A man with quadriplegia is suing Disneyland alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act after he says park employees left him stranded for 40 minutes when the “It’s a Small World” ride broke down.
Jose Martinez says that he and his wife were left on the ride even though all other passengers were evacuated. While the couple waited, Martinez experienced dysreflexia, a condition sparked by nervous system overstimulation that can result in stroke or death. He says that park employees did not respond to requests for medical attention and did not attempt to help him off the ride.
“To the millions of visitors each year, Disneyland touts itself as the ‘Happiest Place on Earth.’ But for the Martinez family, Disneyland was the ‘Scariest Place on Earth,’” said Shawna Parks, legal director for the Disability Rights Legal Center, which filed suit on behalf of Martinez. “Disneyland’s failure to have policies and training regarding emergency evacuation procedures for persons with mobility disabilities knowingly endangers the lives of the thousands of persons with disabilities who visit Disneyland each year.”
The federal lawsuit filed this week alleges violations of state and federal discrimination laws, including the ADA.
Officials at Disneyland Resorts said in a statement to the Associated Press that the park does have procedures for evacuating people with disabilities.
While I feel horrible that this poor guy went through what he did, I have to say that I cannot say enough good things about Disney! My daughter has CP and we were treated with the kindest respect and enough could not be done for us when we were there. They even stopped one ride to get her off because she was so terrrified and then gave all of the other people riding another free ride since there’s was interrupted. We did not have to wait in line for any length of time for anything and we found everybody (staff, etc.) very pleasant and accomdating to our needs. Things happen. It’s just life people. Move on! If this man were not disabled would he be sueing Disney? I mean….seriously?? What does being disabled have to do with any of this? Stop playing and abusing the disability card please!! It’s like all of these stupid law firms that are throwing adds up left and right to “sue the hospital that caused you child to have CP!” Seriously? OK…..that will make everything all better right? If I sue them, then my daughter will, what?…magically not have Cerebral Palsy any longer?! GET OVER yourself and move on with your life!! DISNEY ROCKS!!! Wheelchair and all…we found it to be the “BEST PLACE ON EARTH”.
The article clearly stated that the man suffers from autonomic dysreflexia, which isn’t uncommon in paralyzed individuals. Had he not been disabled and still suffered a life-threatening event while stranded on an amusement park ride, YES, he probably would have sued. This isn’t about “playing and abusing the disability card”…this is about negligence. I’m really glad Mr. Martinez seems to be OK.