Autism on the Seas

[Ex techie]

Now this should be interesting to see what rating DCL get after the previous "incident" with one of their "Staff Members".....

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=5747

 

I hope they have to jump through a lot of Disney shoreside hoops before that organization is let aboard again, let alone for them to critique DCL for how they handle Autism at sea.

 

ex techie

[moki'smommy]

Looks to me like another publicity move. They certainly came up with a good name for their travel agency.

 

I've read some great reports about what concessions they have supposedly arranged from various cruise lines, but I have a really hard time with reports of the "incident" on DCL and how it was handled by their real staff.

 

Bottom line--DCL is very "friendly" toward people with all sorts of issues, and a guest does not need a travel agency supposedly intervening on behalf of a guest or family. A mom/dad with a mouth or computer can advocate on behalf of their child. And it is easier on the staff to deal with a small number of special needs individuals rather than many needing special provisions.

 

I have NO personal experience with this group, and my views are definitely clouded by reports of the incident.

[Ex techie]

Thanks for the hint!

 

Now this should be interesting to see what rating DCL get after the previous "REPORTED ON AN INTERNET FORUM, NEVER CONFIRMED BY A COURT OF LAW" "incident" with one of their "Staff Members".....

 

ex techie

[e2011]

Looks to me like another publicity move. They certainly came up with a good name for their travel agency.

 

I've read some great reports about what concessions they have supposedly arranged from various cruise lines' date=' but I have a really hard time with reports of the "incident" on DCL and how it was handled by their real staff.

 

Bottom line--DCL is very "friendly" toward people with all sorts of issues, and a guest does not need a travel agency supposedly intervening on behalf of a guest or family. A mom/dad with a mouth or computer can advocate on behalf of their child. And it is easier on the staff to deal with a small number of special needs individuals rather than many needing special provisions.

 

I have NO personal experience with this group, and my views are definitely clouded by reports of the incident.[/quote']

 

That was a good marketing move for the travel agency name! Now I am thinking I should become a travel agent and name my company "Drunks on the Seas Travel" to get the heavy drinker crowd! I think that would be a big crowd from what I have seen on cruise ships! LOL..

[Ex techie]

That was a good marketing move for the travel agency name! Now I am thinking I should become a travel agent and name my company "Drunks on the Seas Travel" to get the heavy drinker crowd! I think that would be a big crowd from what I have seen on cruise ships! LOL..

 

Here's a logo for you to get the DCL crowd aboard with "Drunks on the Seas Travel"! lol!

 

 

ex techie ;)

[e2011]

Here's a logo for you to get the DCL crowd aboard with "Drunks on the Seas Travel"! lol!

 

 

ex techie ;)

 

Love it!

[BlancaNoir]

Autism at sea can be helpful for some families. It's really, really difficult to travel when you have a family member with autism. We went on an RCI cruise because they talked a good game re: autism. Honestly it was a huge dissapointment in that regard. Now we are just more pragmatic. One advantage (I hope) about Disney is that they have a wider age range for the kids club and more "free play" activities. That means my son will not be routed into structured activities he can't do (Gaga ball??) and also that he can be in the same group as his sister. We aren't counting on the kids club. We booked a concierge suite which has board games and stuff, as well as food. We may end up spending 7 days playing board games on our balcony but that is a vacation enough. Other pluses are that they have disney movies on TV (a huge thing for kids with autism, not sure why) and the servers help cut the kids food. I'm hoping disney will be more autism friendly than RCI.

 

 

Now this should be interesting to see what rating DCL get after the previous "incident" with one of their "Staff Members".....

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=5747

 

I hope they have to jump through a lot of Disney shoreside hoops before that organization is let aboard again, let alone for them to critique DCL for how they handle Autism at sea.

 

ex techie

[moki'smommy]

Autism at sea can be helpful for some families. It's really, really difficult to travel when you have a family member with autism. We went on an RCI cruise because they talked a good game re: autism. Honestly it was a huge dissapointment in that regard. Now we are just more pragmatic. One advantage (I hope) about Disney is that they have a wider age range for the kids club and more "free play" activities. That means my son will not be routed into structured activities he can't do (Gaga ball??) and also that he can be in the same group as his sister. We aren't counting on the kids club. We booked a concierge suite which has board games and stuff, as well as food. We may end up spending 7 days playing board games on our balcony but that is a vacation enough. Other pluses are that they have disney movies on TV (a huge thing for kids with autism, not sure why) and the servers help cut the kids food. I'm hoping disney will be more autism friendly than RCI.

