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

[Gentry2004]

The third party just verifies that there is a disability - Universal makes the decision as to what, if any, accommodation is offered.

Its just weird because if you go to this company's website, it only talks about Autism and Neurodiversity. They don't appear to know anything about physical medical issues whatsoever. What qualifies them to help guests that don't have neurodiversity issues?

https://ibcces.org/

 

[OurBigTrip]

Its just weird because if you go to this company's website, it only talks about Autism and Neurodiversity. They don't appear to know anything about physical medical issues whatsoever. What qualifies them to help guests that don't have neurodiversity issues?

https://ibcces.org/

Again, all they’re doing is taking the proof that you provide to validate that you have a disability. They have no need to know how to accommodate that disability because that’s up to Universal.

 

[Gentry2004]

Again, all they’re doing is taking the proof that you provide to validate that you have a disability. They have no need to know how to accommodate that disability because that’s up to Universal.

I guess we will see how it all plays it out. It just seems to favor people with the specific issues this company specializes in. I don't have a trip planned so we won't be testing it for at least a year.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I guess we will see how it all plays it out. It just seems to favor people with the specific issues this company specializes in. I don't have a trip planned so we won't be testing it for at least a year.

As they aren’t providing accommodations, there isn’t really any way for them to “favor” one disability over another.

Either a guest can provide proof or they can’t. If they can, then Universal will choose which accommodation to offer (or not). Id a guest can’t provide proof, then obviously there will be no accommodation.

 

[Gentry2004]

As they aren’t providing accommodations, there isn’t really any way for them to “favor” one disability over another.

Either a guest can provide proof or they can’t. If they can, then Universal will choose which accommodation to offer (or not). Id a guest can’t provide proof, then obviously there will be no accommodation.

Isn’t the third party the arbiter of whether or not they deem the proof “acceptable”? If so, they’d be more familiar with documentation regarding their own areas of expertise. If they are simply accepting any and all documentation from literally any medical provider then yes you are correct. That’s the part we don’t really know, do we?

 

[OurBigTrip]

Isn’t the third party the arbiter of whether or not they deem the proof “acceptable”? If so, they’d be more familiar with documentation regarding their own areas of expertise. If they are simply accepting any and all documentation from literally any medical provider then yes you are correct. That’s the part we don’t really know, do we?

I’ve seen one person post here that their documentation was rejected, and that appeared to be an issue with multi page documents.

It sounds like they’re taking just about anything as proof.

 

[voxparse]

Isn’t the third party the arbiter of whether or not they deem the proof “acceptable”? If so, they’d be more familiar with documentation regarding their own areas of expertise. If they are simply accepting any and all documentation from literally any medical provider then yes you are correct. That’s the part we don’t really know, do we?

They are accepting almost anything that meets their criteria. As I said previously in the thread, all I submitted was a note from my doctor that very literally says Vox is a Type 1 Diabetic and uses a wheelchair. The entire thing could have fit on a post it note.

 

[SueM in MN]

All requests for accommodation must go through the same initial process now, which involves providing some proof to IBCCES. IEPs are only 1 form of proof accepted. For digestive issues I would think a doctor’s note is more appropriate.

Once the proof is accepted granting the IBCCES card, then Universal will determine accommodations. It has been reported that “bathroom” related needs have been denied the AAP. But some have been granted. So it may depend on the situation.

I’ve been following all sorts of different social media where people have been discussing their experiences. I’ve seen some posts where people have reported they were approved for “bathroom“ issues and others reported they were not. When they compared what they had submitted, it was essentially the same, so they couldn’t figure out why one was denied and the other accepted.
I‘ve also seen posts where one person submitted quite a bit of information, but it was rejected because the documentation was “too old” at one year old or they were told it needed to be documentation from a specialist. Others reported they submitted and got approved ”for all the Accommodations I checked” based on non-specific stuff - like one had a 2 year old letter that allowed her to keep food at her desk without anything that said why and one who had a letter that allowed extra time for test taking in college (she’s since graduated). A lot of people are reporting sending a copy of their handicapped parking permit (the permit, not any documentation of why they have the permit) and being given “all the accommodations I checked”.

