Through the DAS Defenders coalition, people with disabilities are voicing their opposition to changes announced by Disney to its Disability Access Services (DAS).
DAS advocates reject changes to disability access services
The coalition, made up of more than 140 members of the disability community and their allies, said in a letter to Disney that they were “deeply concerned about the recent changes” to DAS.
Updates to disability access services, set to take effect at Walt Disney World in May and Disneyland Resort in June, will limit services for guests with developmental disabilities, including autism. DAS Defenders has listed individuals who will be exempt from the restrictions, including cancer patients, guests with PTSD, narcolepsy patients, POTS patients, multiple sclerosis patients, people with low vision and those who use oxygen tanks.
“By excluding a wide range of individuals with disabilities who have medical reasons that prevent them from waiting in line, Disney is putting individuals in a dangerous situation,” the letter states.
They call the updated policy “ableist and insulting.” DAS Defenders singled out Disney’s promise to introduce a back-in-line option for guests who need to leave the line to use the restroom, calling it “unrealistic and insensitive.” They say guests who leave the line and return “can lead to discriminatory hate, harassment, and violence, and can lead to unnecessary negative attention from other park visitors who don’t know, and don’t need to know, an individual’s condition.”
“As a global leader in entertainment and hospitality valued at over $200 billion, we believe Disney should maintain its reputation as a beacon of inclusion and joy for all. By excluding so many people with disabilities from these precious experiences, Disney is not only perpetuating discrimination, it is sending a clear message that the rights and needs of the disability community are at risk of being disregarded.”
DAS Defenders Petition
DAS Defenders also said encouraging guests with disabilities to use Rider Switch ignores those traveling alone or with other people with disabilities, and that encouraging guests to purchase Genie+ is “unfair” because “people with disabilities already face higher living costs compared to able-bodied people.”
They said they were “committed to working collaboratively” with Disney and listed the following demands:
“Disney has revised its Disability Access Services (DAS) program to include the option to provide documentation for a variety of disabilities, not just developmental disabilities.” “Devices and programs offered as ‘accommodations’ should be free or low-cost, fully accessible, and only offered to those who would truly benefit.” “Train all cast members on anti-ableism and invisible disabilities.” “Party size should be considered on a case-by-case basis.” “Lower the price of Genie+ and offer guests a limited number of free passes to certain attractions to reduce the pressure to try to cheat the system in the first place.” “Add disability-friendly accommodations to your parks, such as re-entry times for long character queues and expanded parade and nighttime spectacle viewing areas for guests with disabilities who cannot stand.” “Before any new policies are implemented, please meet with us, a group of actual park guests with disabilities, to learn about the real needs of guests with disabilities.”
We urge Disney to uphold the values of inclusivity and accessibility embodied in our characters with disabilities, including Daria, Nemo, Destiny, Dory, Bo Peep, Mama Coco, Mama Odie, and Piglet, as well as Roy Disney himself, whose disability benefits helped Roy and Walt found the company. Disney must ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, can experience the magic of Disney Parks without barriers.
DAS Defender
DAS Defenders started a petition on Change.org called “Stop Barring People with Disabilities from Disneyland and Disney World with Discriminatory Policies,” which had 179 signatures at the time of publication.
What do you think about the upcoming changes to disability access services at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments section.
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Shannen Ace