Vent about my child in a wheelchair and strangers

[Pajama Mama]

We went to an amusement park the other day. Ds10 is in a wheelchair and severely disabled. He is only able to go on 4-5 rides at the park. We had a voucher from the service desk that we could bypass the lines to put him on a ride. There isn't enough room in line for a wheelchair so you enter through the exit. Quite a few people were mad that we got ahead of them. It is labor intensive for me to get him out of the chair and into the ride. I am in no mood for ignorant people at that time. I held my tongue but I really wanted to go off on people. I would much rather have my son able to stand in line and wait his turn like everyone else. But that wasn't God's plan. Do folks really think we're getting away with something? We aren't cutting in line without reason. Ok, vent over...

[Wyndie]

:grouphug:

 

People can be so self-centered sometimes. I'm sorry you experienced that.

[OnTheBrink]

You know what? I'd be more than happy to stand aside and let your son get on the ride before me. FCOL, he is more than deserving of enjoying some "normalcy" and fun in his life. It's not like he's confined to a wheel chair by his own choice!

 

People are Donkey Hats.

[Woodhaven]

Yes, agreeing that people just don't stop to think! What fools! People can be so shallow! And, yes, rather than thinking your ds was getting away with something they should be very thankful for their abilities!!

[Mejane]

I'm sorry, but realize they are ignoramuses (to put it nicely) and not worth a second thought.

[2cents]

:grouphug: People can be so mean. :(

[chiguirre]

If you can ever go to Disney, I highly recommend them. They have GREAT accomodations for disabled visitors. I got special passes for our whole family with a letter from the boys' school stating they are both autistic. You just go in the fast pass entrance (although I'm sure the wheelchair access may be different on some rides). All the park workers were very helpful. I was very nervous taking the kids the first time, but it went so well we went back.

 

OTOH, people do stare at us sometimes. I've gotten so used to the dirty looks and comments that I don't really notice them anymore (unless someone gets in my face about it, but they rarely do now that ds1 is older and more obviously disabled). Really, someone who's giving dirty looks to a kid in a wheelchair is someone who's opinion is obviously not worth considering.

[Pajama Mama]

I appreciate the kind words. I am used to people looking and making comments. It just irks me because my son is unable to do most things that most people take for granted. He was so happy and giggly when I took him on the log flume. That cancels out all of those grouchy people. Thanks for letting me gripe:)

[PollyOR]

He was so happy and giggly when I took him on the log flume. That cancels out all of those grouchy people.

 

:):):)

[JoyfulMama]

People are Donkey Hats.

:lol: Yes. What she said!!!

He was so happy and giggly when I took him on the log flume. That cancels out all of those grouchy people.

Love that! You know, I think this is what more people need to see. To knock them off their self-centered blocks!

[dansamy]

I've had to reprimand my own children when they whined about a chair-bound child being loaded in a special area. I gently reminded them that the other child would gladly give up riding first to be able to walk and run and play like they do. *sigh* The joys of civilizing children. I wish people were born civilized, but it's a learned behavior.

[bettyandbob]

My family did a big trip to Disney a few years ago. It was probably a one time event for us. It was wonderful and worth it. With a letter from our doctor, Disney gave our family a voucher to do "line cut" with our son. I felt guilty for a about 10 minutes when I looked at all the people on line for Dumbo. Then I thought no one wants to trade places with us for real (live daily with one of their child having a major disability).

 

I did not experience anyone making snide comments to me. We did have one person brag about how helpful his broken leg was and then start to pity us for our reasons for taken the same entrance--annoying. I guess he felt bad for bragging about a temporary situation, when he realized ours is not.

 

There's nothing you can say to those people, really. Engaging them would probably result in further ruining your day. I have friend who prays for everyone she encounters who is rude. I'm not as good as her--I have to fight wishing bad thoughts on them.

 

One thing you might do is make a comment to the park management about it. Maybe they can post signs or put something in their literature. Small signage designating a special needs entrance which also happens to be the exit could help a little.

