ADA Discrimination

Accessibility is not a privilege—it’s a right. 
At Oak Tree Academy, we are committed to addressing ADA discrimination in public spaces, particularly in theme parks, to ensure equal access and inclusion for all.
Through our advocacy programs, educational workshops, and tailored resources, we empower individuals and families to challenge discriminatory practices and navigate accessibility issues with confidence and clarity.​

​Oak Tree Academy Mission

Oak Tree Academy’s mission is to empower individuals and families by advocating for equal access, inclusion, and collaboration in all areas of life, from creating meaningful IEPs to addressing systemic barriers like ADA discrimination in public spaces. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, we strive to build a more inclusive society where everyone has the tools and opportunities to succeed.

We Stand Together to Fight Disability Access Denials

Empower Through Knowledge
Access step-by-step guides, templates, and resources to confidently address disability access challenges and ensure your rights are upheld.
Strength in Numbers
Join a supportive network of advocates and families working together to share strategies, experiences, and solutions for fighting access denials​
Know Your Rights
Stay informed with the latest ADA policies, legal insights, and practical advice to challenge denials and achieve meaningful change.

What is Disney's Disability Access Pass/Service

The Disability Access Service (DAS) pass is designed to provide accommodations for guests who cannot tolerate long waits in traditional lines due to a disability. It allows individuals to schedule return times for attractions, offering a more flexible and accessible experience while visiting Disney parks.

How to Apply

  • A valid ticket, reservation, or annual pass is required within 30 days to apply for the DAS program. Please note that the cost is non-refundable if the DAS request is not approved.
  • ​To apply, you’ll need to agree to Disney’s Terms of Service, which includes a clause about waiving the right to join a class-action lawsuit. If this concerns you, you can opt-out within 30 days (learn how here).
  • Applications can be made online or in person at Disneyland, and online or via iPad at Disney World. Please be aware that online interviews may have long wait times, sometimes lasting several hours.
  • During the approval process, you’ll speak with a Disney cast member and, in some cases, a health professional or manager. They’ll ask about how you manage lines, visit grocery stores, or use accommodations at work or school. Some people have shared that they were denied DAS if they could manage or understand the concept of waiting in a line.
  • Common concerns include long wait times, unhelpful behavior, denials of needed assistance, and inconsistent or discriminatory decisions.
  • For now, interviews require fluency in English, and if you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to use a VPN to apply.

Before you Apply, ​Maximize Your Disney Experience with Our
​DAS Preparation Worksheet

Planning a trip to Disney but worried about navigating the Disability Access Service (DAS) process? Our DAS Preparation Worksheet is here to help! Specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and their families, this free resource ensures you're fully prepared for Disney's DAS application and approval process.

What is the DAS Preparation Worksheet? The DAS Preparation Worksheet is a step-by-step guide to help you organize your thoughts and provide the necessary details for your Disney DAS interview. Whether you're applying for yourself or a loved one, this tool simplifies the process and increases the likelihood of approval.
​Who Can Benefit?
This worksheet is perfect for individuals with autism, PTSD, mobility impairments, sensory processing issues, and other disabilities that impact their ability to wait in traditional lines.
Why Use Our DAS Worksheet?
  • Streamline the Process: Know what to provide and how to present it.
  • Reduce Stress: Feel confident and prepared for your DAS interview.
  • Tailored Support: Includes prompts to explain your accommodations clearly.
Worksheet Features
  • Prompts to describe how your disability affects waiting in lines.
  • Space to outline needed accommodations.
  • Simple steps to prepare for your Disney DAS interview.

Get Your Free DAS Worksheet Today


Take the stress out of planning your Disney trip. Download our free DAS Preparation Worksheet now and ensure you’re ready to make the most of your visit to the happiest place on Earth!

What are DAS Alternatives?

Being denied a Disability Access Service (DAS) pass can be frustrating, especially when you’re directed to use alternative accommodations that may not fully meet your needs. These alternatives often fall short of addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, leaving many guests without the support they require to navigate the parks safely and comfortably.
Here’s a breakdown of what these alternative accommodations typically involve:

​Return to Queue​

Guests can leave the line and come back later; however, this still requires navigating long and crowded lines, which can be unsafe for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities that make waiting in such environments dangerous.

Return Time Passes

Available for certain attractions, but their inconsistent availability often forces guests to repeatedly explain their disabilities in public, which can be uncomfortable and invasive.

Rider Switch​

Allows one person to wait while others ride, but this option is unsuitable for solo visitors, caregivers, children, or groups where everyone has a disability. Families visiting Disney to create memories together shouldn’t have to be separated.​

Paid Lightning Lane* ​

Provides shorter wait times through the paid Genie+ service, but with limited availability, ride selection, and strict return windows. Accommodations should never come with a price tag.​

Mobility Device Rentals*​

Scooters and wheelchairs are available to rent but are costly and do not address the needs of all individuals with disabilities.

