Family Seeks Policy Change After Alleged Discrimination at Provo, Utah Water Park

admin July 23, 2024 in CELIAC DISEASE - 3 Minutes

Celiac.com 07/23/2024 – A mother from Utah County is advocating for changes after her teenage daughter, who has type one diabetes and celiac disease, experienced what the family claims was discrimination at a Provo water park. The mother alleges that her daughter was denied entry with necessary dietary food, which led to her becoming ill. The water park, however, maintains that they made efforts to accommodate the teen’s needs.

Incident at Splash Summit Water Park

Janae Cox prepared a small cooler filled with diet-specific food and snacks for her daughter Kolbie’s visit to Splash Summit Water Park. Despite the careful preparation, most of the food was not permitted inside due to the park’s stringent policy. Janae believes that this policy is not only detrimental but also potentially violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to Janae, Kolbie did not have sufficient food to maintain her health throughout the day, resulting in her feeling unwell. Janae and her husband, Kevin, emphasize that ensuring Kolbie has appropriate food is a continual challenge due to her medical conditions. Although the park’s regulations allow some food, they impose significant limitations.

Park Policy and Family’s Concerns

A representative from Splash Summit explained that visitors could leave and re-enter the park with additional food but could only bring a limited amount at any one time. The Cox family argues that this arrangement is neither practical nor safe for Kolbie. Given that Kolbie is 15 and does not drive, and her parents were dropping her off, leaving the park to get more food was not a feasible option. Kevin highlighted the potential danger, noting that if Kolbie’s blood sugar levels dropped while she was alone, she could have a seizure before reaching her car for more food.

ADA Compliance and Legal Perspective

Nate Crippes, a supervising public affairs attorney with the Disability Law Center, states that businesses in Utah are obligated to modify policies to meet ADA requirements. Crippes argues that policies should be individualized to cater to different disabilities. Splash Summit claimed they offered to store Kolbie’s cooler with her food and medical supplies in the front office, but the Cox family feels this solution is still discriminatory. Kevin pointed out that this arrangement forces individuals with dietary restrictions to eat separately from other park-goers, which he believes is unfair.

Seeking Resolution

The Cox family asserts that their primary goal is to prevent other families from facing similar issues. Kolbie expressed her desire for a policy change, supported by her mother, who is willing to take necessary actions to achieve this. Despite having her medical supplies when she eventually entered the park, the Cox family mentioned that they had not encountered problems with the cooler on previous visits.

Water Park’s Response and Future Considerations

Splash Summit stated that they offer gluten-free food options within the park. When questioned about the possibility of changing their policy, the park spokesman indicated that it could be considered. The Cox family is still awaiting further discussions with the park regarding their experience.

Conclusion

The article highlights the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease and diabetes in public spaces and the importance of accommodating their needs. For those with celiac disease, ensuring access to safe food options is crucial to avoid health complications. The Cox family’s story underscores the necessity for businesses to implement flexible, inclusive policies that respect and address the unique requirements of all patrons. Their advocacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and adjustments to ensure equal access and treatment for people with disabilities.