Your child was not allowed to remain in the stroller on the bus for their own safety. Most "regular" strollers are not made with tiedowns. It is a DOT reg that strollers must be folded to board a bus.
That is correct.
It is not safe to use the tiedown system on a stroller that was not designed for transport.
NO regular strollers are designed for transport and only some special needs strollers are. The special needs strollers that are transport ready are designed to have loops welded or bolted onto sturdy parts of the frame. They are also designed so that if they fold, they would not fold in a dangerous way to someone riding in it during an accident.
The frame of strollers that are not designed for transport can bend or pull apart just from the tension of the tiedown straps. They have big metal hooks that attach to the mobility device and the straps are then tightened so they are tight. Without being tight, the stroller will just tip over during turns, etc. (even something as big and heavy as an
ECV can tip if not tied down well).
I do know of several people who got the bus driver to tie their stroller down, which bent the stroller and meant they could not use it for the rest of their trip.
Even with the wheelchairs that are designed more like strollers, I would check very carefully to find sturdy metal parts of the wheelchair frame that are welded together and do not move. Some (especially those with tilt capability), do not have any frame areas that hooks could be safely attached to.
All this GAC CM stuff is making me embarrassed to ask for a GAC card when we go in Sept. I don't look particularly unhealthy but I do have issues. I use a ECV (4 back surgeries) and I have something really stupid that I have had my whole life since I was 4.
When I went to Dis last time I just asked for a GAC for mobility issue. Don't remember using it but a few times and usually had to wait longer than main line due to it being off peak time but that is fine by me. I thought that GAC card covered everything as far as AE was concerned. I couldn't ride a few rides because the CM wanted me to ride my ECV through the line (TSM). We tried and I had to make every person behind me move so I could get out of that line. It was awful.
I have stress induced vase o vagel syncope (sp) and if I get the feeling of claustrophobia or too hot or pain (not all pain but I can't choose) or scared (panic attack), I will pass out and hit the floor and convulse. This is stupid and it doesn't scare me (other than the falling part, many goose eggs and cuts) because I know I am going to wake up and be OK, and honestly it doesn't hurt being "out" either but I know it's not good for me and scares the heck out of people around me.
I am embarrassed asking for a GAC card and if the CM treats me like I am lying I'll just die. I FEEL the need to explain WHY (willing to provide proof also)but I know they don't want to hear it (rules)....what to do, what to do?
As I've gotten older (50) I can tell when it's starting usually and know to lay down to prevent injury but hard to do in a queue.
I hate that so many people are cheating that they are making others like me feel bad for asking for one.
You may also want to look into the touring plans that I mentioned in an earlier post. That would help you to shorten your waits in line and could help in many ways more than a GAC would. Using Fastpasses also is very helpful.
Also, some attractions do have wheelchairs available if someone wants to switch from an ECV to a wheelchair or feels they are not able to walk the whole line. Explain that you have anxiety attacks related to the stress of maneuvering the ECV in line and ask at the entrance whether they have a wheelchair you can transfer to.
The important thing is to be polite, confident and clear about what you need.
Don't be embarrassed to ask for GAC. They are made for people who need them, and it is the ones who don't need them that should be embarrassed. Just tell the CM what your needs are - I don't think they can legally deny you if they have that accommodation. They can't give it to some people with needs and not to others with those needs because that would be discrimination. So go in, tell them your needs, and if there is any rudeness, complain to a manager. But really, if you know your needs and state them clearly, I doubt they will be anything but pleasant.
A lot is perception. If people feel they will be embarrassed, ridiculed or made uncomfortable before they go in, many will feel that way when they come out, even if the CM is very nice and helpful.
It may help to look at it like security screening at the airport. Some people feel
it is a tremendous hassle or, even worse, demeaning or a violation of their space (or even stronger terms). People who look at it that way will feel that is how the experience is.
e look at it as a necessary piece to get what we need (getting on the airplane). We give as much assistance and information as possible about DD (she cant talk, she can understand. She cant stand, she will try to help you by leaning forward if she can) to get it done as soon as possible.
The ADA does not require accommodation for every need - some people have needs that there is no accommodation for. The clearer you can be about what you need, the better chance they may be able to find something to fit. For many people, a significant amount of stress comes from worrying about what the accommodation offered for an attraction may be. That can change because of things you cant see - like staffing, emergencies or the accommodation not being available.
But, be aware that in some cases, the best assistance is going to come from things like using touring plans and Fastpass, which will shorten your wait in line and will ensure the least number of people at an attraction. It is also consistent - because it is Mainstream, it is unlikely to change.