*Why Lightning Lane and Mandatory Mobility Device
​Use May Violate the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal access to public accommodations without placing undue burdens or costs on individuals with disabilities. Requiring guests to purchase Lightning Lane access or use mobility devices to accommodate their disabilities does not align with ADA principles.

Lightning Lane and Payment Barriers
Under the ADA, accommodations must be provided free of charge when necessary to ensure equal access. Forcing guests to pay for Lightning Lane to avoid long waits creates a financial barrier that is neither equitable nor compliant. Accommodations should be accessible without requiring individuals to pay for services that are not universally required.

Mobility Device Requirements
The ADA emphasizes that accommodations should respect the individual’s needs and typical functioning. Requiring someone to rent or use a mobility device they do not ordinarily need imposes an undue burden and disregards their actual disability-related limitations. Such requirements fail to consider the unique needs of individuals who may not rely on mobility devices in their daily lives but still require other forms of assistance in crowded or physically demanding environments.

Conclusion
These practices not only contradict the ADA’s core principles but also create unnecessary barriers for disabled guests. Public accommodations, including theme parks, must provide reasonable, individualized accommodations to ensure that all visitors can enjoy their services equally, without additional financial or physical burdens.

Denied But Not Defeated:
​Take Action and Fight for Your Rights​

Empower Through Knowledge
Access step-by-step guides, templates, and resources to confidently address disability access challenges and ensure your rights are upheld.
Strength in Numbers
Join a supportive network of advocates and families working together to share strategies, experiences, and solutions for fighting access denials​
Know Your Rights
Stay informed with the latest ADA policies, legal insights, and practical advice to challenge denials and achieve meaningful change.

When the Magic Fades:
How Changes to DAS Hurt Those Who Love Disney​

By gutting the DAS program, Disney has stripped the magic away for those who once found solace and joy in the parks—a place where their disabilities were embraced, not ignored.

What Can You Do To Help ?

SIGN THE PETITION
Help Our Friends at DAS Defenders​

Disney's changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program have excluded many disabled individuals, including cancer patients, people with autism, veterans with PTSD, and others. This move starkly contrasts Disney's image of inclusivity and its promise of joy for all guests.

Families who once relied on DAS to navigate the parks now face significant hurdles that jeopardize their access and safety. For these families, Disney parks are more than just vacation destinations—they are cherished places where lasting memories are created, free from the typical stress of accessibility challenges.

​Join us in supporting DAS Defenders as they advocate for fair and inclusive practices, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disability, can enjoy the magic of Disney without barriers. Together, we can call for change and uphold the values of inclusivity and accessibility.

Were You Denied a Disability Pass?

If you’ve been denied a Disability Access Service (DAS) pass and feel the decision was unfair or discriminatory, there are steps you can take to advocate for better accommodations and ensure your voice is heard. From filing official complaints to sharing your story, your actions can help drive change and improve accessibility for everyone.
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways you can take action:
Contact Disney by Email
Reach out to Disney directly to express your concerns about their Disability Access Service (DAS) program. Your feedback can help influence changes to create a more inclusive experience for all guests.
File an ADA Violation
Report your experience as a potential ADA violation. Filing a complaint ensures that accessibility laws are upheld and that companies are held accountable for discriminatory practices.
File a FL Civil Rights Violation
Submit a civil rights complaint in Florida if you’ve experienced discrimination. Complaints to state agencies hold companies accountable and can lead to policy changes.
Reach Out to the FL Health Dept
Report your issue to the Florida Health Department if you believe accessibility impacts health or safety. Highlighting these concerns can lead to investigations and improvements.
Contact the FL Attorney General's Office
Share your experience at Disney World on Yelp to help others understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Public reviews can encourage Disney to improve its policies and services.
Write a Disney World Review
Share your experience at Disney World on Yelp to help others understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Public reviews can encourage Disney to improve its policies and services.
File a CA Civil Rights Violation 
​File a civil rights complaint in California to report accessibility denials. This formal process ensures that discriminatory practices are brought to the attention of state authorities.
Contact the CA Attorney General's Office
A private online space to share wins, challenges, and advice with other parents in a supportive environment. Peer-matching opportunities to connect with others facing similar journeys.
Reach Out to the CA Health Dept
If accessibility problems have affected your health or safety, share your concerns with the California Health Department. Complaints can lead to necessary regulatory actions.
Write a Disneyland Yelp Review
Leave a review about Disneyland on Yelp to raise awareness about accessibility issues. Honest feedback highlights areas for improvement and shows Disney the impact of their policies.

How DAS Changes Hurt Those Who
​Love Disney the Most​

Disney’s recent changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) have left many loyal fans feeling excluded and unsupported. For guests with disabilities, these changes create unnecessary barriers, making it harder to experience the magic Disney once promised to everyone. Explore how these policies are impacting those who love Disney the
​most and what can be done to bring back inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our FAQ section for clear answers on Disability Access Service policies, how to navigate denials, and what steps you can take to advocate for your rights. Get the information you need, all in one place.

Need Help?

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