Disney World Makes a Small Change to the DAS Program: What Does It Mean for Guests with Disabilities?

Disney World has recently made a subtle but potentially significant change to the wording of who qualifies for the Disability Access Service (DAS), a program designed to help guests with disabilities navigate the parks more comfortably.

The change involves the removal of a single word – “only” – from the program’s description, which has sparked debate among guests and their families.

The DAS program was introduced in 2013 as a replacement for the previous “Guest Assistance Card” system, which had been misused by some visitors. The program allows individuals with disabilities to reserve a time for attractions without having to physically wait in line. Instead, they are given a virtual spot in the queue, allowing them to relax or engage in other activities in the park while waiting.

Last summer, Disney implemented significant changes to the DAS program, including stricter criteria for eligibility. Disney also began requiring guests to undergo a video chat with a cast member to assess their needs. At the same time, the program’s accessibility was tightened significantly: “DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.” This wording emphasized that the program was primarily aimed at individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism or similar conditions, but also raised concerns that others with disabilities might be excluded.

The new change, quietly introduced a few days ago, removes the word “only” from the sentence. The updated wording now reads: “DAS is intended to accommodate Guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.” While this change may seem minor, it could potentially have significant implications for how the program is perceived and implemented. By removing “only,” Disney is emphasizing that the program is no longer limited to helping individuals with developmental disabilities but also aims to include others who may need the service due to similar challenges.

Reactions to the change have been mixed. Some see it as a positive step toward a more inclusive approach, where more individuals with various types of disabilities can access the program. Others, particularly caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities, worry that the change could lead to their needs being deprioritized or overlooked in the new wording.

Disney has emphasized that they remain committed to providing an inclusive experience for all guests and that the DAS program is just one of many services they offer to support individuals with disabilities. They encourage guests with questions or concerns to contact them directly to discuss their needs.

With this latest change in wording, it is clear that Disney continues to adjust the DAS program to balance the needs of guests with disabilities against the need to prevent misuse. However, the question of how these changes will affect those who rely on the service remains open.

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