?
We had lot of issues last time
We went to Disney (before diagnosis) and it was awful ! So many meltdowns ! Now we
Know it because my DS is very noise sensitive and struggles in busy places .

[hipthehippo]

Originally Posted by ely3857

The DAS is for people who find it difficult to queue in general rather than can’t stand for long periods. I’m not saying those who can’t stand aren’t in need but Disney would direct you to wheelchair options rather than DAS.

See more...

DD was originally diagnosed with polyarthritis and now this has been changed to joint hypermobility, however whilst she is able, most days, to walk, she does have trouble standing in queues. Disney have never asked her to look at wheelchair options.

Originally Posted by LeaPinkSnowball

Are the lanyard recognised in the parks ?
We had lot of issues last time
We went to Disney (before diagnosis) and it was awful ! So many meltdowns ! Now we
Know it because my DS is very noise sensitive and struggles in busy places .

See more...

They don't recognise the lanyards, but do look into getting the DAS. I don't have any experience with noise sensitivity so can't help with that I'm afraid.

Hope you get to have an amazing time this time.

[Granbran]

I have one because I am profoundly hard of hearing and can never make out a word coming out of loudspeakers. Customer services did not ask for any details of my ‘hidden disability’.

[keepgoingback]

Originally Posted by LeaPinkSnowball

Are the lanyard recognised in the parks ?
We had lot of issues last time
We went to Disney (before diagnosis) and it was awful ! So many meltdowns ! Now we
Know it because my DS is very noise sensitive and struggles in busy places .

See more...

We’ve seen lots of kids wearing ear defenders to help with the noise on this trip. Maybe that could help?

[Pocock]

We had a lanyard for my daughter, it was ignored at Gatwick both on the way out and on the way back. We already had priority boarding on our flight with VA but I did see some people wearing them being allowed on the flight early. It was also ignored at MCO both on arrival and leaving. We were in the immigration queue for an hour on Monday afternoon even though the sign said 34 minute delay.

I think it is hit and miss with the lanyards to be honest, but no harm in wearing it.

We didn't have a problem getting a DAS pass for my daughter at Disney or at Universal.

[Guest]

We got one from Heathrow for DS - he gets anxious travelling to the point that he is almost sick. He used it this summer and it did help to calm him and I think security was more patient with hi, He forgot to wear it coming back into UK and we queued for almost an hour at Border Control. Had he worn it we may have got through easier - not speed but just the whole stress over queuing for him.

My Mum travels on her own, she is 82 and needs help sometimes, just navigating her way in new places so next time she goes I will give her the lanyard to use.

I was in Sainsbury's this morning and saw that you can get them there or just contact the airport you are travelling through in UK and they will either post one (Heathow did this) or you collect on the day of travel.

We flew Virgin and Delta and I spoke to them ahead of travel and Virgin made a note on booking but Delta were less helpful. Just go to the gate early, show your lanyard and they ask if you want to board 1st with the assisted wheelchair users or at the very end. We picked early so DS could settle without being rushed in to his seat.