 

I really think you will do better dealing directly with DCL as to your son's needs. Talk to the concierge in advance. On board, if the rank and file CM that happens to be at a given desk doesn't meet your needs, talk to a supervisor. Works wonders.

 

I can't address policies on other lines, but DCL has a corporate value about respect for each individual and meeting their needs...and they do a great job of it.

 

I've traveled twice with individuals who had special needs (not autism). I found DCL personnel to be wonderful when we articulated our situation and our needs. There were a couple little mix ups each time--one CM would say one thing and another would later contradict that. But it always worked out with a minimum of hassle. Example--I called Guest Services to get instructions for the muster drill, knowing that the routine instructions would not apply. The CM on the phone said that we were automatically excused from the drill. Yup, 10 minutes before the drill the phone rang and that CM asked if we would require any assistance for the drill. No biggie--yes, we will need assistance with one issue. But ultimately, there was no problem at all and the drill went off successfully. you get the picture--just talk to them.

Edited February 25, 2014 by moki'smommy

[CruisingwithAutism]

We have done a group cruise with Autism on the Seas and found their services to be very beneficial.The director (and his son) have left to pursue another business.

Our experience has been it depends on who is working in the kids' clubs, the number and mix of kids actually in the club, and the flavors of ice cream onboard. Seriously, that's how unpredictable it can be. We've had great counselors one night and clueless ones the next. As a family, we can't vouch for a particular cruise line until we see a consistent level of training for all their employees to at least understand the challenges of living with autism. Just praying those on the Disney Magic "get it".

[Ex techie]

We have done a group cruise with Autism on the Seas and found their services to be very beneficial.The director (and his son) have left to pursue another business.

Our experience has been it depends on who is working in the kids' clubs, the number and mix of kids actually in the club, and the flavors of ice cream onboard. Seriously, that's how unpredictable it can be. We've had great counselors one night and clueless ones the next. As a family, we can't vouch for a particular cruise line until we see a consistent level of training for all their employees to at least understand the challenges of living with autism. Just praying those on the Disney Magic "get it".

 

I'm glad you found they're services beneficial.

I'm not sure you would feel the same for the young female Guest who ALLEGEDLY was harassed inside and outside the venues and pursued by a member of the group wearing a AOTS STAFF shirt.

The father of the female had to step in.

 

I feel for families that need respite from the 24/7 attention their child needs, but a youth activities club on a ship with limited resources and staff is not one unfortunately that can always cope with every need and situation.

DCL YAC CM's do know how to deal with mild to moderate autism and do a fantastic job helping them along with all of the others.

 

But unless those with inabilities (regardless of autism) can control their emotions and sexual responses enough to not cause an incident like above, they should not be in general child activities places regardless of age.

 

Like the hearing impaired signers though, I do think the cruise line could accommodate 2 extra specialised agency Guests to help out when needed to help and monitor those that may need extra assistance and sometimes adult guidance and corrections to behavior. If more than 2 additional helpers are needed, then the agency should be responsible for the additional Staterooms and wages etc.

And if ANY younger Guest's actions or behaviour is unacceptable, then they have to be removed from that environment.

 

Same for ANY adult for whatever reason. Even if they are cruising via "Drunks on the Seas Travel".

 

ex techie

[moki'smommy]

DCL makes it clear on their web site and in their literature that they cannot provide one on one care to ANY child regardless of the reason the child may need this.

 

Prior to the incident involving an AOTS "staff member" and their "director," parents were allowed into the programming to supervise their child or were able to bring another adult onto the ship AND into the programming to help. As a direct result of the incident, DCL changed the policy so that ONLY DCL CMs are permitted in the programming (thus, the concept of "secure" programming" began.) A parent knows that if their child is in the programming, the ONLY adults they will be interacting with will be DCL CMs. While that doesn't make them totally safe, at least these people have appropriate background checks prior to employment, training, and no incidents of acting out after hiring. Of course that means that no outside adults can be brought in to help with a child who may need extra assistance.

 

As to the sign language interpreters...while they are employed by an outside agency, they serve as somewhat ex-officio CMs. There are cruises designated in advance where interpreters will be on board, however if a guest needing an interpreter wishes to book another date, an effort is made to secure a team for them. If there is one deaf individual on board, the interpreters may go on DCL sponsored excursions, sit at dinner, and enter the programming (if the individual is age appropriate). If there are many deaf individuals on board, the interpreters are unable to offer these services to all, so offer it to none. They will interpret the shows and activities, and will serve the largest group on other situations.

