Segway Lawsuit

[MM32830]

There are plenty of pictures of people using an IBOT in standard mode at Walt Disney World. Some on Independence Technologies' own website. The picture of the man in question at Walt Disney World clearly shows him using the chair in in standard mode.

This is no different than "Please keep your arms and legs inside the train at all times." Safety Rules! As someone who has used the IBOT, I uderstand why these rules were put into place.

The cast members would have allowed him into the park, if he was in standard mode. As I posted before, there are rules (set by Indepence Technologies) for using the IBOT in balance mode. These rules were put in place for SAFETY reasons. There are countless accidents caused by IBOT users who ignore the training and certification. To see these reports, please search the FDA's website for Adverse Event Reports about the IBOT.

It is important to once again note that the IBOT is a medical mobility device, but the Segway HT is NOT a medical mobility device. The Segway HT literature clearly states that the Segway HT is not DESIGNED to be a medical device. Does the ADA condone using a device outside the MANUFACTURER'S design parameters???

Segway has designed HT's for golf, law enforcement, and off-roading. They could easily design one for medical mobility.

Why hasn't Segway designed a HT to be a medical mobility device?
Are the Segway users able to operate an ECV?
Why are financial awards and vacations being saught by the group?
How is WDW "violating the ADA," when they are making wheelchairs and ECV's available to guests?

WDW makes REASONABLE accomodations for a very wide range of diabilities. I cannot find any fault or violation of the ADA. If anyone can give me a paragraph or section of the ADA that proves a basis for the lawsuit, please clarify it for me.

If the judge's decision was a "victory for the disabled," why did the plaintiffs ask the judge to reconsider his decision????

That will do it for this edition of "The Skip Fully Charged." And remember.....STAY OFF THE DARN SEGWAYS!

Well said.




______________
Armand

 

[DisneyKevin]

Skip....you are amazing.

 

[wishspirit]

It's great to hear the information from someone really in the know!

Thanks Skip, its great to get the insiders opinion!

 

[Justin Jett]

Thank you all....

Jack is the one who understands the "legal stuff." That part totally over the head of this community college student.

When it comes to the Segway HT....my knowledge comes from what has been published on Segway's website and in the media. I will never be able to experience a Segway.

I do believe in the IBOT as a wheelchair! I have been fascinated by the IBOT ever since I saw it in Innoventions for the first time. In 2007, I went through the full training course and I passed all but one of the certification test. I was completely terrified of stair climbing mode, and refused to even try it. Yes, I am a big chicken! I dont ride Haunted Mansion. My Dad has tried to get me in there for 20 years, but I will NOT go!

What really pushes my buttons about this lawsuit is the talk of Disney violating the ADA, and being "unfair to the disabled." If that were true, would I be on a Disney fansite? November 15-19, I went to WDW totally by myself. I took a bus to have lunch with the podcast team. If there was any true ADA violation, my trip would not have been possible

I am 34 years old.....my disability has changed over the years.

From stroller-style pushchair to ECV
From ECV to standard powerchair
From standard powerchair to custom powerchair, with supports for my head and trunk, as well as foot holders.

Life changes as my disability changes. However, the one constant in my life has been Walt Disney World! Walt Disney World remains in my life because of the care and effort Disney puts forth for disabled guests.

This lawsuit truly breaks my heart. Disney should not be sued over something like this. More of my feelings on this lawsuit are in Post #11 of this thread.

It is very important to speak out against this lawsuit, so that Disney knows how much their efforts mean to so many disabled people, even when they may disappoint a very select few.

 

[wishspirit]

Life changes as my disability changes. However, the one constant in my life has been Walt Disney World! Walt Disney World remains in my life because of the care and effort Disney puts forth for disabled guests.

This lawsuit truly breaks my heart. Disney should not be sued over something like this. More of my feelings on this lawsuit are in Post #11 of this thread.

It is very important to speak out against this lawsuit, so that Disney knows how much their efforts mean to so many disabled people, even when they may disappoint a very select few.

That is just the perfect way to say it!

Some of the children I have worked with have been to Disneyland Paris, and have had nothing but support and help, when many other non-Disney resorts are no-go zones.

I am all for what Disney tries to achieve and does do to a great extent!

 

[Justin Jett]

After researching the IBOT "ruckus" situation, I must agree with Disney. If the guy was using the IBOT in "balance mode" then it does indeed fall under the Segway ban.

The man should have entered the park in "standard mode." The quoted statement “I’m not going down on four wheels, no way,” is purely a guest not following cast member instructions.

I am speaking from my own IBOT experiences in the summer of 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39JWZUcDbL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEp-w8qlBqE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGOZd...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK5uAeEV7tI