A California appeals court told Disneyland it must consider allowing use of two-wheel Segways by disabled people.
Disneyland currently allows disabled visitors to use wheelchairs and scooters at the Anaheim theme park, but the justices of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said it’s time for “The Happiest Place on Earth” to study the idea of adding Segways.
“We have every confidence that the organization that, half a century ago, brought us the Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln can lead the way in using new technology to make its parks more welcoming to disabled guests,” Chief Judge Alex Kozinski wrote for the court.
The ruling comes in the case of Tina Baughman, who uses a two-wheeled Segway to get around because she has limb girdle muscular dystrophy, which makes it difficult to walk or rise from a seated position. Segway operators use the transportation device in a standing position.
“Disneyland wanted to put somebody in a wheelchair who has never been in a wheelchair,” said David Geffen, the plaintiff’s attorney. He said Segways are used by Disney regularly, and are ridden by their employees and visitors who can take Segway tours.
