Disney fans say changes to Disability Access Service exclude many
Disabled Disney fans
Disney fans with disabilities say the company’s new restrictions on a system that previously allowed people with many kinds of disabilities to avoid standing in long lines for rides have now excluded many disabled people who previously had access to it.
The new rules limit the service to only people with a “developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder,” according to the Disability Access Service (DAS) policy. Previously, the policy allowed any guests “who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability” to register for DAS, which was typically granted after a phone call made to the company. Disney said its changes are in response to the number of DAS users triplicating over the past few years.
Disney fans are pushing back on the changes by sharing their experiences with trying to renew DAS on social media and organizing online.
More than 18,000 people have signed a Change.org petition asking Disney executives to readjust the new policy. The petition was started in April by a group called “DAS Defenders,” which describes itself as a “grassroots alliance of over 2,600 members,” launched in response to the announcement of DAS changes. The group also sent a letter to Disney executives asking to revise the policy. The company has yet to respond to the group.
“Historically, Disney has been a symbol of inclusion, acceptance, and joy for disabled individuals who often face discrimination, lack of access, and challenges in managing complex conditions,” the letter said. “However, with these recent changes, Disney has eroded that legacy by rolling back accommodations that have existed for years, leaving many disabled people feeling abandoned.”
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