It’s just weird because if you go to this company's website, it only talks about Autism and Neurodiversity. They don't appear to know anything about physical medical issues whatsoever. What qualifies them to help guests that don't have neurodiversity issues?

https://ibcces.org/

From what I’ve seen, people seem to be assuming that some kind of “medical people” are reviewing the documents. It appears (at least to me) that is not the case and it seems like the reviewers just have a list/table of what they can accept.
From what I’ve been able to find on the internet, it appears the IBCCES program first began sometime in 2021 and was started as part of that company’s Autism Certification.
Another article talking about 2021 IBCCES CARD pilot program; the company said their information indicated “less than 3% of people who signed up using our program were attempting to abuse it”. They did not identify how they determined that.

I have seen comments from multiple people who chatted with both IBCCES and Universal and were told they would need to register and have an IBCCES card to use a wheelchair, a service dog or blind people to use a white cane at Universal. Those are all things in the ADA that disabled people can’t be asked for proof to use.
Maybe it’s just the program is new, but that is concerning.

 

[HavendishSquare]

So I’m currently at HHN opening night and I’m seeing a TON of gold AAPs, to the point I think I’ve seen more gold than orange passes.

I’m going to be honest, I think they are giving out gold too much. But they at least seem prepared to handle it from what I’ve seen. They seem to be getting groups of 2-3 with gold AAPs together and then walking them to the entrance.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

So I’m currently at HHN opening night and I’m seeing a TON of gold AAPs, to the point I think I’ve seen more gold than orange passes.

I’m going to be honest, I think they are giving out gold too much. But they at least seem prepared to handle it from what I’ve seen. They seem to be getting groups of 2-3 with gold AAPs together and then walking them to the entrance.

Thanks for the report. Would love any other observations on the pass usage at HHN. I’ve wondered how it’s going to work.

 

[HavendishSquare]

Thanks for the report. Would love any other observations on the pass usage at HHN. I’ve wondered how it’s going to work.

I’m heading back again tomorrow night (and probably many more the next two months), if I see anything else of note I will definitely report back.

I got to say, I can see why someone might exaggerate their inability to wait in lines to get the gold rather than orange. We got a return time for a house using the orange AAP, waited the posted standby time outside the line, and still ended up waiting another 50 minutes in the express lane. I don’t want to doubt people’s disabilities, but I guess I’m skeptical since HHN has a history of AAP abuse. Also suspicious because I only see a few people with gold AAPs during regular park days.

For anyone concerned about how the AAP works for HHN, it’s works exactly the same as it does in the park on a regular day and you don’t need a special AAP specifically for HHN.

 

[Jaay]

I’m heading back again tomorrow night (and probably many more the next two months), if I see anything else of note I will definitely report back.

I got to say, I can see why someone might exaggerate their inability to wait in lines to get the gold rather than orange. We got a return time for a house using the orange AAP, waited the posted standby time outside the line, and still ended up waiting another 50 minutes in the express lane. I don’t want to doubt people’s disabilities, but I guess I’m skeptical since HHN has a history of AAP abuse. Also suspicious because I only see a few people with gold AAPs during regular park days.

For anyone concerned about how the AAP works for HHN, it’s works exactly the same as it does in the park on a regular day and you don’t need a special AAP specifically for HHN.

Please keep us updated with any HHN info! As much as I love the event, it gives me an (extra) enormous amount of anxiety when it comes to express lines, AAP, etc.
So any and all info that might be useful will be greatly appreciated!
Hope you had an amazing time!

 

[ToxicRoyalty]

I’m heading back again tomorrow night (and probably many more the next two months), if I see anything else of note I will definitely report back.

I got to say, I can see why someone might exaggerate their inability to wait in lines to get the gold rather than orange. We got a return time for a house using the orange AAP, waited the posted standby time outside the line, and still ended up waiting another 50 minutes in the express lane. I don’t want to doubt people’s disabilities, but I guess I’m skeptical since HHN has a history of AAP abuse. Also suspicious because I only see a few people with gold AAPs during regular park days.

For anyone concerned about how the AAP works for HHN, it’s works exactly the same as it does in the park on a regular day and you don’t need a special AAP specifically for HHN.

It's very possible people aren't "exaggerating their ability to wait in line" to get the gold, but are being given it based on differing guidelines set by universal/the knowledge of how express lines have been working - people get AAPs in the first place because of, for many reasons, time spent in the queue itself being an issue. If I had the orange AAP and was expected to wait another 50 minutes in the express, I straight up wouldn't be able to do it and would have to leave the line. I've had to do it with Disney's DAS before. (And also seriously that situation sucks and I'm sorry you ended up in it.)

