Post by Jenifer on Nov 4, 2008 18:52:03 GMT -5
Yesterday Joy, my husband and I were sitting by the pool when a member of the Westin "Fun Team" came by to see if Joy wanted to play games with some of the kids. We told her she couldn't participate in Kids Club activities because she has special needs. The woman was appalled that we got that information and insisted it was not true. She then went to her manager to double-check and they both reassured us that we had been given false information by the staff member that we first encountered, and that Joy was indeed welcome at Kids Club.
Their policy is children must be age 4 or older and potty trained. They're not able to accommodate children with excessive medical needs — such as a g-tube, oxygen, or a child who needs meds administered. But otherwise EVERY child is welcome — as long as they're potty trained. That still presents a problem for many kids with DS because a lot aren't potty trained until much older than 4, so I'm not loving that policy.
Anyway, we were invited to bring Joy last night for their pajama party, which she loved. They went out and fed the catfish and turtles, listened to the bagpiper, ordered from room service, played games and watched a movie. Joy was exhausted. And today they sent her a platter of warm cookies and ice-cold milk with a letter of apology for the mixup. I also got a call from the guy who oversees Kids Club and he apologize profusely and gave us two free hours of childcare for tomorrow. He also said that the incident has brought to his attention that his staff needs further training on their policies regarding kids with special needs. I'm glad he acknowledged that.
It still hurts that they could simply look at my daughter and turn her away, but they did follow through and do all they could to make it right. I appreciate that. My advice is to thoroughly investigate any property you plan to stay at before taking your vacation. It will save you a lot of trouble.
Jenifer, mom to Joy Daisy
Their policy is children must be age 4 or older and potty trained. They're not able to accommodate children with excessive medical needs — such as a g-tube, oxygen, or a child who needs meds administered. But otherwise EVERY child is welcome — as long as they're potty trained. That still presents a problem for many kids with DS because a lot aren't potty trained until much older than 4, so I'm not loving that policy.
Anyway, we were invited to bring Joy last night for their pajama party, which she loved. They went out and fed the catfish and turtles, listened to the bagpiper, ordered from room service, played games and watched a movie. Joy was exhausted. And today they sent her a platter of warm cookies and ice-cold milk with a letter of apology for the mixup. I also got a call from the guy who oversees Kids Club and he apologize profusely and gave us two free hours of childcare for tomorrow. He also said that the incident has brought to his attention that his staff needs further training on their policies regarding kids with special needs. I'm glad he acknowledged that.
It still hurts that they could simply look at my daughter and turn her away, but they did follow through and do all they could to make it right. I appreciate that. My advice is to thoroughly investigate any property you plan to stay at before taking your vacation. It will save you a lot of trouble.
Jenifer, mom to Joy Daisy
&
Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
