The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into Orlando’s SeaWorld and several other Florida amusement parks over possible violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act — including a ban on a certain type of walker.
United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Aquatica Orlando, is under investigation to determine whether it violated ADA rules by discriminating against guests with disabilities.
The DOJ began the investigation after several disabled guests accused all three parks of violating the law by banning the use of a specific type of walker called “rollator walker” within the parks.
A rollator walker is a type of aid that has wheels on its four legs, a seat, and hand brakes.
“Complainants allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollers and that the only option offered by the parks would require them to use a mobility aid that is inappropriate for their individual disabilities and would incur additional fees,” the DOJ wrote in a press release.
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations, including theme parks.
Florida resident Nancy Schwartz said SeaWorld Orlando is her “favorite place at Christmas” and that she visits the park three times a week with her husband. She told FOX 35 Orlando she’s brought her rollator walker dozens of times.
While the previous night she had been allowed inside with a rollator walker, the next day she was stopped by security and told she could not enter with assistance.
“It’s very disappointing. I’m very disappointed in SeaWorld,” he said.
News of the DOJ investigation was welcomed by Schwartz, who told the outlet after hearing the news, “I almost started crying.”
“I was so excited, not just for me, but for all the people who were turned away,” she said.
Vern Martin, another Florida resident, says his daughter, who is disabled, was also turned away from SeaWorld because of her rolling walker.
He said, “My daughter is disabled, she cannot walk that far and her legs are giving up.” He said he is in touch with the Justice Department.
Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. “The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” Dhillon said.
“We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied admission or charged more because of a disability.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said his agency has not reached any conclusions about the policy and whether it violates the ADA. Kehoe said the agency would like to meet “immediately” with representatives about the policy, which was changed in November, according to the outlet.
According to the report, after making the changes earlier this month, SeaWorld Orlando updated its website to inform visitors about the new restrictions.
Now, both rollators and wheeled walkers with seats are prohibited at SeaWorld Orlando. Walkers without seats are still allowed inside the park.
“For the safety of our guests and staff, rollator walkers with seats are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options are available, including standard wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs). Walkers without seats are permitted,” SeaWorld’s website says.
A spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando confirmed this Independent Safety measures were recently updated and added to the park’s website.
SeaWorld Orlando said in a statement, “We are committed to providing a safe, accessible and inclusive experience for our guests and Ambassadors. To support this, we have recently updated our guidance regarding rollators with seats and wheeled walkers. These devices may pose a safety concern if not used in accordance with manufacturer requirements, which strictly prohibit using them as wheelchairs.”
Independent United Parks & Resorts Inc. reached out for comment. Have contacted.
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