To add, most people didn't know Universal even had more offerings than the orange AAP. I think it's much more likely, with the new requirements, Universal is more comfortable issuing gold and perhaps will reconfigure how to serve those guests as time goes on.

In terms of usage of AAPs and you seeing them more during park days vs HHN, I understand being skeptical, but I think there's a few explanations there. During an average park day, AAP users are spread across three parks, with a lot more attractions to use the AAP at. During HHN, anyone with an AAP attending is going to be in that same park, and most likely using it for houses, since that's the main feature of HHN. Plus, daytime park guests who would utilize an AAP could be staying at a hotel that provides the express pass, and may be opting to use that instead when it works for them. That express pass won't work during HHN.

 

[HavendishSquare]

It's very possible people aren't "exaggerating their ability to wait in line" to get the gold, but are being given it based on differing guidelines set by universal/the knowledge of how express lines have been working - people get AAPs in the first place because of, for many reasons, time spent in the queue itself being an issue. If I had the orange AAP and was expected to wait another 50 minutes in the express, I straight up wouldn't be able to do it and would have to leave the line. I've had to do it with Disney's DAS before. (And also seriously that situation sucks and I'm sorry you ended up in it.)

To add, most people didn't know Universal even had more offerings than the orange AAP. I think it's much more likely, with the new requirements, Universal is more comfortable issuing gold and perhaps will reconfigure how to serve those guests as time goes on.

In terms of usage of AAPs and you seeing them more during park days vs HHN, I understand being skeptical, but I think there's a few explanations there. During an average park day, AAP users are spread across three parks, with a lot more attractions to use the AAP at. During HHN, anyone with an AAP attending is going to be in that same park, and most likely using it for houses, since that's the main feature of HHN. Plus, daytime park guests who would utilize an AAP could be staying at a hotel that provides the express pass, and may be opting to use that instead when it works for them. That express pass won't work during HHN.

I definitely agree with your points and considered those reasons as well, which is why I would never look at a person using a gold pass and assume they specifically lied or exaggerated to get it.

I think perhaps I’m more skeptical about the honesty of people requesting accommodations in general when I’ve met so many people in real life, who when given the chance, will take advantage of an accommodation even if they have a disability.

For example, someone close to me has a disabled parking permit. The only reason they need it is for walking long distances, but when we go to park they will always choose the handicap parking spot even if there’s an empty spot right next to it in the front. I’ve tried explaining that those spots are larger to allow wheelchair access and they should leave the spot open since there’s one of comparable distance open, but they continue to park in the handicap spot simply because they have the tag.

By all means we should use the accommodations available to us, but I also think it’s important that we are considerate of others as well when using these accommodations.

 

[gottalovepluto]

…I have seen comments from multiple people who chatted with both IBCCES and Universal and were told they would need to register and have an IBCCES card to use a wheelchair, a service dog or blind people to use a white cane at Universal. Those are all things in the ADA that disabled people can’t be asked for proof to use.
Maybe it’s just the program is new, but that is concerning.

The mind boggles. People are so suit happy against Disney, surprised stuff hasn’t cropped up yet with UOR (oh wait! Maybe something is coming? Or almost came to be? Maybe Legal is why Guest Services appears to have done a 180 on their IB Card or Get Out policy? )

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

I’m heading back again tomorrow night (and probably many more the next two months), if I see anything else of note I will definitely report back.

I got to say, I can see why someone might exaggerate their inability to wait in lines to get the gold rather than orange. We got a return time for a house using the orange AAP, waited the posted standby time outside the line, and still ended up waiting another 50 minutes in the express lane. I don’t want to doubt people’s disabilities, but I guess I’m skeptical since HHN has a history of AAP abuse. Also suspicious because I only see a few people with gold AAPs during regular park days.

For anyone concerned about how the AAP works for HHN, it’s works exactly the same as it does in the park on a regular day and you don’t need a special AAP specifically for HHN.

Thanks for the posts and the information. I think HHN is harder for those with some disabilities as it’s a total different beast and situation. Everyone is so packed in to the same places. Last year was my first time and I did stay and scream ticket with express pass as we went for one night and tried to make it so I could handle it. We went on a Thursday to try for a less crowded night. I loved the event but the crowds can be overwhelming. Even with the express pass I would never be able to do 50 minutes in the line. We passed up on some houses as even express was too long. I do hope I can get a gold pass for this reason. If not, that’s okay as I’ll just pass on the long ones again. Truthfully I didn’t know about the gold last year and didn’t try for an aap anyways as we were just there for HHN and we bought express. Now I know the gold would be more accommodating for me and allow me to do some of those whose express is too long. I have no problem waiting my time somewhere else. I do wish it was in the app though like the DAS at Disney. I appreciate everyone sharing their thoughts and experiences especially with HHN as I think it’s just so different than a regular park day.

