The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, has begun an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. The probe will examine whether the company is violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests with disabilities at its theme parks, which include SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando.
The ADA prohibits public accommodations such as theme parks from discriminating based on disability. The investigation was prompted by complaints from individuals with disabilities who allege that these parks ban the use of certain mobility devices called “rollator walkers.” Complainants state they cannot enter the parks without their rollators and that alternatives offered are not suitable for their specific needs and may involve extra costs.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated: “The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks. We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida added: “Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks. 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.”
Trial Attorney David K. Gardner from the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are leading this case.
Individuals who believe they have experienced disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Aquatica Orlando, can file a complaint online at www.civilrights.justice.gov or call 1-800-514-0301 (TTY: 1-833-610-1264). Additional information about the ADA and civil rights enforcement can be found at www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt.
