After a five year battle, a lawsuit filed by an autistic man against The Walt Disney Company regarding their disability policy finally has a trial date.
The lawsuit claims that Disney’s 2014 policy change, which introduce the Disability Access Service cards, makes it difficult for guests with severe autism. Rather than allowing guests with disabilities to go to the front of the line, the current policy gives guests with disabilities a return time to experience an attraction, similar to FastPass+.
The lawsuit argues that, for someone with autism who may not understand the concept of time, getting a return time is the same as being asked to wait.
Attorney Anthony Dogali writes in the lawsuit:
The disabled plaintiff is mentally and physically incapable oftraveling across the park to the site of an attraction only to be told to come back later. This experience will induce meltdowns in the large majority of persons with cognitive impairments.
Dogali also argues that the DAS policy treats all guests with disabilities the same, rather than offering different options for different impairments.
In a statement to WESH 2 News, Disney commented:
Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all our guests. We fully comply with all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and believe that the legal claims are without merit.
The federal lawsuit is set to go to trial on February 18, 2020.
Source: WESH 2 News
Tom is the former host and producer of the Disneyland Edition podcast, and is now providing Disneyland content from the parks. He enjoys traveling with friends and spending time with family, including his son and grandson. In his spare time he volunteers with Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, and help found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
