Home / Arts and Entertainment / Florida Family Ejected From Universal Over Autism Misunderstanding
Florida Family Ejected From Universal Over Autism Misunderstanding
12 Jan
Summary
- An autistic daughter took a keychain, leading to her family's removal.
- Parents claim Universal Studios failed to account for child's disability.
- The park issued a $200 demand letter, sparking a legal dispute.
A Florida family's birthday celebration at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando took a distressing turn when they were removed from the park due to a misunderstanding involving their autistic daughter. The seven-year-old, Everly, took a keychain from a gift shop, a situation her parents state was handled without regard for her disability.
Nikki Daou had registered her daughter with Universal's disability access program prior to the visit. When Everly became overstimulated in a crowded Mario-themed gift shop, her mother took her outside while her father prepared to pay. Security then approached Nikki, accusing her of shoplifting despite her husband being inside to complete the transaction.
The family was subsequently trespassed from the park, with a demand letter for $200 sent later. The Daous, through their attorney, argue Universal failed to accommodate Everly's needs and overreacted. They are seeking better staff training on disability policies rather than financial compensation.
