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ADA Live! Episode 66: Theme Parks and Accessibility

1:00 pm EST March 06, 2019   |   Organized by: Southeast ADA Center

Description

Attendance at the top 20 theme parks in North America grew by 2.3 percent, setting a record of over 150 million visitors, according to the 2017 Theme Index, a study published by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equality for people with disabilities at places of public accommodation. This includes theme parks that must ensure that they are accessible, which is more than wheelchair access. Accessibility includes "but is not limited to" providing inclusive experiences in planning for and during a theme park visit, such as: ticketing, online reservations, web applications, alternate formats, listening devices for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, audio descriptions for people who are blind or have low vision, and more. This episode of ADA Live! features Judy Toth, the Safety Manager of Dollywood Parks and Resorts sharing how Dollywood ensures a memorable experience for all.

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Featured Organization(s):

Dollywood Theme Park




Judy Toth

Judy Toth is the Safety Manager for Guest Accessibility across four properties at the Dollywood Company – the Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins; she has worked for the company for 11 years. While managing the Ride Accessibility program for guests requiring accommodations, Judy has met many families with varying disabilities whose experiences and challenges created the Advisory Panel. She developed a Dignity and Respect Awareness training program for Dollywood employees and has collaborated with other amusement parks, aquariums, and a zoo, sharing best practices in accessibility. With assistance from the Knoxville Autism Society and Autism Speaks, Judy opened a Calming Room at Dollywood, the first at any theme park; she opened a similar area at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Judy has shared her expertise by serving as a guest speaker on this important topic and also has attended numerous conferences to learn more about incorporating key concepts in accessibility for the Dollywood Company.

Judy’s passion for helping others is inspired by her mother, who served as a primary caregiver to her uncle and her grandmother. Before joining Dollywood and embracing the culture of “Creating Memories Worth Repeating,” Judy worked in the hospitality area in Vermont for many years, including managing an inn, serving as a ski instructor and assisted with the Special Olympics at Magic Mountain - all in Vermont. This year, Judy will attend the National Americans with Disabilities Act Symposium to continue her efforts in learning more about that important law and its impact on accessibility.

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