California lawsuit targets Disney’s theme park services for disabled people
Disney’s theme park services for individuals with disabilities have recently come under scrutiny due to a lawsuit filed by Trisha Malone of San Diego in Orange County, California. Malone alleges that Disney’s policies are discriminatory, especially towards individuals with physical disabilities, by prioritizing those with autism, epilepsy, and other developmental disabilities. She claims that Disney must provide equal access to all individuals with disabilities to skip queues at Disneyland and California Adventure, regardless of the nature of their disabilities.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about violations of medical privacy laws, as Malone overheard conversations about other people’s health when discussing her own health with Disney representatives. Disneyland has refuted these claims, stating that they are dedicated to accommodating all visitors with disabilities and providing them with appropriate accommodations based on their individual needs.
Last year, Disneyland and Disney World introduced the Disability Access Service (DAS), which requires guests to engage in a virtual chat with Disney to discuss their upcoming trips and specific needs before receiving a DAS card. This card allows them to schedule ride times without having to physically wait in line. The policy was modified after reports of abuse, where guests were taking advantage of the system to skip lines without valid reasons.
Malone’s lawsuit accuses Disney’s DAS of breaching federal medical privacy regulations and California laws due to the lack of privacy during conversations with Disney staff. The lawsuit claims that sensitive medical information was disclosed in public settings, violating the privacy of guests with disabilities. Despite Malone’s request for a DAS card being denied by Disney, the lawsuit argues that Disney’s criteria for providing DAS accommodations discriminate against individuals with physical disabilities who are unable to wait in long queues.
Furthermore, Malone criticizes the DAS terms and conditions for being coercive by prohibiting individuals from engaging in class action lawsuits against Disney. She argues that this provision creates additional barriers for individuals with disabilities to access services and challenges discriminatory practices. The lawsuit highlights California’s public policy, which prohibits businesses from implementing measures that hinder disabled individuals’ ability to seek collective legal action.
Overall, the lawsuit brought forth by Trisha Malone sheds light on the importance of equal access and accommodation for individuals with disabilities at Disney theme parks. It underscores the need for policies that do not discriminate against individuals with varying types of disabilities and emphasizes the significance of protecting medical privacy rights. Disney’s response to these allegations remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a positive experience for all guests, especially those with disabilities, by offering tailored accommodations to suit their individual needs.
