ORLANDO, Fla. — Several United Parks & Resorts Inc. theme parks in Florida are under investigation following complaints from people with disabilities, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida say they are looking to determine whether SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against disabled guests.
According to the release, complaints allege that the three parks are violating the ADA by banning certain walkers, known as “rollator walkers,” and that alternatives may not fit a person’s current needs and could come at an additional cost.
SeaWorld’s website currently states that rollator walkers with seats are not permitted for the “safety of our guests and employees,” adding that “Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.”
Spectrum News has reached out to United Parks & Resorts Inc. as well as the individual theme parks for comment and is awaiting a response.