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

[SteveMouse]

Seems like a bit of a gray area, but I'm not an attorney. Could be if they will need use of a kennel for the service animal while riding, that could be considered a higher level of accommodation -- more than simply allowing the service animal to walk around the park with the owner.

Well if the system is in place still I’m assuming you would have had ample time to get a note form the doctor?

There can be significant costs both in money and time. Where is the theme park or other party providing compensation for this extra expense, placed on me solely because I have a disability?

 

[razlime]

So I registered for universal just to check it out. I have a 2 page documentation that I tried to use but it only took the second page and I can find no way to add the first. I got a temporary card but I don’t see it going through without the other page. I know my doc won’t talk to anyone on the phone without a release from me so I am curious what will happen next. I will say I am not going to universal until October and we actually paid for express and will continue to do so as it works fine for us. I have never requested accommodations at universal. I have used them some at Disney because their paid system doesn’t work so well for me. I guess this is a test lol.

A couple people on another forum have tried it. Everyone says to submit it with the most relevant page, and they'll email you if that's not enough to request more. The email asks for your personal explanation and/or further documentation. In the meantime, they send you a temporary card.

 

[lanejudy]

FOLKS PLEASE READ:

I would like to leave this thread open for honest discussion to help those who many not be aware of this change. However if it turns into an argument of which disability is more deserving, or calling people liars and fakers, it will close and points given.
Please be respectful of different disabilities, different need and access to healthcare or programs. Everyone is different, everyone's situation is different.

 

[MinnieMSue]

A couple people on another forum have tried it. Everyone says to submit it with the most relevant page, and they'll email you if that's not enough to request more. The email asks for your personal explanation and/or further documentation. In the meantime, they send you a temporary card.

Perfect thank you. I was like oh no since it only took second page which has the least info

 

[eticketplease]

There can be significant costs both in money and time. Where is the theme park or other party providing compensation for this extra expense, placed on me solely because I have a disability?

The original post I replied to mentioned after graduation. With stated I would assume there is a minimum of one year to talk with your dependents doctor during their annual checkup. If your dependent do not have annual checkups then I’m not sure what the costs would be. In the US most insurance plans cover annual well visits at no cost.

 

[lanejudy]

There can be significant costs both in money and time. Where is the theme park or other party providing compensation for this extra expense, placed on me solely because I have a disability?

I hear you and that's definitely a concern for many. All I pointed out is the ADA does actually allow for documentation to be required in some circumstances.

 

[razlime]

Incoming sappy post! Apologies in advance!

Just want to say I really appreciate this forum - this news has been posted elsewhere and the comments have been filled with some serious ableism. I know opinions are mixed, but I'm glad we have some strong moderators deleting ableism that comes up and pushing back on unkind posts. I said this earlier in the thread, but I have dealt with internalized ableism for my entire 30 years of being disabled so I'm so happy to have a space to discuss this change with people who understand the challenges that come with disability.

I'm really looking forward to any report backs about the in-park experience people can provide.

 

[redberyl]

Last time we went to Universal the cm accused me of lying about my daughters significant needs. Had to get a manager involved who very reluctantly agreed to give us the assistance pass but insisted it was a one time only thing and that in future visits it would be denied. I am happy to provide documentation if it avoids another scene like that!

 

[nw6675]

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?

HIPAA does not apply to medical information submitted by the "patient" or their "representative". HIPAA has no implications here. No protected health information or "PHI" is disclosed by a covered entity (those actually covered by HIPAA regulations like a hospital). Other privacy laws, such as CA state law(s) do apply.

If the park asked for information directly from the provider taking you out as the middle man, then HIPAA would be applicable and authorization required. No theme park is likely going to go directly to your doc, so this is moot.

 

[DLgal]

No, theres aren’t documentation options for most people, at least in the US.

I’m in my 50’s. I don’t have a current IEP. I MIGHT have a copy of one from 35 years ago.

In the US, there are no government agencies, except the Veteran’s Administration, that provide documentation regarding an individual‘s disabilities. The Social Security Administration, in partnership with the States, does evaluate reports of medical information included in applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI). That evaluation is focused exclusively on whether an individual is too disabled to work. It is not focused on, nor produces documentation on, the particular limits of an individual.

So then get a note from your doctor.

