[Source:  Disability Scoop]

A civil rights commission has found reason to believe that Disney discriminated against theme park visitors with developmental disabilities after altering its disability access policy.

In five cases, the Florida Commission on Human Relations has found that “reasonable cause exists to believe that unlawful public accommodation practices occurred” at Disney parks.

The panel’s determinations, dated Feb. 13, but released publicly this month, represent a blow to Disney. The company has insisted that proper accommodations have been offered to guests with disabilities despite making significant changes to its access policy in 2013.

Previously, visitors with disabilities at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida could obtain a Guest Assistance Card, which often allowed them to skip to the front of long lines for rides and other attractions. However, under the current policy, those with special needs can instead receive a Disability Access Service Card entitling them to schedule a return time, which is based on current wait times, for one park attraction at a time.

Following the change, dozens of families sued Disney arguing that the new system violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by inadequately accommodating the needs of their children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Currently, suits brought by 44 families are pending before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

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