Disney Is Facing a Class-Action Lawsuit Over Its Changes to Disneyland’s Disability Access Service Policy
The Walt Disney Company is now facing a class action lawsuit over changes to Disneyland’s Disability Access Service (DAS). The class action lawsuit was filed by Irvine-based McCune Law Group on behalf of Trisha Malone of San Diego. Malone, who is physically disabled, was denied access to the DAS program last year.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Disney Parks, you likely heard that Disney made changes to the DAS last summer. The updated policy introduced a new screening process and attempted to reduce abuse of the program.
The updated guidelines noted that DAS would be available “only for those guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
Photo: Disney
Additionally, Disney announced that it was partnering with Inspire Health Alliance to help Cast Members determine what gusts were eligible for DAS accommodations.
Disney Is Now Facing a Class-Action Lawsuit
On Monday, a class action lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court. The suit alleges that Walt Disney Parks and Inspire Health Alliance discriminated against Disneyland visitors with physical disabilities.
“Disney’s screening process effectively excluded and tended to screen out individuals with physical disabilities whose conditions also prevented them from tolerating long waits,” the lawsuit alleges.
Photo: cba.cj
Additionally, the lawsuit states that Disneyland employees “gathered and evaluated” sensitive medical information in public settings and that Disneyland’s alternatives to DAS access “failed to provide equitable access and imposed undue burdens, logistical challenges, emotional distress, and safety risks.”
The lawsuit is seeking statutory damages of no less than $4,000 per violation. Additionally, the plaintiffs are asking the judge to force Disneyland to change its DAS policies.
Disney Says the Suit Is Without Merit
For their part, Disney is defending its DAS policy.
“Disney is committed to providing a great experience for all who visit our theme parks. Particularly our guests with disabilities who may require special accommodations,” Disney officials said in a statement.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
“Disney offers a broad range of effective disability accommodations and has worked extensively with experts to ensure that our guests’ individual needs are properly matched with the accommodation they require.”
