Major policy changes were recently announced for Disney World and Disneyland.
Cinderella Castle
Disney announced that their Disability Access Service will soon be changing in the U.S. parks. These changes will include a new system of approval for DAS, a new timeline for using DAS, and reducing pre-entitlements for DAS users. Disney hopes to preserve the service for the visitors that it is designed to accommodate while making sure they are going to the appropriate people. Now, some folks are disagreeing with the changes being made and are planning to take a stand for fairness and inclusivity.
The ‘DAS Defenders’ is a new alliance that has been formed to fight what they perceive as exclusionary changes to the new DAS policy. It is a group of over 140 people from the disabled community along with their allies. Their goal is to address the exclusion created by the new policies.
Slinky Dog Dash
The DAS Defenders believe that the new changes only support individuals with developmental disabilities, leaving out many other disabilities such as cancer patients, individuals with PTSD, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. Their point is that disabilities may be visible and invisible, but they still exist and may need accommodation.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The new petition from the DAS Defenders states, “We believe that Disney, as a global leader in entertainment and hospitality with a value exceeding 200 billion dollars, should uphold its reputation as a beacon of inclusivity and joy for everyone. By excluding many disabled individuals from these cherished experiences, Disney not only perpetuates discrimination but also sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be overlooked.”
Rise of the Resistance
The group is also urging Disney to make accommodating devices and programs free or low cost, abundantly available, and provided to only those who would truly benefit from them. They are also seeking anti-ableism training for Cast Members, flexible part size considerations, price reductions on Genie+, and more disability-friendly accommodations around the parks and resorts.
The new policy changes go into effect on May 20th in Disney World and June 18th in Disneyland. For more Disney news, keep following DFB.
Click Here to Learn More About the Changes Coming to Disney’s DAS Program Next Month
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The post NEWS: Petition for Inclusivity Started to Fight Disney’s New Policy Changes first appeared on the disney food blog.
