Chi84
Premium Member
The fundamental nature aspect was decided in the GAC to DAS case. Significantly increasing wait times for non disabled guests, which led to a decrease in guest satisfaction, was held to be a fundamental alteration.An example the ADA references a few times to give an idea how ‘fundamentally alter’ and ‘nature of the business’ work together:
A business does not need to modify a policy if it would fundamentally alter the nature of the business’s goods or services.
What does fundamentally alter mean?
A fundamental alteration would be something that causes a change in the essential nature of your business. For example, a clothing store is not required to provide dressing assistance for a customer with a disability if this is not a service provided to other customers.
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This example is also given:
"Fundamental alteration"
A "fundamental alteration" is a change that is so significant that it alters the essential nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations offered. For example:
If a bookstore places special orders for customers, it should do so for all of its customers. A bookstore that does not place special orders for customers is not required to place special orders for customers with disabilities. This would be a “fundamental alteration” in the nature of the bookstore’s services.
A restaurant is not required to prepare special dishes for customers who have disabilities. This would be a “fundamental alteration” in the nature of the restaurant’s services. However, if it is easy to omit a sauce or ingredient from a dish that is listed on the menu, a customer can request that the item be omitted. This would not be considered a fundamental alteration.
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Selling tickets for attractions is the fundamental nature of WDW and DL parks. The business model centers around pricing for attraction access. Transportation is not the fundamental nature of WDW parks as a business, and thankfully was seen so important in the quality of everyday life that specific ADA guidelines were created.