WASHINGTON — A federal lawsuit filed Thursday accuses United Parks & Resorts Inc. of discriminating against people with disabilities at its theme parks, including several in Central Florida.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida say the company has a policy that bans guests from using wheeled walkers with seats, also known as rollators, inside its parks.
According to the lawsuit, that violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
United Parks & Resorts operates a dozen parks and attractions across the country, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.
“The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in the release. “Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as the law requires.”
“The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability,” added U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This complaint reinforces our commitment to holding public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination.”
Federal officials say they took action after receiving multiple complaints from people who said they were not allowed to enter the parks with their walkers. The lawsuit claims the policy has kept children, veterans and others with disabilities from accessing the parks.
It also alleges that UPR “imposes impermissible surcharges” on guests with disabilities for mobility equipment rentals and has failed to make reasonable changes to its policies when needed.
The DOJ is now asking a federal court to order the company to change its policies, train employees on ADA requirements and stop the alleged discrimination. The lawsuit also seeks financial compensation for those affected, along with civil penalties.
Officials say anyone who believes they have experienced disability discrimination at one of the company’s parks can file a complaint with the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
Read the lawsuit in the document below.
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