Disney World's ban on segway
Recently, Disney negotiated a settlement regarding the use of "ESV" for three disabled people in their theme parks. The former class-action suit awarded original plaintiff lawyers over $70,000 and would pay the disabled individuals $4,000 each. Instead of a Segway for park use, Disney would deploy 15 four-wheeled vehicles for use by disabled guests.
But disability advocates desire to have the negotiated settlement blocked at the theme parks. Most disabled veterans are issued a Segway to increase their mobility after becoming disabled in active duty. Vets do not want to be seated in scooters rather prefer to use their own Segway to move around the theme parks.
According to advocates, Segways allow disabled vets to more actively participate daily activities thereby enhancing their experience. During court hearings, Disney demonstrated these new ESV devices which are similar to a sit-down scooter but deploys a backrest to allow user to stand. Disney has built 26 ESV's for this purpose charging $45 a day rental.
Disney's contention surrounds maintaining a safe experience for it's guests where the Segway can reach higher speeds making it more difficult to come to a stop. Segaways battery-life is not as long requiring a charge for a full days use.
Many others object to the settlement including the coalition of twenty three atty's, department of justice, Bill McCollum, and Florida's Attorney General.
Looks like Disney will have it's hand's full for a while.
But disability advocates desire to have the negotiated settlement blocked at the theme parks. Most disabled veterans are issued a Segway to increase their mobility after becoming disabled in active duty. Vets do not want to be seated in scooters rather prefer to use their own Segway to move around the theme parks.
According to advocates, Segways allow disabled vets to more actively participate daily activities thereby enhancing their experience. During court hearings, Disney demonstrated these new ESV devices which are similar to a sit-down scooter but deploys a backrest to allow user to stand. Disney has built 26 ESV's for this purpose charging $45 a day rental.
Disney's contention surrounds maintaining a safe experience for it's guests where the Segway can reach higher speeds making it more difficult to come to a stop. Segaways battery-life is not as long requiring a charge for a full days use.
Many others object to the settlement including the coalition of twenty three atty's, department of justice, Bill McCollum, and Florida's Attorney General.
Looks like Disney will have it's hand's full for a while.
posted by michael at
7:22 AM
