TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – The U.S. Justice Department is investigating claims that area theme parks are violating disabled persons’ rights by banning certain rolling walkers.
The probe will determine whether it violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against guests with disabilities.
The investigation names United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld in Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, along with other parks.
Complaints received by the DOJ revolve around the use of what’s known as “rollator walkers,” a walker with wheels that usually includes hand brakes and a seat.
The DOJ says three parks owned by United Parks & Resorts Inc., do not allow guests to use their own rollator walkers.
“Because of different pathway configurations, terrain, rollator walkers with seats of them are not permitted,” Busch Garden’s website states.
The parks then charge guests to rent manual or motorized wheelchairs. The cost of renting a motorized wheelchair varies from $110 to $130, depending on what day it is rented. A nonmotorized wheelchair is available for rental with “prices starting at $35,” the website says.
“Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,” U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida, said in a statement. “No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”
The Department of Justice is encouraging anyone who believes they may be a victim on disability discrimination to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.civilrights.justice.gov , or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)).
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