This should be a much bigger problem than it is. Disney has failed the disabled community, as have other theme parks, airports, movie theaters, concert venues, etc……
A couple of weeks ago, Disney announced that they would be making changes to DAS (Disability Access Service) within their theme parks. The way DAS used to work at Disney Parks was that you would have to A.) sign up for an online consultation with a Disney cast member to get a pass for not waiting in lines or option B.) Go to City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A., and apply there day of.
Because of fully able people lying or those taking advantage of DAS, Disney has since changed the rules. Disney is only allowing guests with developmental issues, like or similar to autism, to even be able to request a meeting with a cast member to see if they are deemed incompatible with waiting in lines on Disney standards.
It broke my heart for two reasons.
People are taking full advantage of the very few programs that the world offers for disabled people and making it so that those who are disabled and actually need these services are made more challenging to attain or ruin the services altogether. And of course, Disney mostly getting rid of the DAS for their disabled guests.
Speaking on behalf of myself, I know that waiting in lines, which seems like a very normal and "simple "thing to most people, is excruciatingly exhausting and painful to those who have disabilities.
Of course, people say, 'Well, you can just get a wheelchair or not wait in lines.' But that completely disregards services that need to be implemented to make those with disabilities' lives easier or doable for those who just want to spend a day at Disneyland like everyone else.
A woman with a disability was speaking about Disney changing the DAS Act. She said that she called after the rules were changed and told them about her condition and why she could not wait in lines. She was wheelchair-bound and was unable to wait in the heat of a line because of a heart problem. The Disney cast member had the audacity to ask her, "Well, what do you usually do on a normal day-to-day basis when it's hot?"
The answer should have been a no-brainer. This woman was disabled, in a wheelchair, and was suffering from a heart problem. She had to fight for her disability (like all of the disabled community has to do to be able to enjoy Disneyland.)
If you think about it, many places aren't easily accessible for those with disabilities. Even if certain businesses say they are ADA accessible, it really only means, 'Yes, people in wheelchairs can come in,' and that's it.
Very few places are welcoming and safe for those with disabilities. Just think of how many businesses can do so much more for the disabled community. Those who are disabled cannot even have peace of mind going somewhere without the thought of, 'will there be elevators? Will there be someone to help me? Will the door be automatic or too heavy for me to open? Will the elevator be enough for my wheelchair and other people?' And many more questions.
Concerts, especially, are one of the worst places for a disabled person. As a disabled person who loves going to concerts, it's a nightmare. There are barely ever any ADA seats available and that’s not because of those using wheelchairs buying them, it’s because the venue has lacked with putting enough in their venues.
Waiting in lines is such a horrendous feat. Most lines are overly crowded and inaccessible for wheelchairs meaning unless you have someone with you, who is willing to wait in line for you then you’re out of luck.
I would love to see mobile ordering for concerts. When I attended Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour, in 2015 they had an accessibility feature for purchasing merch. It allowed attendees to choose the merch you wanted online and pick it up at the show. It was a seamless interaction that more artists and venues should take advantage of.
Though it’s harsh, it’s true. The world has no care for a disabled person. A lot of people look at someone in a wheelchair, a young person sitting at a specific medical center surrounded by older people, or a person using a walker or cane to get around and think, 'Oh, that really sucks; it looks like they're having a hard time.' And they go on with their life.
It's not until someone is actually in the disabled person's body, the caregiver's body, or the family of this disabled person that they get even a glimpse of how the world is not accessible or built for them.
Going back to the lady who had a discussion with Disney, another woman who had a son with autism commented on her video, saying, 'How much more do you disabled people want?'
Considering all we get are a few handicapped plaques in parking lots or wheelchair-accessible signs, a whole lot.