California Lawsuit Filed Against Disney Alleges DAS Program Changes are “Discriminatory”
Disney has received massive criticism for alterations made to their disability services.
Last April, the US Disney Parks heavily altered their Disability Access Service (DAS) in response to continued abuse of the program. A new lawsuit has been filed against the theme parks in California alleging that Disney is discriminating against people with disabilities and violating medical privacy laws.
What’s Happening:
- Florida Politics is reporting that a new lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed against The Walt Disney Company.
- Filed by San Diego’s Trisha Malone, the lawsuit alleges that Disney’s changes to DAS have directly discriminated against those with physical disabilities visiting Disneyland Resort’s theme parks.
- Prior to last year, Disney’s DAS program allowed those with disabilities to head to guest services where they could quickly receive access to a virtual queue program for their entire party. However, the program was overwhelming Disney’s Lightning Lane queues, leading to the company limiting who had access to the service.
- Now, guests are subject to screening by Disney cast members, denying many and giving access to those mostly with autism, epilepsy and other developmental disabilities.
- Unfortunately, these changes have directly impacted certain guests from being able to enjoy the park without purchasing the Lightning Lane service.
- Malone shared “Disney must provide an equal opportunity for all individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using conventional queues, regardless of whether their disabilities are developmental, physical, or otherwise. The restriction is arbitrary, discriminatory," in the Orange County, California lawsuit.
- Based on conversations overheard at the park, Malone is also alleging that Disney is violating medical privacy laws. When applying, she spoke with a Disney cast member and a nurse about her condition.
- “These conversations occurred in a public setting where other Disney cast members, and nearby guests could overhear disclosures about medical conditions," her lawsuit said. “Specifically, Ms. Malone and other aggrieved guests disclosed the nature of their disabilities, their symptoms, and how these conditions impacted their ability to wait in line. These discussions involved sensitive medical details and were conducted without regard for privacy."
- Malone is seeking punitive damages, attorney fees, and other damages.
- Disney responded to the newsource’s request for comment, claiming the company 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."
- No lawsuit has been filed in Florida at this time.
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