NETCOT.com

The Walt Disney World Company agreed to settle a lawsuit over claims a ban on personal two-wheel transporters at its facilities violates federal disabilities laws.

As Netcot previously reported, the Disability Rights Activisits for Technology pushed Disney World to allow Segways in the parks. Then, Disney World was sued by three people (claiming to represent somewhere near 4000-7000 people with disabilities that use Segways) because Disney refused to let them in the parks on their Segways. The last development in the case was that the judge dismissed the suit because none of the plantiffs planned to visit the resort in the near future.

Almost 8 months after the suit was dismissed without prejudice, the Daily Herald is reporting that Disney agreed to acquire at least 15 newly designed electric stand-up vehicles that meet its safety standards and will provide disabled visitors alternate access to parks in Florida and Disneyland in California. The new vehicles, called ESVs, are intended to replicate a common wheelchair (in size and funciton) while allowing users to stand upright. The ESVs will be rented on the same terms as sit-down electric vehicles. Disney will continue to ban guests from using two-wheeled vehicles, including Segways. In addition, Disney agreed to pay $70,000 in fees and expenses as well as allowing the plantiffs a week’s stay at Walt Disney World with free use of an ESV.