Disney shareholders raise accessibility concerns as Disability Access Service proposal gains support
A small but notable group of Disney shareholders backed a proposal to review Disability Access Service (DAS) policies in the theme parks. Disney says it will keep evaluating the program, but no changes were announced.
Disney’s new CEO addressed the issue but did not commit to any specific changes.
What the shareholder proposal called for
The Walt Disney Company received preliminary support from about 5% of shares during the March 18, 2026 annual meeting. While the measure did not pass, the level of support meets the threshold required for potential resubmission in a future proxy cycle, signaling continued attention to Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program.
The proposal requested that Disney commission an independent third-party review examining the legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with recent changes to its disability access policies. Proponents argued that accessibility practices are closely tied to guest experience, brand perception, and long-term customer loyalty.
During the meeting, the shareholder presenting the proposal described accessibility as a growing priority for families visiting Disney parks and suggested that evolving guest expectations and reported experiences warranted additional oversight. The proposal also referenced broader concerns about the implementation of updated DAS eligibility criteria.
According to preliminary results shared during the meeting, approximately 5% of shares voted in favor of the proposal.
Background on Disney’s disability access service changes
Disney updated its Disability Access Service program in 2024, refining eligibility criteria and expanding the range of accommodations available through alternative services. The company has said the changes were designed to better align support with guest needs while maintaining overall park operations.
Some guests and advocacy groups have publicly expressed concerns about how the updated system is applied, including questions about consistency and eligibility. Disney has maintained that its approach is based on expert input and ongoing evaluation.
Accessibility accommodations across Disney experiences include a range of services, such as return-to-queue options and assistive listening devices at select attractions.
Disney responds to disability access service concerns
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro addressed the Disability Access Service directly during the meeting’s Q&A session, marking a notable moment in the ongoing discussion around accessibility.
“We know that accessibility is deeply personal,” D’Amaro said, adding that services for guests with disabilities help make it possible for families to experience the parks together. He described accessibility as “foundational” to Disney’s approach to guest experience.
photo by Dani Meyering
D’Amaro said the current DAS system reflects collaboration with accessibility experts and medical professionals and emphasized that Disney aims to match guests with appropriate accommodations through individualized conversations.
“The current approach that we have with our disability access service, it reflects really extensive work that we’ve done with accessibility experts and medical professionals, all in an effort to better understand individual needs, and then really thoughtfully match guests with the right levels of support. It’s important to us that we have individual conversations with families and that we have a broad range of accommodations that our cast members can recommend through these individual,” D’Amaro said.
“[As we look ahead,] we’ll continue to listen, learn, and apply expert guidance as we evaluate these accommodations over time,” he said.
He did not announce any specific changes to the program.
Key details
- Vote result: About 5% of shareholders supported the proposal
- What it asked for: An independent review of Disney’s disability accessibility practices
- Disney’s response: CEO Josh D’Amaro said the company will “listen, learn, and apply expert guidance”
- Changes announced: None
- What’s next: The proposal may return in a future shareholder vote
Advocacy groups continue to raise concerns
Advocacy groups supporting the proposal characterized the vote as an indication of continued investor interest in accessibility practices. In a statement following the meeting, DAS Defenders, a grassroots disability advocacy community focused on Disney park accessibility, said the result reflects “a meaningful signal” from shareholders and noted that the issue has now reached a level of broader governance discussion.
In a statement following the meeting, the group said the proposal’s support represents “tens of millions of shares”. It argued that accessibility concerns are increasingly being viewed through the lens of guest experience, brand reputation, and long-term business risk.
DAS Defenders also shared anecdotal feedback from guests who have raised concerns about the consistency of accommodations under the updated Disability Access Service system.
The group also cited a third-party report suggesting Disney leadership may provide additional updates on accessibility efforts through existing reporting channels, though those remarks were not independently verified.
photo by Dani Meyering
Next steps
What happens now: Although the proposal did not receive majority support, surpassing the 5% threshold is significant within shareholder governance, as it allows proponents to potentially resubmit a similar measure in a future year.
Disney indicated it will continue to evaluate its accessibility offerings over time, incorporating guest feedback and expert guidance. The company regularly reports on accessibility initiatives as part of its broader corporate responsibility and sustainability disclosures.
With the proposal now eligible for resubmission, accessibility practices may remain part of shareholder discussions in future annual meetings. For now, Disney’s leadership has reiterated its focus on providing inclusive experiences while continuing to assess how its services evolve alongside guest needs.
Guests planning a visit are encouraged to review Disney’s official website for the most up-to-date information on Disability Access Service and other accessibility offerings, as policies and procedures may vary by location and continue to evolve.
Follow us:
Whether you’re ready for your next Disney Destinations vacation or your first, our trusted partner Mouse Fan Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable Disney vacations. Visit Mouse Fan Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
More Attractions Magazine stories:
