ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Department of Justice on Thursday sued United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, claiming that a ban on wheeled walkers with seats at its parks violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against individuals with disabilities.
The civil rights division of the DOJ requested a jury trial in Orlando to assess whether the company breached civil rights protections, contending that visitors who have been denied access to the parks with their wheeled walkers since the ban's inception last November should be compensated. The lawsuit specified instances involving two veterans with mobility disabilities who were stopped by security and not permitted to enter with their walkers.
In response, United Parks & Resorts disputed the allegations and signaled its intent to engage in the legal proceedings. In a statement, the company clarified that the policy was enacted due to safety concerns regarding the misuse of rollators, aimed at protecting guests while still providing alternative accessibility options at no additional cost.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates surrounding accessibility in recreational facilities and the enforcement of civil rights in public accommodations.
