Decision overturned in Calif. disabled woman’s Segway lawsuit against Disneyland

SAN FRANCISCO – A California appeals court says Disneyland must consider use of Segways by disabled people.

Tina Baughman uses a two-wheeled Segway to get around because of a form of muscular dystrophy.

Disneyland refused to allow her to use the Segway at the theme park, which allows disabled visitors to use wheelchairs and scooters, so she filed a lawsuit under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The lower court ruled in favour of Disneyland.

But the Los Angeles Times reports (http://lat.ms/NZidbk) the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday overturned the ruling, telling Disneyland that technology advances didn’t end with the powered wheelchair.

The San Francisco appeals court says Disney must show, based on actual risks, why Segways would be unsafe.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com