Disneyland

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of presenting at our state Occupational Therapy association's Spring Symposium about the use of Animal Assisted Therapy in OT.  I had with me a slew of handlers who helped me with the dog visitors, as well as Jazz and her best friend, who helped with handing out materials.  Their reward for being so helpful was to go to Disneyland the rest of the weekend, since the symposium was being held at one of the Disneyland hotels.

Frank and I presenting

Disneyland has been our best experience when it comes to taking Jazz to amusement parks.  All amusement parks have alternative methods of access for people with disabilities.  It is typically just entering through the exit and skipping part of the line, or coming back after a specified amount of time.  Most parks have limited accommodations because of the abuse of the system used by people renting wheelchairs.  Disneyland however, is amazing because they have a variety of "levels" that people can qualify for.  For Jazz, it is somehow the highest level they have and it causes the staff at the park to be extremely accommodating.  At parks you can, "Check-in" as traveling with someone with a disability, after which you receive a card that explains the accommodation.  At Disneyland, this card is gold.  Her entire traveling group gets to go to the front of the line with her and ride immediately.

Last time she went, she ran ahead of mom and Matt so they could not see her.  She had run to the gate that she new she was going to be allowed to enter through at the pirates ride.  When everyone caught up to her she was in the midst of asking the staff member, "I go boat? Boat? I go boat? Where?" The staff member looked terrified because here was a possible lost child who could not speak well.  My mom caught up and showed him the magic accommodations card, and he instantly softened and said, "Oooohhh, yes here you go sweetie.  Here are the boats!  Right this way!"  This was the same everywhere they went.

This time, Jazz was able to meet tons of the characters, who once again were more than charming and kind to her.  She was able to talk to them and play, just like she was in a movie with them.  She danced with them, hugged them, and in a couple cases prevented them from moving to their next point by distracting them.  Jazz's friend, is a typically developing child, who has been kind and patient with Jazz  since Kindergarten.  She enjoyed pictures, but at one point asked mom if Jazz knew that the characters weren't real?  To be honest, we have no idea if she does in those moments or not.  The bottom line, Disneyland pulls out all the stops for children with disabilities.  It makes for the most incredible memories for Jazz and for us.

Jazz frequently reminds us what it is like to be a kid.  Don't be afraid to enjoy every moment to it's fullest, even if it means someone questioning your links to reality.  The only person you have to face in the mirror at the end of the day is yourself.  Make it so you don't have to question whether or not you were true to yourself.

Much Love!

Distracting "Doug"

Phineas and Ferb Dance Party (notice the age of the other kids)

Loving on Eeyore