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Credit: DisneyA new class action lawsuit targets the Disney Parks and Resorts.
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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Inspire Health Alliance over changes to Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). The new lawsuit, Malone vs. Disney, filed in Orange County, California, claims that both Disney and Inspire Health Alliance discriminate against individuals with certain disabilities as a result of the recent changes to Disney’s DAS system.
Disney’s DAS system is intended to allow guests with developmental disabilities to enjoy and interact with the parks without having to stand in traditional standby lines, something they may not be able to do comfortably. Disney offers guests the chance to register for its DAS program ahead of their visit, though this system has seen numerous changes in recent years.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those with disabilities are entitled to equal access, privacy, and dignity, something the new lawsuit claims is not being honored. The screening criteria visitors must pass to receive a DAS pass are being challenged, with the lawsuit claiming it may be in violation of the California Unruh Civil Rights Act.
This updated criteria may also go against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
The lawsuit can be read in full down below:
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Disney revamped its DAS system last summer, something that was and still is quite controversial among guests and fans alike. These changes saw Disney become more strict for those seeking a DAS pass, requiring significantly more work on the user end.
Disney also narrowed the definition of what actually qualifies for its DAS system, limiting the requirements to individuals who have a “developmental disability like autism or similar disorder.” This was done in an attempt to reduce fraudulent claims, which had reportedly been affecting the service.
Earlier this year, Disney made another change to how it describes its DAS system, taking the word” only” out from its “What to Know About DAS” page.
Original wording:
“DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”New wording
“DAS is intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
It’s unclear what prompted the change, though it’s possible this was an attempt by Disney to soften up its requirements.
Stay tuned here at Inside the Magic for all Disney Park news updates.