If you plan a visit to Universal, you will find that there are changes to the process for guests seeking accommodations due to disabilities when visiting the sites. As an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast, we are always watching global events to see where things are improving regarding accessibility and where some companies are perhaps getting lazy. So will be watching these changes at Universal to see how things progress.
Attraction Assistance Pass
The current scheme, the Attraction Assistance Pass, is in operation in both California and Florida. It means that those people who cannot stand in line to get to the attractions or rides have a pass, giving them a scheduled time when they will be able to return and immediately board one ride. This means they don’t have to worry about queueing and a free to explore the local area while their wait time is passing. Previously getting the pass was not particularly difficult, but now Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort have changed the requirements, and now individuals must apply for an Individual Accessibility Card before their visit begins to claim their Attraction Assistance Pass.
Applying for the Card
To get the card, evidence of a disability is required in the form of documentation from a government entity, educational professional, or of course, a doctor or medical professional that offers details about the accommodations that will be required. This, alongside a photograph, will form the Individual Accessibility Card. The administration of the cards is being carried out by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, the IBCCES. The organisation offers training and provides certification for any professionals who are working with people that have cognitive disabilities and autism.
Although they have been relatively quiet about the reasons behind the change, one can only assume they feel the current scheme is being misused. There seems to be a concern that those with genuine accessibility needs are being side-lined by others just trying to skip the queues. The website has a single statement about the changes: “We are updating our accommodations request policy to help streamline our process and provide the best possible service to our guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a conventional attraction queue environment.”
The card must be applied for and obtained 48 hours before guests arrive at Universal Parks. If an individual meets the requirements for the card, Universal Parks has a team responsible for contacting that person to discuss what specific accommodations are needed. They also said, “The IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) is a pre-arrival program specifically designed to streamline processes for guests and staff at amusement parks and attractions. The primary objective of the IAC is to empower staff at attractions to better and more efficiently serve guests requiring additional support while onsite.”
Cardholders will be issued with their cards that are valid for 12 months, which means they do not need to reapply if they are returning to any of the venues within that time. The card can be used at all six flagship locations in the US, including Sesame Place Philadelphia and amusement parks.