Disneyland has had a ban on Segways – two-wheeled, up-right mobility devices – for years, but a new court ruling may force Disney to reconsider the ban.
Tina Baughman, a woman who suffers from muscular dystrophy, sued the park when she was denied the use of a Segway to enjoy Disneyland with her 8 year old daughter. Initially, a lower court had ruled in favor of Disney, saying that disabled guests had the option of using wheelchairs or scooters to navigate the park.
Now, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the initial ruling citing that federal disability protections “require more than assuring mere access.”
Chief Judge Alex Kozinski said:
As new devices become available, public accommodations must consider using or adapting them to help disabled guests have an experience more akin to that of non-disabled.
Now, Disney must explore the possibility of implementing Segways, and what – if any – risks these devices pose to the park. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this matter when more news becomes available.
