Challenging Discrimination: Lawsuit Against SeaWorld's Parent Company Over Ban on Wheeled Walkers for Guests with Disabilities
A civil lawsuit has been filed by the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida against SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Recreation INC. (UPR), over their ban on wheeled walkers for guests with disabilities. The lawsuit alleges that the policy violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and discriminates against individuals with disabilities. UPR implemented the ban citing misuse and safety concerns, as well as the varying pathways and terrain in their parks, including SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Guests with non-permitted devices can receive approved alternatives at no cost, such as rollators without seats and wheelchairs.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the importance of equal access for people with disabilities, including at theme parks like SeaWorld. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida echoed the sentiment, stating that all guests, regardless of ability, should have equal access to facilities. The lawsuit was prompted by complaints from individuals with disabilities and follows a previous probe by the Justice Department on the same issue. The lawsuit seeks to compel UPR to cease discriminatory practices, revise its policies to comply with the ADA, and provide staff training on ADA requirements.
The lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida against SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Recreation INC. (UPR), challenges the ban on wheeled walkers for guests with disabilities. The policy, which prohibits the use of wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, has been criticized for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. UPR implemented the ban due to concerns about misuse and safety incidents, as well as the park's diverse pathways and terrain. Guests with non-compliant devices can receive approved alternatives at no cost, such as rollators without seats and wheelchairs. The lawsuit aims to address discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensure compliance with the ADA, and provide staff training on disability rights.