The Walt Disney Company has announced a significant decision to allow a shareholder vote on a proposal to review its Disability Access Service (DAS) program. This move comes after previous efforts to block the proposal and reflects growing interest in addressing accessibility and inclusion practices at Disney parks. Here’s what this development means for the future of the DAS program and Disney’s commitment to accessibility.
Background on the Disability Access Service (DAS)
The Disability Access Service is designed to assist guests with disabilities in navigating Disney parks by providing accommodations for those who may have difficulty waiting in traditional queues. In May 2024, Disney implemented changes to the DAS program, which included stricter eligibility criteria. These changes aimed to address concerns about misuse but also sparked criticism for excluding some guests who rely on the program.
Shareholder Proposal Details
What the Proposal Requests
The shareholder proposal calls for Disney to commission an independent review of its accessibility and disability inclusion practices. The review would:
- Assess legal, financial, and reputational risks.
- Compare Disney’s policies to international accessibility standards and competitors.
- Identify opportunities for improvement in leadership and practices.
The proposal also requests that Disney provide a public summary and internal briefing on the findings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Disney’s Initial Response
Initially, Disney sought to exclude the proposal from its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, arguing that it was “materially false and misleading.” The company filed a request with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to justify the exclusion. However, a policy update from the SEC in late 2025 limited the agency’s involvement in such requests, leaving Disney without the backing to exclude the proposal.
Reversal and Inclusion in Shareholder Vote
Faced with the SEC’s policy change, Disney reversed its decision and will now include the proposal in its proxy materials for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This marks a shift in Disney’s approach and opens the door for shareholders to weigh in on the future of the DAS program.
Implications for the DAS Program
The shareholder vote represents an opportunity to address concerns raised by the 2024 changes to the DAS program. While the stricter criteria aimed to reduce misuse, they also excluded some guests who genuinely need the service. The independent review proposed by shareholders could lead to recommendations for balancing program integrity with accessibility.
The Future of the Disability Access Service
Disney’s decision to allow a shareholder vote on the Disability Access Service review highlights the importance of addressing accessibility and inclusion in its parks. The outcome of the vote could shape the future of the DAS program and reinforce Disney’s commitment to creating magical experiences for all guests.
As the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders approaches, this development will be closely watched by stakeholders and the broader Disney community.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
