DOJ Sues SeaWorld’s Parent Company for Disability Discrimination

The Justice Department is suing United Parks & Resorts Inc., the parent company of Sea World, for allegedly discriminating against people with disabilities at its theme parks with a policy banning wheeled walkers with seats.

The government alleges the policy violates provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, constituting a pattern or practice of discrimination throughout UPR properties, which include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Aquatica Orlando.

“The ADA’s prohibition against discrimination includes providing access to parks, zoos, amusement parks, and other places of recreation, such as those operated by UPR,” according to the lawsuit.

SeaWorld Orlando posted an explanation on its website for the ban, saying it was for the safety of guests and employees, according to the lawsuit. While the post says walkers without seats were permitted and standard wheelchairs and “electric convenience vehicles” were available at the park, the Justice Department said charging patrons $40 to $110 to rent those alternatives is illegal.

Safety requirements “must be based on actual risks and not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities,” the Justice Department said.

The government cited cases where a child was denied use of a medically appropriate walker and offered unsuitable alternatives, and disabled veterans were turned away or forced into wheelchairs against medical advice.

“Security personnel informed both veterans and their families that the only alternatives available to them were wheelchairs or ECVs, both of which they would need to rent,” the lawsuit alleges.

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The Justice Department is seeking a ruling stating UPR violated the ADA, a change in UPR’s policies, enhanced training for park employees, monetary damages and a civil penalty.

United Parks & Resorts didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Top photo: A trained orca jumps out of the water during a show at the SeaWorld amusement park in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Bloomberg.