Handicapped Access/Camp

Hello everyone!!

Is it too late to get into the handicapped area if you didn't register before the deadline? Like some others, I'm feeling bad about even having to consider being in that area, because I'm someone with chronic illnesses that put me in the category of "But you don't LOOK sick". I have chronic fatigue (post viral syndrome), I'm anemic due to thalassemia, and I have fibromyalgia. Throw in my tendency for migraines, and I wonder how I get out of bed some days! I wouldn't wish my body on my worst enemy, most days it's like I'm walking through wet concrete with a hangover.

I've never even thought about getting a handicap placard before now, I usually just suck it up and drive on. My worry for Roo is that I end up ruining it for my daughter because we landed in BFE camping and my energy levels can't handle it with all the walking. We did all three days of the Beale Street Festival here in Memphis (AWESOME!!)and by the third day I started to crash badly, even with going home to my own bed to sleep at night. I'm terrified that with the camping situation and all the extra walking around my body is going to just go "Oh hell NO!" by the second day. This has been such an anticipated, exciting event to plan for with my daughter and I do not want to be the reason she doesn't have the best possible time.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Thanks Doug, as I was reading backwards through all the threads I saw the many recommendations to email Laura, which I did this morning. I'm having panic attacks as I've been reading threads about how far away some campsites can be, and seeing the aerial photos scare the pants off my energy stores! Even with using the golf carts, which we had already heard about, I don't now how I'll hold out. It's slightly maddening, because on a good day I'd survive, but heavens help me on a bad one.

Ohhh hurrah!! I got a reply from Laura, who is as all have said, a wonderful help!!

We are going to be allowed in the accessible area, the good news has lifted a million tons of anxiety off of me!!

So HELLO there to all my future Roo neighbors!!!! My daughter and I will be under the pink ez-up, just look for all the flowery faery things.

Are there any treats I can bring from Memphis?? I'll do what I can to gather them before we head out!!

You're fine with a small umbrella and might want to consider a parasol. There is often a vendor selling them so if you bring one you're never questioned.

Are there electrical hookups for patrons with CPAP or other sleep devices that require power?

Yup. We have a short line of powered campsites that we affectionately call “The PowerStrip,” available to those who need to use medical devices when they sleep. It makes such a difference to our patrons to get a good night’s sleep. People who need this service need to contact me and make a reservation.

Hahaha!!! The PowerStrip?! I'm gonna use that all weekend now!

Great write up!

Quick Access question...People who arrive on Wednesday usually get stuck in Pod 1. If I come on Wednesday and have the credentials to go in Access, will I be allowed to do so or will I have to go to Pod 1 and then move to Access on Thursday? thanks!

...straight to access and SUUUUUPER close to the showers, portos, clock tower and access entrance. Wednesday is always the way to go!

Have you spoken with the access people via email yet? If I recall, you'll need to check in at the access tent when you get there to get your wristband to get you on the platforms. custeph knows the ins and outs better than I do.

Perfect, thank you guys so much!!

Can you be anymore amazing?????

I don't think you have to worry about them running out of space for access camping. I walk by it going to Centeroo and there always seems to be leftover space (which makes sense as turning away a camper with handicap plates would be an ADA violation, especially if you called ahead). If you meant for the platforms, I'd think of it like the pit line for regular shows. If you think the pit for a band would fill up enough you'd have to wait, the platform might too. That said, the two years I did access camping with a friend, they did a LOT of chair shuffling logistics to get everyone up there as much as they can. The only time in two years I saw a problem was for Stevie Wonder/Jay-Z's set, and then all they did was move all of the +1 people to the ground in front of the platforms for those two sets, so the worst that happened was the access people had to watch two shows without their friends.

Beyond that, if you need something ask. The access staff is amazing, they are super accommodating, and they will bend over backward to solve a problem if they can. Laura is a saint.