Disability Access at Amusement Parks is Changing – And Not for the Better

Disability Access at Amusement Parks is Changing – And Not for the Better

It has recently been in the news that some amusement parks are now requiring you register with a third-party company to request Disability Access. It must be done before going to the park and is good for one year. Part of this process requires you to submit a doctor’s note stating you need the accommodation. It does not guarantee you will have access, but you are still required to do this. Universal Studios Destinations, Six Flags, Raging Waters and others are now requiring you make the request in advance. At this time Disney Parks has not joined this program and is still using their current DAS system.

 

Why is this happening? For years some people have been abusing the system and the parks are trying to stop the abuse. People will claim they have ADHD, Autism, or some other cognitive issue so they can get what they think is front of the line passes.

 

Why is this concerning? At first look I believe this is an overreach and not allowed under the ADA. I believe it is a violation of ADA Laws. ADA Law states that people may not discriminate due to disabilities and people may not require proof of disability when you ask for accommodation. If you have a service dog the laws state the dog may be with you everywhere you go and you do not have to prove your need or that the dog is really a service dog. There is no certification for service animals.

 

If you have a disability, do you want to tell the world about it? Not really. With the digital data breaches that happen so often would you trust ANY company to have records of your disability? People with disabilities already feel outside the norm. They already feel they have to push themselves, locations, and other people to accept them as they are and make some level of accommodation when they are looking for access to what everybody else considers “Normal”.  Adding one more hoop for them to jump through just makes it harder and causes more stress and honestly shame.

 

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We will keep you updated on changes at various parks.