Disney Faces Backlash: Disabled Community Fight Against Controversial Policy Changes

in Disney Parks, Syndication, Theme Parks

The Partners statue in Magic Kingdom with Cinderella Castle in the background

Credit: Disney

On April 9, Disney shocked and angered thousands of guests when it announced that big changes were coming to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Every day, hundreds — if not thousands — of guests utilized the program, and many of them needed it. However, the changes Disney was planning on making would make many of those guests ineligible to receive the life-saving service.

Magical fireworks burst in the sky above a fairytale castle under a bright blue sky.
Credit: Theme Park Tourist, Flickr

Related: Disney Just Told Thousands of Disabled Guests That They Don’t Count

Disney’s current DAS program allows most people with a disability to use its service. However, beginning May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, only guests with cognitive disabilities like autism will be granted a DAS pass. Disney said that the changes were being made due to the extensive abuse of its DAS program.

However, even with the changes being made, Disney will still not require guests to show any medical proof or even a doctor’s note for those wanting to use the DAS system.

Disney changes Disability Pass
Credit: Disney

Related: Guests Seethe as Disney Makes Controversial Changes to Disability Program

Now, one group is fighting back and hoping to convince Disney to change its mind.

DAS Defenders is a group of activists who are “members or allies” of the disabled community. They are fighting for those who feel Disney has ignored and discriminated against them. They sent a four-page letter to Disney, asking them to reconsider the new policy because of how many people are discriminated against.

You can read the entire letter sent to Disney HERE.

disneyland radiator springs racers
Credit: Disney Parks

They also started a Change.org petition, which reads:

Disney magic should be for everyone but Disney’s recent modifications to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program have excluded many members of the disabled community and their families. For years, Disney has been a beacon of inclusivity and joy for disabled individuals, offering a safe haven where they could enjoy moments of connection and adventure while having their accessibility needs met.

By limiting the DAS program to developmental disabilities only, Disney has left out a wide array of disabled individuals, including cancer patients, veterans with PTSD, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, those with rare diseases and more. As one of the world’s biggest companies, boasting a value exceeding 200 billion dollars, Disney should not be discriminating.

By excluding a diverse range of disabilities and implementing impractical solutions such as bathroom return lines and rider switches, Disney is putting disabled individuals at risk and subjecting them to unnecessary challenges and humiliation.

These policies not only undermine the principles of fairness and inclusivity but also perpetuate discriminatory practices that prevent disabled individuals from fully participating in the Disney experience.

Immediate action is essential to address the harmful implications of Disney’s revised DAS program and uphold the company’s values of inclusivity and accessibility. Disney is a dream destination for countless families and children worldwide. By excluding many disabled individuals from these cherished experiences, Disney not only perpetuates discrimination but also sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be overlooked. Such actions set a dangerous precedent, allowing corporate giants to trample on the rights and dignity of marginalized groups without consequence. It is imperative that Disney recognizes the broad-reaching impact of its decisions and takes immediate steps to rectify this injustice.

slinky dog dash
Credit: Patrick Konior, Unsplash

In its letter to Disney, it asked for Disney to consider the following actions:

  • “Disney revises its Disability Access Service (DAS) program to include a diverse range of disabilities, not just developmental disabilities, incorporating the option to provide documentation.”
  • “Devices and programs that are offered as an “accommodation” must be free or low cost, abundantly available, and only given to those who will truly benefit from them.”
  • “Train all cast members in anti-ableism and invisible disabilities.”
  • “Party size should be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
  • “Reduce prices on Genie+ and offer guests a limited number of free passes for certain attractions to reduce pressure for people to cheat the system in the first place.”
  • “Additional disability-friendly accommodations should be added to the park including return times for character meet-and-greets with long lines and increased parade and nighttime spectacular viewing areas for disabled guests who cannot stand.”
  • “Meet with us, a group of actually disabled park guests, to learn about the true needs of disabled guests before new policies are introduced.”
guests visiting living with the land behind the seeds tour
Credit: Disney

Related: Thank You For Your Service: Disney’s New Disability Policy Could Alienate One Important Group

Many guests have repeatedly asked Disney to simply require medical proof of a disability to use the program. Both Universal Studios Hollywood and the Universal Orlando Resort require guests to register with IBCCES and then speak to a Universal team member to get a DAS pass, which is good for a year.

Disney has not said why they will still not require guests to submit proof of a disability. Disney World and Disneyland are the ONLY Disney Resorts that do not require proof to obtain a DAS pass. Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disney all require medical proof.

tower of terror level 13 ride experience
Credit: Tokyo DisneySea

One of the biggest issues people have with the changes Disney has made is that the company has not addressed how it will handle people with other disabilities that are not cognitive. Disney has indicated that there will be a system guests with other medical disabilities can use, but they have not given any details about how the program will work.

Many guests have also stated that they think Disney will face lawsuits once the changes to its DAS program are implemented. The Americans With Disabilities Act does not define a disability as only cognitive. So, by Disney narrowing the definition of a disability to only cognitive ones appears to be a violation of the ADA.

Disney has not responded to the petition, nor the letter sent by DAS Defenders.

Do you think Disney needs to reconsider the changes it is planning on making to its DAS program? Let us know in the comments!

This post originally appeared on Disney Dining.

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