Disney’s DAS program used to be available to most everyone. It was intended to be used by those with a disability or condition that made standing in lines difficult (whether that be from heat intolerance, need to be close to the bathroom from something like IBS, sensitivity to light, etc). Often a person with a disability has more than one issue or concern. However, Disney felt (and some DAS users as well) that this system was being abused by those that did not have any real ailments but instead just wanted to have shorter wait times or didn’t want to have stand in a line while they waited. As this is what DAS allotted for, a person would have a return time in which they could wait out the time they would be in line in a building with A/C or going to the bathroom if needed, etc. Still waiting like everyone else, just not in line. However, some time would/could be taken off, usually about 5-10 minutes. Yet, this was not simply SKIPPING THE LINE as many seem to have thought. In any case, rather than have people show documentation, a Doctor’s note maybe, or paperwork proving they are disabled under the ADA, Disney’s solution to this was to cut out all those with physical (and even many mental) conditions and disabilities from qualifying. Now, those with conditions such as cancer, arthritis, POTS, Bechets, anything you can think of really, will not qualify for DAS accommodations. My own mother, a disabled VETERAN, was denied DAS despite have four autoimmune disorders and having to use a wheelchair a lot of the time. She is disabled because she served her country, and this is her thanks. Her PTSD from the military didn’t qualify her either. Rather than take this accommodation away, I believe being ADA qualified by the U.S. GOVERNMENT as disabled should be plenty to be qualified for DAS. Instead, what does qualify is illnesses “like autism,” and that is all the information we get. When we were denied we were told it had to be neurological related, yet when we said she had PTSD we were told, “that alone isn’t enough.” How much suffering is “enough” to Disney?

So, why does this matter? If Disney sees that they can get away with profiting of the disabilities and pain of their consumers, other companies will see that, too. In researching what to do, I saw people suggesting I purchase lighting lane passes or Genie+. This is not fair or accessible. I shouldn’t have to spend EXTRA money just to have an even playing field with able bodied people, that’s the entire point of accessibility services, which Disney now has none. Disney suggested I “take advantage” of their “service” that allows the one person who is disabled to leave the line and come back (probably to the same spot in line) later. This solves nothing for those with heat tolerance issues, migraines from light sensitivity, crowd issues, those in wheelchairs (the lines in Disney are notoriously cramped and it would be very difficult to constantly get in and out of a line in one). Additionally, as a family I want to be with my mother when she is struggling and I want her to be with me (as my mom) when my conditions flare up. We shouldn’t have to separate. Couldn’t an individual with autism use this same thing? Why do they specifically need to not stand in line? Because only about 2.2% of the U.S. population is autistic. Meager compared to the 13% of the U.S. that are disabled. Disney is trying to lower the number of people that they have to “accommodate” and raise the number that can and will spend money on services like lighting lane and Genie+. They know there was no incentive for the disabled to buy before, so they MADE an incentive. Remember, this may not seem like it affects you, until other companies realize they can screw you over too to get you to pay for more expensive services or goods. If something was free before they’ll find a way to make it cost money whilst still appearing like they give it to “some,” because, hey, it worked for Disney! 

Please, sign this not only to prevent this problem from spreading like wildfire (because it will!) but also because it’s the right thing to do. Disabled people have it hard enough as it is with doctor’s visits, medications, surgeries and procedures, that all cost so much money even WITH insurance, expecting us to pay for accommodations that were once free on top of all that is unrealistic and unfair! Do the right thing!