In brief
On Thursday, the Department of Justice sued United Parks & Resorts, parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act due to a ban on wheeled walkers. The lawsuit claims the ban, in place since last November, discriminates against disabled visitors. United Parks denies these allegations, citing safety concerns as the reason for the policy. The DOJ seeks a jury trial in Orlando and damages for affected visitors.
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.
