ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Department of Justice on Thursday sued United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, claiming that a ban on wheeled walkers with seats at its parks violates civil rights law by discriminating against people with disabilities.

The DOJ’s civil rights division has requested a jury trial in Orlando to determine whether the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint alleges that the parks need to change their policies regarding wheeled walkers, or rollators, and it also seeks damages for visitors barred from using them since the ban took effect in November across at least three parks in Orlando and Tampa.

United Parks & Resorts refuted the DOJ's claims on Thursday, stating their intention to address the issue through legal channels. They cited safety concerns regarding misuse of rollators with seats, claiming the ban was enacted to enhance guest safety while still providing accessible options for all.

The DOJ complaint details instances where visitors with wheeled walkers, including two veterans with mobility disabilities, were stopped at security and denied access to the parks with their devices.

The company has maintained that they offer alternative solutions for accessibility at no cost to visitors, hoping to mitigate the concerns raised by the lawsuit.