Segway Users to Sue Disney

[Princess Susi]

[Quote=AP]
Disney Sued for Segway Ban
Sunday November 11, 12:21 am ET
Disabled Guests Sue Disney World for Its Ban on Segways


ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Three disabled people have sued Walt Disney World for not allowing them to use their Segways to move around its theme parks.
The plaintiffs are each able to stand but cannot walk far, and they have been denied permission to use their two-wheel vehicles at Disney World, according to the federal court lawsuit.


The suit filed Friday says they're among an estimated 4,000 to 7,000 similarly disabled people who have turned to Segways as mobility tools.

A group called Disability Rights Advocates for Technology, which raises money to donate Segways to disabled U.S. military veterans and pushes for their acceptance, previously asked theme parks to lift bans on the devices. Group co-founder Jerry Karr said Segways offer more mobility and dignity than wheelchairs.

Disney says it fears Segways could endanger other guests because they can go faster than 12 mph.

"We've made our position very clear on these Segways in our parks," Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday. "Our primary concern is the safety of all our guests and our cast members. We have a long history of being a leader in creating accessible experiences for our guests with disabilities."

Plaintiff Mahala Ault, 33, has multiple sclerosis; Dan Wallace, lost one foot in an accident and Stacie Rhea has Lou Gehrig's disease. The suit did not give their hometowns, saying only that Ault and Wallace are from Illinois and Rhea is from [/Quote]

I hope this lawsuit gets dismissed because it opens up the possibility for EVERYONE to bring their Segway to the Park. The Segway Company has not listed their product as a Disabled Device, because that would lower sales. If they did list it as a disabled device, then the disabled could use it, but no one else would really be able to use it. What a quandary. I hope the lawsuit fails. Both Ralph and I are against the use of Segways in the Park. There is a really long thread at Board M about the use of Segways in the Park, that I participated in some time ago and some of the suggestions there were sheer lunacy. I cannot see Segway use as acceptable in a crowded Park like say Disneyland at Christmas, when there is no room to WALK let alone try to manuver this heavy vehicle that depends upon the operator to start and stop. What do you think? Will they lose the lawsuit?

BR, I am interested in your response as a lawyer, since it is clear that it is NOT a disabled device, it is a recreational device. How would this fact figure into the case, do you think?
susi

[BRWombat]

BR, I am interested in your response as a lawyer, since it is clear that it is NOT a disabled device, it is a recreational device. How would this fact figure into the case, do you think?
susi

Not really my area of expertise, sorry. I'm with you on what you think should happen, but I don't know enough about disability law to give you any legally significant opinions.

[Shorty82]

As the Segway isn't a listed as a disability device is exactly why Disney doesn't allow them in. No two-wheeled vehicles are allowed in for safety purposes.

There is no legal way for Disney to ensure that only turly disabled people use Segways which means if they were allowed they would have to let anybody with one in. I guarantee you that if they ever are allowed in then a Segway rental market would crop up in the Orlando area and every SG and their uncle would be renting one.

[drcorey]

they won't win, a segway is classified as a recreational device.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

There is a discussion on (board x) right now and some of the "stuff" is silly. I was trying to draw out a supposed user of one, who just happened to post the very first time on that thread! Hmmmmmm! I dont think the lawsuit will pass, as it seems that only three people out of supposedly 5,000 that are using them are suing. plus I have taken the Segway tour at WDW and after a while on them, had to learn to flex my toes and foot to keep a cramp from developing! So if you are disabled, how ya gonna do that!!

Also there is a wheelchair based on Segway technology available, but it is classed as a medical device. (say a tv special on it, way cool, can climb stairs! AND occupant, even though setting down, is elevated to eye level!)
Really cool if you are confined to a wheelchair!

Arrrhhhhhhh!!!

[Shorty82]

Could you PM me a link that thread? Also, what is your name there?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Sure, ill get it for you in a jiffy. My name is the same there, I am too lazy and don't have enough imigination to make another one up!! Besides DW named me that a long time ago, before I ever found out about SGT or (brand x) boards!!

[Cheshire Figment]

In the last year we have had three threads in disABILITIES about use of a Segway for medical purposes. We had one person doing 42 posts in the two threads before we locked them, and those were the person's only posts on DisBoards.

We (moderators of disABILITIES) actually got an apology from the DRAFT group thinking we were an official Disney site.

We just got one yesterday, and I locked it real fast. There have also been threads in TPA&S, Community, and Rumors.

The basic thing is as long as the manufacturer has not made any attempt to certify Segways as medical use vehicles (and the manufacturer says they will not) Disney will not allow use of them in the parks unless by Cast on duty or people on a supervised tour. The reasoning is Guest Safety, and I fully agree.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

In the last year we have had three threads in disABILITIES about use of a Segway for medical purposes. We had one person doing 42 posts in the two threads before we locked them, and those were the person's only posts on DisBoards.

We (moderators of disABILITIES) actually got an apology from the DRAFT group thinking we were an official Disney site.

We just got one yesterday, and I locked it real fast. There have also been threads in TPA&S, Community, and Rumors.

The basic thing is as long as the manufacturer has not made any attempt to certify Segways as medical use vehicles (and the manufacturer says they will not) Disney will not allow use of them in the parks unless by Cast on duty or people on a supervised tour. The reasoning is Guest Safety, and I fully agree.

Glad to hear THAT!!! I like doing the tours, and when I did, DW and I realized just how fast they are! Plus, you have to pay attention to what your doing! Not like a cart that you are setting down and steering! We like the segways so much, that we are seriously considering getting one!(or two!) but I couldn't imagine them in the crowded parks!

[mechurchlady]

If they allowed Segways then how about allowing wagons to be used by disabled guests in place of stollers. I have had in the past in markets, parks and other areas enough problems with guests who run, jump, dance around and other wise get in my way. I have had people with ECVs hit me and strollers too. I would not want a Segway in the parks as some new person would get one and cause damage.