 

[keishashadow]

They seem to be getting groups of 2-3 with gold AAPs together and then walking them to the entrance

Not what I understood, interesting

It's very possible people aren't "exaggerating their ability to wait in line" to get the gold, but are being given it based on differing guidelines set by universal/the knowledge of how express lines have been working - people get AAPs in the first place because of, for many reasons, time spent in the queue itself being an issue

Exactly, my family member was told, based upon their conversation with the U TM, gold was the proper pass

To add, most people didn't know Universal even had more offerings than the orange AAP. I think it's much more likely, with the new requirements, Universal is more comfortable issuing gold and perhaps will reconfigure how to serve those guests as time goes on.

Can’t say I’ve ever heard of it or seen anyone using it

By all means we should use the accommodations available to us, but I also think it’s important that we are considerate of others as well when using these accommodations.

Well, holding a disability pass (whether thru a state parking placard/plate or being extended a disability accommodation/pass in the parks), sadly isn’t magical to the point it will make some people courteous.

OT

one thing I did want to mention. Same family member had their talk with WDW re renewing their DAS This weekend.

Interestingly enough, the opening question changed. had never heard it stated that way in the past. More like the Qs on the IBCCES application.

“why do you need the ability to leave an attraction line?”

not sure if it was a one-off sort of thing or the CM was working from a script.

 

[Jaay]

My girlfriend had her call and they granted her the AAP card, same as the other stories. I’m just confused with the Gold and Orange now because they did not specify which one she was getting, including in the email that she had requested to detail the call and the decision they made.
Makes me wonder if they’re just gonna give her whatever color they feel like on the day.

Never had any problems with the regular Orange in the past, but I definitely am concerned with HHN’s “express line” and the long wait times people have been reporting. Which makes me think Gold may be the most appropriate in those types of scenarios so you’re escorted to the front, instead of having pot luck of a potential bad experience waiting in a long line.

Does anyone have any experience with specifically asking for the Gold or Orange pass when picking it up at Guest Services?
Say they hand you the Orange but you express your concerns about HHN’s long wait times, are they within their power to swap it out for Gold?

Too many things running through my head that I’m sure not many have the answers to!

 

[HavendishSquare]

My girlfriend had her call and they granted her the AAP card, same as the other stories. I’m just confused with the Gold and Orange now because they did not specify which one she was getting, including in the email that she had requested to detail the call and the decision they made.
Makes me wonder if they’re just gonna give her whatever color they feel like on the day.

Never had any problems with the regular Orange in the past, but I definitely am concerned with HHN’s “express line” and the long wait times people have been reporting. Which makes me think Gold may be the most appropriate in those types of scenarios so you’re escorted to the front, instead of having pot luck of a potential bad experience waiting in a long line.

Does anyone have any experience with specifically asking for the Gold or Orange pass when picking it up at Guest Services?
Say they hand you the Orange but you express your concerns about HHN’s long wait times, are they within their power to swap it out for Gold?

Too many things running through my head that I’m sure not many have the answers to!

I’m sure you would have no problem requesting a higher accommodation if you explain to the team member why it’s necessary. I’m guessing they gave her the orange pass because that is probably considered the default. Weird that they didn’t explain to her how the pass works or anything.

But to ease your anxiety a bit, the one express line where I waited 50 minutes was for one of their headliners. I waited in the express line for another headliner the next night that had a 90 minute standby and the express line was maybe 20-25 minutes, which is much closer to what I would have expected. I’m wondering if they had something happen in the house that held up the line the first night. Every other house’s express line has been in the 5-20 minute range.

 

[HavendishSquare]

one thing I did want to mention. Same family member had their talk with WDW re renewing their DAS This weekend.

Interestingly enough, the opening question changed. had never heard it stated that way in the past. More like the Qs on the IBCCES application.

“why do you need the ability to leave an attraction line?”

not sure if it was a one-off sort of thing or the CM was working from a script.

Interesting. I’m planning to renew my DAS tomorrow and I’m curious to see what they ask me.

Regarding them getting escorting a couple groups at a time, I have seen them take a single group up, but it definitely looks like they try to take as many groups in one go as possible.