What's Happening?
Disney is facing legal and shareholder challenges over recent changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program at its California and Florida theme parks. The DAS program, which allows disabled visitors to skip long lines, has been revised to narrow
eligibility primarily to those with developmental disabilities such as autism. This change has sparked a federal lawsuit and a shareholder proposal, both arguing that the new criteria are too restrictive. Critics, including disabled visitors who have been denied access, claim that Disney is unfairly determining who qualifies as 'disabled enough.' Disney defends its policy by stating that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require equal treatment for all disabilities and that alternative accommodations are available for those who do not meet the new DAS criteria.
Why It's Important?
The controversy surrounding Disney's DAS program highlights broader issues of accessibility and inclusivity in corporate policies. The changes have significant implications for disabled visitors who rely on such accommodations to enjoy theme park experiences. The legal and shareholder actions against Disney underscore the ongoing debate over how companies should balance accessibility with operational concerns. This situation also reflects the challenges businesses face in implementing policies that are both fair and resistant to abuse. The outcome of these challenges could influence how other companies approach disability accommodations, potentially affecting millions of disabled individuals and their families.
What's Next?
A shareholder proposal, submitted by the advocacy group DAS Defenders, calls for an independent review of Disney's disability policies, with findings to be publicly released. Disney plans to block this proposal, arguing it misrepresents the reasons for declining park attendance, which the company attributes to external factors like hurricanes. The resolution of the lawsuit and the shareholder proposal will be closely watched, as they could lead to further changes in Disney's policies or set precedents for other companies. Stakeholders, including disability rights advocates and corporate governance experts, will likely continue to engage in this debate.
