Disabled Patrons of Amusement Parks: A Survey of Legal Issues

Every year increasing numbers of disabled patrons are visiting amusement parks. Focusing on the areas of admission, accommodation and safety, this article addresses the special needs of these patrons, and the need for their consistent and fair treatment within the amusement park industry. First, the article stresses the need for states to enact civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination against disabled persons by amusement places. Second, architectural barriers statutes must be extended to apply to privately owned buildings and recreation areas in order to provide the disabled access to amusement parks.

Most importantly, safety policies of a park must be carefully considered, excluding disabled persons from rides only when there is a serious risk of harm due to a particular disability.