[QuirkyKapers]

People are so self focused at times it is shameful :grouphug:

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

:grouphug:

[cathmom]

I'm glad he had fun on the log flume. That was always my favorite!

[GWOB]

We went to an amusement park the other day. Ds10 is in a wheelchair and severely disabled. He is only able to go on 4-5 rides at the park. We had a voucher from the service desk that we could bypass the lines to put him on a ride. There isn't enough room in line for a wheelchair so you enter through the exit. Quite a few people were mad that we got ahead of them. It is labor intensive for me to get him out of the chair and into the ride. I am in no mood for ignorant people at that time. I held my tongue but I really wanted to go off on people. I would much rather have my son able to stand in line and wait his turn like everyone else. But that wasn't God's plan. Do folks really think we're getting away with something? We aren't cutting in line without reason. Ok, vent over...

 

People are lame. I am so sure you totally made your son fake it so you could get ahead in line:001_rolleyes:.

 

We just finished VBS last week. We have a kid in a wheelchair due to Spina Bifida. I had no qualms at all modifying the games for this incredible kid. I mean, she is absolutely AMAZING. Brings a smile to your face every time you see her. I just don't get the audacity of people.

[Pajama Mama]

Here's a pix of us. That's me trying my best to keep ds in his seat.

[Wyndie]

Hahaha great picture!!! LOVE the look on his face!

[Harriet Vane]

:grouphug:

[Audrey]

Here's a pix of us. That's me trying my best to keep ds in his seat.

 

 

That picture is priceless! :001_smile: Forget what people said. They're sad, petty people.

[IsabelC]

I think it's a sad fact of human nature that we/they sometimes get stuck in a self centered rut and forget to consider things from the other person's perspective. In this situation all they are seeing is that they have been waiting for ages and here is someone getting straight in ahead of them. Of course if they took a few more seconds to engage the brain before reacting, they would realize how fortunate they are to have kids who can stand in line. I agree that it's probably best for you to let it go if you can manage to. Also it would be great if places like that could have a discreetly located entrance for disabled customers so that you wouldn't have to be so obvious about going in ahead of others.

 

ETA - nice pic; looks as though he had a lot of fun :)

[Teachin'Mine]

What an awesome photo Pajama Mama!!! :)

 

As for the ignorant ones ... :grouphug:

[sparrow]

Great picture!

 

So glad your son had fun :001_smile:!

 

:glare: on the dorks who gave you hard time in line.

[fhjmom]

Sorry you had to deal with such clueless people! In case you ever make it to Texas for a family vacation, I wanted to share the link to our newest theme park, Morgan's Wonderland:

 

http://www.morganswonderland.com/

 

I haven't been yet, but I have heard it is great!

 

From the website:

 

 

Morgan’s Wonderland is located in San Antonio, Texas. It is the World’s First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. This 25-acre park is a unique oasis, that through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn and share life changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment.

 

[Ali in OR]

Glad you had fun at the park--sorry you encountered such attitude. Like a previous poster, we had a great experience at Disney World. There are separate lines for disabled guests, but more than that, the Disney workers go out of their way to escort you to the special lines or to guide you into shows first. Maybe seeing that effort on the part of the workers helps guests see that it is a Disney policy to be as helpful as possible to disabled folks. I have never seen anyone grumble about our dd getting any kind of special service--again, I'm sorry you went through this. Life's challenges are hard enough without that.

[m4given]

Here's a pix of us. That's me trying my best to keep ds in his seat.

Now that is totally precious! Even more so knowing the love, effort, and "rudeness" that you persevere thru in order to bring him joy. I love the expression of pure enjoyment & freedom on his face!

[Joanne]

{{hugs}}

 

I am sorry that happend to you. I can kind of understand.

 

We have a handicapped placard for my dd. We only use it when she's in a lot of pain or if it's raining. In the rain, she's not steady on her feet and if she slips, she hyperextends at least one joint for additional pain for days.

 

Because you can't look at her and see the disability, and none of the rest of us look like we qualify, I get looks when I do use it.