 

Whether this model would work for kids with autism is not clear to me. And I'm not aware of a certification system for these individuals. It is an interesting thought and it might work.

 

But I'll stick to my original comments--you don't need a travel agency to advocate for you or your child. And guest can make their/their child's needs known and DCL will do whatever it can within their legal and traditional guidelines to meet the needs. Speak up and TELL them what you need. Do not expect them to know how to handle YOUR child. If your child only eats pizza for dinner, tell your server up front. If they will melt down for lack of chocolate ice cream, tell the server that on day 1. Don't wait for the day when it is not on the menu--with a little advance notice, it will be available to you!

 

The CMs will go out of their way to meet your needs IF you express those needs to them. Regardless of your child's diagnosis, all with Autism (or any other issue) are not the same. Your child is an individual--TELL DCL how to individualize your child's cruise for the best results for all.

 

Happy cruising!

[Ex techie]

Sorry moki'smommy to spilt your post up to reply, but I think that is the best way in this circumstance!

 

DCL makes it clear on their web site and in their literature that they cannot provide one on one care to ANY child regardless of the reason the child may need this.

 

I absolutely couldn't agree more!

 

Prior to the incident involving an AOTS "staff member" and their "director' date='" parents were allowed into the programming to supervise their child or were able to bring another adult onto the ship AND into the programming to help. As a direct result of the incident, DCL changed the policy so that ONLY DCL CMs are permitted in the programming (thus, the concept of "secure" programming" began.) A parent knows that if their child is in the programming, the ONLY adults they will be interacting with will be DCL CMs. While that doesn't make them totally safe, at least these people have appropriate background checks prior to employment, training, and no incidents of acting out after hiring. Of course that means that no outside adults can be brought in to help with a child who may need extra assistance.[/quote']

 

That is also my understanding after the AOTS incident with the "Staff Member" also.

 

As to the sign language interpreters...while they are employed by an outside agency, they serve as somewhat ex-officio CMs. There are cruises designated in advance where interpreters will be on board, however if a guest needing an interpreter wishes to book another date, an effort is made to secure a team for them. If there is one deaf individual on board, the interpreters may go on DCL sponsored excursions, sit at dinner, and enter the programming (if the individual is age appropriate). If there are many deaf individuals on board, the interpreters are unable to offer these services to all, so offer it to none. They will interpret the shows and activities, and will serve the largest group on other situations.

 

2 helpers needed no more was my response, then the agency should foot the bill for additional people. I think that it is fair given a 10 hour day swapping shifts. As for excursions, unless the interpreter/s can be accommodated by the excursion company FOC to the cruise line (and they should be) then that cost should be met by the Guest.

 

 

Whether this model would work for kids with autism is not clear to me. And I'm not aware of a certification system for these individuals. It is an interesting thought and it might work.

 

I see no difference in an agency offering cruise work to specialist careworkers than the interpreters or for standby medic's or nurses at the local ER.

 

As long as they are qualified and trained to deal with mild to moderate autism, trained in Disney Traditions (say every 6 months) and personable to cruising in a Stateroom sharing with another person, I DO think DCL should and it could work,

Whether there are agencies that have staff willing to do this, I do not know.

 

 

But I'll stick to my original comments--you don't need a travel agency to advocate for you or your child. And guest can make their/their child's needs known and DCL will do whatever it can within their legal and traditional guidelines to meet the needs. Speak up and TELL them what you need. Do not expect them to know how to handle YOUR child. If your child only eats pizza for dinner, tell your server up front. If they will melt down for lack of chocolate ice cream, tell the server that on day 1. Don't wait for the day when it is not on the menu--with a little advance notice, it will be available to you!

 

The CMs will go out of their way to meet your needs IF you express those needs to them. Regardless of your child's diagnosis, all with Autism (or any other issue) are not the same. Your child is an individual--TELL DCL how to individualize your child's cruise for the best results for all.

 

Happy cruising!

 

Absolutely agree with all of the above, and if your child will have a meltdown and be uncontrollable if the flavor of ice cream is not available or the machine were to breakdown, on a ship with no way to get ice cream is probably not the right place to take them.

ex techie