SSI recipients have to have a firm medial diagnosis to back up their claim of disability. It has to be one of the conditions listed in the Social Security bluebook.

 

[DLgal]

There can be significant costs both in money and time. Where is the theme park or other party providing compensation for this extra expense, placed on me solely because I have a disability?

They are giving you something for free that everyone else has to pay for.

 

[razlime]

Last time we went to Universal the cm accused me of lying about my daughters significant needs. Had to get a manager involved who very reluctantly agreed to give us the assistance pass but insisted it was a one time only thing and that in future visits it would be denied. I am happy to provide documentation if it avoids another scene like that!

They will still be doing the same interview before issuing the AAP and may still deny people, this is just an additional step.

 

[HopperFan]

Japanese and French/European law supports this approach AND the health care system is designed to produce relevant information.

The ADA is explicitly designed NOT to require documentation of disability at every turn.

And it IS discriminatory to place an added burden on individuals with a disability to generate/produce such documentation. Many providers charge an office visit or administrative fee for preparing materials. Not to mention the time needed by the patient to make and attend the relaxant appointment.

I just don't think it is black and white. Disney and other theme parks = optional situation with many offerings that many with disabilities can not do even with some accommodation. With all these "express lanes" being a for pay service, this has now complicated the situation because folks are asking for something "extra" that others pay for.

I think it is becoming difficult for companies to handle and if this is a legal option for them, I understand why they would choose to go this route.

It does make me wonder how many visitors may forgo the accommodations because of such a requirement. While it sounds simple -- "if you can afford a theme park vacation you can afford a doctor's visit" -- just thinking to our own HCPs and trying to get a visit within 2 months can be challenging, let alone the fact that an honest HCP can't legally code the visit for anything covered by insurance so you are out of pocket the office visit cost. The doctors don't want their waiting rooms full of well patients looking for notes; it further reduces their availability for those with illness.

I'm not sure one would need a doctor's appointment if you have a primary/specialist care. DS doctor fills out forms for me off and on and all I have to do is drop them off with a stamped envelope or they will call me to pick up. He has his medical record and fills out forms accordingly.

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

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?

I keep reading over everything and I see nothing about submitting IEPs. It would almost be the same as just declaring a "disability" by name without any specific needs. Agree IEPs are not written for theme parks. I also have concern that these documents would be floating around. DS now has an ISP, I would not be comfortable putting it out there AND it would not address needs at Disney. Even with educational documents you'll still need a single professional willing to be the contact. That might be tough.

• Contact information and statement from medical provider, government entity, or educational support professional related to accommodations requested

I can't find any definitive list of documents they accept or require.

Has anyone else found the actual list? All I see is photo and contact information. Seems it be easier to be prepared BEFORE you start the registration process.

 

[DLgal]

I just don't think it is black and white. Disney and other theme parks = optional situation with many offerings that many with disabilities can not do even with some accommodation. With all these "express lanes" being a for pay service, this has now complicated the situation because folks are asking for something "extra" that others pay for.

I think it is becoming difficult for companies to handle and if this is a legal option for them, I understand why they would choose to go this route.



I'm not sure one would need a doctor's appointment if you have a primary/specialist care. DS doctor fills out forms for me off and on and all I have to do is drop them off with a stamped envelope or they will call me to pick up. He has his medical record and fills out forms accordingly.




I keep reading over everything and I see nothing about submitting IEPs. It would almost be the same as just declaring a "disability" by name without any specific needs. Agree IEPs are not written for theme parks. I also have concern that these documents would be floating around. DS now has an ISP, I would not be comfortable putting it out there AND it would not address needs at Disney. Even with educational documents you'll still need a single professional willing to be the contact. That might be tough.

• Contact information and statement from medical provider, government entity, or educational support professional related to accommodations requested

I can't find any definitive list of documents they accept or require.

Has anyone else found the actual list? All I see is photo and contact information. Seems it be easier to be prepared BEFORE you start the registration process.

During the application process, they specifically mention an IEP as an acceptable support document. It says if you are using an IEP, you do not need to put a license number for the provider.

We listed my son's case manager at school for his IEP contact. She has known my son for 3 years now and has a very good understanding of how he is affected by the things we listed in the application as areas needing accommodations.

 

[figmentfinesse]

Do we think Disney parks in the US will use the same system in the coming months?