 

Oddly enough, the one time when I got the most reamed out was when I didn't use it (dd was fine and it was clear weather) and so I parked at the closest non handicapped space. A guy who wanted that space yelled at me for *not* parking in the handicapped. :lol::001_huh::tongue_smilie:

[Mommy22alyns]

:grouphug: What a great pic! He looks like he's on top of the world!

[unsinkable]

What a sweet picture! I am sorry people are so rude.

 

:grouphug:

 

(I've heard Kennywood is a really nice park with lots of shade trees. Is that true?)

[Ravin]

Adorable picture!

 

That park in San Antonio looks cool. I'm going to post it to FB and make sure my mom sees it. She's got a foster daughter with CP, and knows quite a few other foster families with kids with special needs.

 

Oh, and ignore the jerks. They're in every crowd.

[JudoMom]

:smash: to the people who gave you a hard time.

 

And I love, love, love the picture! He looks like he's having a blast, and it made me smile this morning :D!

[Sahamamama]

:grouphug: Wow. I'm sorry you had that experience. Years ago, when I went to Florida with my uncle (disabled/crutches & braces), aunt, and cousin (disabled/wheelchair), we were practically escorted to the front of every line. As far as I knew, no one gave us a second glance, certainly not any comments. :glare: I can't remember which parks we visited, I think it was Epcot? I know my cousin didn't go on many rides, it was more like getting into a "show."

 

Anyway, so sorry you went through that with your son. Did he notice? If so, I hope he can understand that those people were stupid. :grouphug:

[G5052]

My husband can move on his own two feet, but the truth is that it's extremely difficult for him, sometimes worse than others. He enjoys being out, but small errands are agony for him.

 

And he's had people give him a bad time about handicap parking because he looks healthy.

 

And there's times that he's come home, unable to go to the library, because a mom was in the one handicap parking space at the library unloading books so she didn't have to take her kids out and he decided that he was too tired to circle the block waiting for her to move.

[blessed2fosteradopt]

I am sure you are nicer than I would be. I would want to look at them and say, "I am sorry my son's disability inconveniences you." Sorry you have to deal with rude attitudes.

 

:iagree:

 

Bless his heart....little sweetie. If seeing the smile on your precious child's face doesn't touch others, they are in need of a serious heart check.

:grouphug::grouphug:

[Jeannie in NJ]

I'm another one with a great experience at Disney World. A few years ago we went for a week. My son at the time was having pretty bad asthma and he is special needs and has lots of melt downs so we got a wheelchair for him. We fully intended to wait in all lines but the Disney employees would not let us, they insisted that we go to the front of each line and none of the other visters complained nor did we see any glares. Disney def. watches out for special people and the other visitors seem to be used to it and fine with it. I wonder why it is different at other amusement parks?

 

Last year, my dd took our son on a homeschool convention and they stayed a few entra days and went to Disney. It was Star Wars days and there was a line of kids wanting to do battle with Darth Maul (sp) and Darth Vader and they picked my son right away, they really do seem to be extra kind and attentive to the "special" kids.

[Pajama Mama]

Thanks for all the kindness.

 

Yes, we went to Disney 3 years ago. My son was a Make A Wish kid. Disney was wonderful. The kids keep asking when we can go back.

 

Kennywood is a nice park. It does have a lot of trees in some areas. It's a nice family type park. I suspect that others in a wheelchair could go on more rides than my ds. My son has low muscle tone which is why I'm holding him tight. He is also severely mentally challenged. He doesn't understand things like "Stop putting your hands outside the car." I held his hands on the flume until we went down the hill.

 

My son does not understand what people say because of his mental status. He's around 6-8 months mentally. My other children are often aware of the stares and comments though.

 

I'm sorry that others have encountered similar things. I wish people would stop and think about how blessed that they are.

 

Last night, my other 2 kids were night swimming in our pool with their friends. Inside, ds10 was asleep and being fed via g-tube. He can't stay up that late(I've tried) and the pool would have been way too cold for him. I would much rather have him outside with his siblings but that's not God's plan.

