Disney is making major changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) in an effort to address misuse and better accommodate guests with disabilities. Starting May 20, 2024, at Walt Disney World and June 18, 2024, at Disneyland, DAS will only be available to guests with autism and similar developmental disabilities who are unable to wait in queues for longer periods of time. Other accommodations for special needs, such as Rider Switch and Single Rider queues, will be expanded and more clearly defined, and Disney is providing more information on accessibility options to help guests plan for potential challenges.
UConn's Final Four experience has been marred by travel and hotel issues, with fans noticing a stark difference in accommodations compared to other teams. While NC State's DJ Burns has a king-sized bed, UConn's Stephon Castle appears to have a double bed. The NCAA arranges the travel and hotel accommodations, and despite past hotel debacles, UConn has managed to secure wins in this year's tournament.
Hotel bookings in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 have surged, with some accommodations seeing a 900% increase in reservations. Many hotels are already sold out, prompting travelers to seek alternative options such as renting mobile tents or luxury camping experiences. Prices for available rooms have also risen significantly, leading some to opt for more affordable and creative ways to witness the celestial event. If planning a last-minute trip, it's recommended to check event sites for special hotel deals and secure rental cars as soon as possible.
A stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World's park-view deluxe suite, which can cost over $8,000 a night, offers a luxurious experience with a 1,000-square-foot space, two bathrooms, and stunning views of Magic Kingdom's fireworks. Located within Disney's Golden Oak, the suite accommodates up to three adults or two adults and two kids, featuring a king bed, queen-size sofa bed, and a balcony overlooking the fireworks.
Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit were forced to spend the night in military barracks in eastern Canada after the plane made an emergency landing due to a mechanical issue. The flight was diverted to Goose Bay airport, where passengers were provided with food, water, and accommodations. Delta sent additional aircraft to bring the passengers to their final destination the following day. Passengers will be compensated for the inconvenience.
Several migrant families with children refused to stay at a newly-opened shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, opting to re-enter the bus and demanding alternative accommodations. City Hall confirmed that there were no other placement options for migrants who declined the site. The families were reportedly not informed in advance that they would be staying in a tent city. The lack of space has limited options for sheltering migrants, with over 65,600 currently in the city's care. The shelter at Floyd Bennett Field has faced opposition due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure.
Parents of children diagnosed with ADHD can help ease their frustrations throughout the school year by using a daily checklist for what to bring to school, setting a timer to help regulate attention and manage schedules, staying organized with tools like Trapper Keepers and planner pages, allowing fidget toys to provide stimulation for focus, and advocating for a 504 plan to receive accommodations in the classroom.
The article highlights the upcoming total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America on April 8, 2024. It discusses the significance of this event and provides recommendations for the best places to view the eclipse along its path of totality. The top seven picks include Mazatlán, Mexico; Durango, Mexico; Kerrville, Texas; Buffalo National River, Arkansas; Sandusky, Ohio; Lake Placid, New York; and Rangeley, Maine. The article also offers tips and tools for enhancing the eclipse viewing experience, such as booking accommodations in advance, being prepared for changing weather conditions, and prioritizing safety by using ISO-certified eye protection.
College dining halls are facing the challenge of accommodating a growing number of students with allergies and special dietary restrictions. With one in six students at Michigan State University having an allergy or dietary restriction, dining hall staff are working to meet the diverse needs of their student body. Some schools have implemented allergen-free dining halls or apps for customized meals, while others provide ingredient labels or alternative options. However, accommodating all dietary restrictions can be difficult and costly. Students with allergies often face challenges in finding adequate choices, and some have opted out of meal plans. Student-led organizations are advocating for more food allergy education and awareness on college campuses.
Brendan Towle, a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, has been effectively banned from graduating due to a course requirement that he cannot fulfill because of his disability. Towle has dysgraphia, which prevents him from handwriting more than two paragraphs at a time. Despite requesting disability accommodations, including typing notes and using graphic design tools, he was denied and faced discrimination and retaliation from his professors. Towle filed a complaint with the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, but the investigation concluded with insufficient evidence of retaliation. Towle believes that the university has not adequately enforced anti-discrimination laws and that the disability services office lacks resources to effectively support students.
Walmart will offer "sensory-friendly shopping hours" every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m through August, dimming lights and making other accommodations to improve the shopping experience for those with sensory disabilities. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for autistic individuals and others with sensory processing disorders. It is unclear if these accommodations will continue after August.
People with food allergies face a pervasive lack of understanding about the serious nature of their condition, which leads to misguided or downright rude comments. Everyday threats posed by food cause real anxiety for people with allergies, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team. Managing food allergies leads to burdens and social isolation. Advocates suggest that people should ask the right questions and provide support, rather than making dismissive comments.
The latest patch for Hogwarts Legacy includes an optional arachnophobia mode that changes the appearance and behavior of spiders in the game, as well as over 500 bug fixes. The mode is an accommodation for players with arachnophobia and will not affect those who do not opt-in. The patch also addresses performance issues and upscaling and raytracing fixes. There are currently no announced plans for DLC or expansion for the game.
In 2023, a rare annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America, creating a "ring of fire" that can only be seen along the path of annularity. Eclipse watchers can find accommodations on Vrbo.com and Hotels.com, and travel bargains on Expedia. The eclipse will be partially visible across all of North America, but a full map of the path of annularity can be found on NASA.gov. It is imperative to use a solar filter to safely view the event, and products for safe viewing are available.
The UConn men's basketball team had to request a new hotel after finding their original accommodations in Las Vegas unsuitable due to messy rooms from previous guests. The team was able to move to a new hotel and continue with their scheduled practices and games in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16.
