THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY | Accessibility and disability inclusion practices at THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Status
Withdrawn
Previous AGM date
Resolution details
Company ticker
DIS
Lead filer
Individual
Resolution ask
Report on or disclose
ESG theme
  • Social
ESG sub-theme
  • Diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI)
Type of vote
Shareholder proposal
Filer type
Shareholder
Company sector
Consumer Discretionary
Company HQ country
United States
Resolved clause
Resolved: Shareholders request that Disney commission an independent review, conducted by a qualified third party, of the company’s accessibility and disability inclusion practices. This review should assess legal, financial, and reputational risks; evaluate Disney’s policies against international accessibility standards and competitors; and identify opportunities for leadership improvement. Shareholders further request that the Board provide a public summary and internal briefing on the findings to ensure accountability and transparency.
Supporting statement
Supporting Statement: Disney’s brand and financial stability are under strain from underperforming films, rising park costs, consumer boycotts, and waning trust. On the February 2025 quarterly call, Disney reported that the Parks and Experiences division experienced “lower volumes” tied to attendance (Newsweek, 2025). A significant contributor is the company’s recent overhaul of disability accommodations at its parks. The changes have prompted negative press coverage, social media critique, a pending class-action lawsuit, and reports of customers canceling vacations and passes. Mishandling disability access risks eroding guest loyalty, consumer spending, and ultimately shareholder confidence. The disabled community is one of the fastest-growing global demographics. In the United States, 1.2 million more people reported identifying as disabled in 2021 compared to prior years, with numbers projected to rise further (BurgessLefebvre, 2024). A survey presented at the 2024 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Convention found that over 85 percent of disabled Disney guests reported being unlikely or refusing to return to Disney Parks due to the Disability Access Service (DAS) changes (Burgess-Lefebvre, 2024). Regardless of the outcome of the current class-action lawsuit, Disney remains exposed to additional legal claims, regulatory scrutiny, and brand damage. Other companies have faced multimillion-dollar settlements under accessibility-related actions. Future liabilities could include costly settlements, operational disruption, and weakened market positioning. Recent company decisions are not only straining Disney’s bottom line, they are exposing the brand to escalating consumer backlash, including boycotts. With global tourism to the United States in decline, competition for international travelers has intensified. Disney’s reputation for accessibility has been a differentiator in attracting visitors who plan trips focused on reliable accommodations. Erosion of that reputation reduces competitiveness in a tightening market. November 4, 2025 Page 3 Commissioning an independent review of accessibility standards across all Disney operations would demonstrate leadership, validate best practices, and highlight areas to address gaps and mitigate risk. Transparent evaluation assures shareholders that Disney is actively managing compliance, competition, and fiduciary responsibility–protecting the “magic” that sustains its brand.

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