A young person with trisomy 21 was denied access to an attraction because of his disability. Disneyland invokes a security measure, the mother complains of discrimination.

It must have been a day of joy and excitement for Benjamin. But it did not go as planned: this 24-year-old man, with Down Syndrome, was denied access to Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, an attraction located in the Toy Story Playland area of ​​Walt Disney Park. Studios, relates Le Parisien . His mother complained about discrimination.

It all starts on April 21st: Benjamin and his mother arrive at Disneyland Paris, like thousands of other people. Wanting to feel like everyone else, Benjamin does not want a disabled card, so he lined up in front of Toy Soldier Parachute Drop. It takes almost an hour to reach the attraction, but that's where things spoil. Just before getting into the attraction, the employees refuse to let Benjamin pass. "At no time was it indicated on the spot that it was forbidden for the mentally handicapped, and if it had not been seen on his face, we would have been let through," says the young man's mother.

Disneyland Paris recognizes an error

However, the ban does exist, but it is only indicated on the park accessibility plan. Moreover, it is little put forward. Embarrassed, the Disneyland Communication Service explains that the Toy Soldiers Parachute is the only attraction that can not be enjoyed by people with mental disabilities: "It is unique, very high [...] This requires a procedure of special evacuation ". But the security argument does not convince Benjamin's mother, and Disneyland Paris recognizes an error.

"We are sorry to hear that this family did not have an experience up to their expectations and our requirements," says the park in Paris. "The facts that we know do not reflect our long-standing commitment to accessibility - every year we welcome more than 110,000 people with disabilities or special needs." To try to ease the tension, Le Parisien indicates that the amusement park "invites the family to go there again, in order to be able to discuss with them what is being done, in association with the associations, in terms of accessibility in the park. But Benjamin's mother does not want to go back there yet.