 

Thanks again for all the kind words. I really was just venting but it was nice that my son's picture touched others. He truly is a precious gift.

[Lizzie in Ma]

Really, someone who's giving dirty looks to a kid in a wheelchair is someone who's opinion is obviously not worth considering.

 

:iagree::iagree:

Sorry that happened to you and your kiddos.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

:grouphug:

Lovin' the pic!! Glad he enjoyed the ride!

[Sahamamama]

He truly is a precious gift.

 

Yes he is.

[lionfamily1999]

We went to an amusement park the other day. Ds10 is in a wheelchair and severely disabled. He is only able to go on 4-5 rides at the park. We had a voucher from the service desk that we could bypass the lines to put him on a ride. There isn't enough room in line for a wheelchair so you enter through the exit. Quite a few people were mad that we got ahead of them. It is labor intensive for me to get him out of the chair and into the ride. I am in no mood for ignorant people at that time. I held my tongue but I really wanted to go off on people. I would much rather have my son able to stand in line and wait his turn like everyone else. But that wasn't God's plan. Do folks really think we're getting away with something? We aren't cutting in line without reason. Ok, vent over...

You might say that next time. :grouphug: People can be so peoply sometimes :(

[lionfamily1999]

Oddly enough, the one time when I got the most reamed out was when I didn't use it (dd was fine and it was clear weather) and so I parked at the closest non handicapped space. A guy who wanted that space yelled at me for *not* parking in the handicapped. :lol::001_huh::tongue_smilie:

Btdt. My dad is handicapped and every once in awhile I have to use his car (with the handicapped plates). I wouldn't park in the hc spots, because I'm not hc... Until I had someone chew me out for using up a good spot... I'd never really considered that I was taking the good spots away from people that couldn't use the hc spaces. Now, I just hate driving his car :lol:

[Monk643]

You know they are lucky my husband wasn't there he even has no problem confronting people who park in handicap spots without a plaque. He probably wouldn't have a problem saying something to the rude people, though I do agree its not worth it to give these people the time or the place^^ Just enjoy your day and who cares what they think.

[Remudamom]

Just adding my opinion of those nasty people. Wait, I can't post it because I'd get banned. Poop on them.

[scubamama]

Pajama -

Forget all those ignorant people. Keep on keepin' on and praise your kids. I am the daughter of a severly handicapped mom. She never walked and I never thought of her any other way until I was about 6 and the though occured to me that not every one had a wheelchair!

People are nasty and rude. However, they get away with it b/c no one ever calls their bluff.

I have made it my "mission" to do just that!

When I hear rude comments I jump right in and "politley" educate them.

Ignorance is a disease to cure. Ignorance hurts.

My mom was treated with scorn at amusements parks and restaurants b/c she was taking up space or getting in line first.

Please! Give me a break!

 

 

Now go get on some more fun rides!!!!

 

Michele

[Denisemomof4]

I'm SO sorry you experience ugly, rude, uncaring people. If you possibly can, just ignore them and be happy that you're blessing your son for the day. Have fun with him and ignore everyone else.

 

We used to encounter those same rude people when we took my mother out. She had end stage dementia and was confined to a wheelchair due to Parkinsons. It amazes me how rude some people can be.

 

We went to a farm recently and some parents had their severely disabled son, who looked like he was at least in his 20's, with them. They just went about their business ignoring everyone else, but there were kids staring at him like he had three heads. I was SO mad and said to my kids, 'THeir parents really need to teach their kids not to stare." I understand that kids are going to be curious, but gawking is rude.

 

We adopted outside our race and even that brings unwanted stares and questions All The Time. It makes my dd feel awful.

 

Ignore people. Remember that you're always going to encounter rude and stupid people. Take pity on them for behaving badly and enjoy your son. :001_smile:

[Denisemomof4]

Here's a pix of us. That's me trying my best to keep ds in his seat.

 

did that ever warm my heart!!!!! Seeing his smile and how fun he was having - WHO CARES about STUPID, RUDE people??????

[Nakia]

Awesome pic!

 

And what buttholes those people were! Shame on them!