A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Disney, accusing the company of discriminating against guests with physical disabilities in its Disability Access Service (DAS) qualifications. The lawsuit claims that Disney's recent changes to the DAS program have made it more difficult for guests with disabilities to access the service, which is designed to provide them with equal access to the park's attractions.
The DAS program was originally designed to help guests with disabilities navigate the park and access attractions without having to wait in long lines. However, the program has undergone several changes in recent years, and some guests with disabilities have reported difficulty in accessing the service. The lawsuit alleges that these changes have resulted in a discriminatory effect on guests with physical disabilities, who are no longer able to access the service in the same way as they were previously.
The class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of all guests with physical disabilities who have been affected by the changes to the DAS program. The lawsuit seeks to have the court declare that Disney's DAS program is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to require Disney to make changes to the program to ensure that it is accessible to all guests with disabilities.
According to the lawsuit, Disney's DAS program has been modified to require guests with disabilities to provide more documentation and to undergo a more rigorous evaluation process in order to qualify for the service. The lawsuit claims that this has resulted in a significant delay in the processing of DAS applications and has made it more difficult for guests with disabilities to access the service in a timely manner.
The lawsuit also alleges that Disney has failed to provide adequate training to its staff on the DAS program and has not provided sufficient resources to support the program. This has resulted in a lack of consistency in the application of the DAS program, with some guests being granted access to the service while others are denied.
The lawsuit is seeking damages on behalf of the affected guests, as well as injunctive relief to require Disney to make changes to the DAS program. The lawsuit is also seeking to have the court declare that Disney's DAS program is in violation of the ADA and to require Disney to take steps to ensure that the program is accessible to all guests with disabilities.
In response to the lawsuit, Disney has stated that it is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all of its guests. The company has also stated that it is constantly reviewing and updating its DAS program to ensure that it is meeting the needs of its guests with disabilities.
However, for many guests with disabilities, the changes to the DAS program have been a significant setback. They have reported feeling frustrated and disappointed by the lack of access to the service and the difficulty in navigating the application process. The lawsuit is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that Disney's DAS program is accessible to all guests with disabilities and that the company is held accountable for its actions.