 

[AnneK]

I think Disney will definitely be watching this very closely. Universal is likely implementing this to combat fraud and lying about disabilities to get around paying for Express. Now that Disney is also charging for their Lightning Lanes I can see them going the same route relatively soon.

I already use this system at Six Flags and it works really well, and it cut down on abuse a LOT. Wait times for the disability line were significantly shorter.

 

[Liquidice]

I hope Disney does not implement a system like this - I have never had a formal medical evaluation of my issue and I think it would be really hard to identify as sometimes I am totally fine, but other times I'm not. When I've asked doctors about it, they usually brush it off - their answer in my case might be, just don't go to theme parks. It is kind of like when you say to the doctor, when I do this, it hurts - and their response is, well don't do that!

In my day to day life, I'm not normally waiting on lines for over an hour, so I can usually manage - but theme parks are different. I've never had trouble getting DAS at Disney after explaining my issues to them.

However, I suspect I would need to go through expensive medical testing to identify my issue, just to get a doctor's note for Universal now.

Will definitely be asking my doctor about this next time I'm there though, maybe they'll be understanding and write me a note.

I do know that all of the doctors where I live charge you to write a note. Even filling out school forms for my kids to say they have all their vaccinations - they charge $10 per page just to fill that out and the doctor doesn't even fill it out, an admin checks the computer and fills it out and then the doctor just signs it.

 

[gap2368]

I hope Disney does not implement a system like this - I have never had a formal medical evaluation of my issue and I think it would be really hard to identify as sometimes I am totally fine, but other times I'm not. When I've asked doctors about it, they usually brush it off - their answer in my case might be, just don't go to theme parks. It is kind of like when you say to the doctor, when I do this, it hurts - and their response is, well don't do that!

In my day to day life, I'm not normally waiting on lines for over an hour, so I can usually manage - but theme parks are different. I've never had trouble getting DAS at Disney after explaining my issues to them.

However, I suspect I would need to go through expensive medical testing to identify my issue, just to get a doctor's note for Universal now.

Will definitely be asking my doctor about this next time I'm there though, maybe they'll be understanding and write me a note.

I do know that all of the doctors where I live charge you to write a note. Even filling out school forms for my kids to say they have all their vaccinations - they charge $10 per page just to fill that out and the doctor doesn't even fill it out, an admin checks the computer and fills it out and then the doctor just signs it.

I am in a similar boat as you. I get by with my disability ok in my day to day life but at disney is another story. I have thought about going to a specialist for a while now guess I will have to if Disney goes this way witch will cast a lot of money and time

 

[HopperFan]

Do we think Disney parks in the US will use the same system in the coming months?

No one knows what they are thinking. If I were to guess, if they choose to follow suit, I don't think Disney will flip a switch. I think they give more notice because their guests are planning much farther in advance, booking hotels and much more planning than the average guest at Universal. I think guests will have time to make decisions.

I think Disney will definitely be watching this very closely. Universal is likely implementing this to combat fraud and lying about disabilities to get around paying for Express. Now that Disney is also charging for their Lightning Lanes I can see them going the same route relatively soon.

I already use this system at Six Flags and it works really well, and it cut down on abuse a LOT. Wait times for the disability line were significantly shorter.

THIS Often Disney and Universal play chicken waiting for the other to make a move. Universal's pass has always been harder to get and their Express Pass is much more expensive aka bigger losses. They'll watch for now and if I were to guess I would not be surprised to see it executed for 2024 when other big changes are happening. Fingers crossed they don't but I don't think this current program is a keeper.

Time will tell, but we all need to be prepared.

 

[heyitsmejosh]

Honestly I’m really not a fan of this it feels super intrusive. I’m 100% p&t through the VA and I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to submit. Disneyland Paris and such just took the basic benefit letter as proof and after that I had no problem.

I’m not totally sure what these people are looking for it’s very vague and I’m also not sure what I’m willing to submit. There is no really easy way to list all my disabilities on one letter with my name and stuff even the doctors notes in the system have way more information then I’m comfortable sharing. I’m also not too keen about waiting 3 month till my next appointment to ask a doctor for a letter to go to theme parks. Even the idea of that feels embarrassing. I’d honestly just rather stop going to universal then have to jump through these hoops.