huffingtonpost.com — Orlando is a destination for rollercoaster lovers, but apparently there are unstated requirements for riders. A 17-year-old-girl was told that she could not partake in some of the city's most thrilling rides because she does not have hands.
Feb 6, 2012 View in Crawl 4
apokalyps2547Feb 6, 2012
Last year, a man with no legs died when he was ejected from a roller coaster. Anyone remember this story?
http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2011/07/13/iraq-war-veteran-with-no-legs-ejected-from-darien-lake-roller-coaster-killed_201107138027.html
Although his family didn't blame the park, it is absolutely in the park's interest to prevent injury and death on their rides.
This example may not be a perfect comparison, but there is some precedent here.
Ouzel7Feb 6, 2012
This is a sad story, but I side with the parks.
"However, an attorney who has been working with the Champagne family told the paper that "the requirement for Katie to grasp the harness 'with at least one hand,' rather than her arm, is an unnecessary distinction and possible violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act."
No...it's not. A hand is very very different from an arm without fingers that grasp. And it's not fair to change the rides so that EVERYONE can ride them no matter what.
wordletFeb 7, 2012
Probably wouldn't be too hard to have a 'special' roller coaster car with different restraints to satisfy different disabilities. But I agree on siding with the parks if those extra features aren't in place. Absolutely no reason to risk someone's life just because you feel bad for refusing to let them ride a roller coaster.
zeedeoFeb 6, 2012
It is very sad that she has no hands. But what if she gets on the roller coaster and falls or an accident happen, which is very likely to happen cause she has no hands. i think her parents she simply shut the f**k and live with it.
We are all sorry that she cant ride it, but if her parents are really concerned about it, they should consider a procedure to give her new hands.
couragewulfFeb 6, 2012
You will get buried but unfortunately you're right. A billion dollar lawsuit after she falls out of the ride isn't worth it.
akronFeb 7, 2012
I think we're all agreeing with you here.
taiyoryuFeb 7, 2012
Tell that to the next patron who rides an entire coaster with their hands up in the air. Most modern roller coaster harnesses are designed that you don't need to grip anything for them to function.
kenjuraFeb 7, 2012
It's not that your hands are useful during the trip. No one is strong enough to hold themselves in on those tight turns with just their hands. The hands are for securing your harness before the train starts. Holding your hands in the air once it is secure is irrelevant.
taiyoryuFeb 8, 2012
Every roller coaster I've ridden in had park staff verify the harness was properly engaged, and if it wasn't they'd correct it. Plus there are coasters that have a harness that is fully automated.
rocannonFeb 7, 2012
more needless angst and drama brought on by political correctness and sense of entitlement, fueled by litigants and their lawyers smelling free money...