Baughman v. Walt Disney World Co.
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
685 F.3d 1131 (2012)
- Written by Alexander Hager-DeMyer, JD
Facts
The Walt Disney World Company (Disney) (defendant) maintained a policy permitting wheelchairs and motorized scooters inside its Disneyland property but prohibiting the use of two-wheeled vehicles and devices. Tina Baughman (plaintiff) suffered from a form of muscular dystrophy that made it difficult for her to stand from a sitting position or to walk. In anticipation of taking her daughter to Disneyland, Baughman contacted Disney, explained her condition, and requested permission to use a Segway, a two-wheeled mobility device operated in a standing position. Disney refused, and Baughman filed a lawsuit claiming that Disney violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying her full and equal access to Disneyland. The district court found in favor of Disney, finding that Disney was not required to modify its vehicle policy because the policy permitted wheelchairs and scooters. That is, because Baughman could access Disneyland via a wheelchair or scooter, a Segway was not necessary for her to use the park. Baughman appealed to the Ninth Circuit.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Kozinski, C.J.)
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