TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – The U.S. Justice Department is investigating claims that area theme parks are violating disabled persons\u2019 rights by banning certain rolling walkers. <\/p>\n
The probe will determine whether it violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against guests with disabilities.<\/p>\n
The investigation names United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld in Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, along with other parks.<\/p>\n
Complaints received by the DOJ revolve around the use of what\u2019s known as \u201crollator walkers,\u201d a walker with wheels that usually includes hand brakes and a seat. <\/p>\n
The DOJ says three parks owned by United Parks & Resorts Inc., do not allow guests to use their own rollator walkers. <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of different pathway configurations, terrain, rollator walkers with seats of them are not permitted,\u201d Busch Garden\u2019s website states. <\/p>\n
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 \u201cprices starting at $35,\u201d the website says. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,\u201d U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida, said in a statement. \u201cNo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n