What value can accessibility have for a zoo, museum or aquarium? Disney has long understood that minimizing its guests' hassles will increase the likelihood of people having an enjoyable time and wanting to revisit. For a person with a disability, the level of accessibility will affect future visits.

A video with captions

If persons with disabilities have trouble entering the door, have difficulty using the restrooms, or are unable to get close enough to an exhibit to see it, the less likely they will return. This experience is unfortunate for the individual as he or she loses an important recreational and educational choice. But the facilities may lose in several ways, as well. Every person with a disability is a member of a family, has a circle of friends and is a neighbor. These groups of people may also decide not to visit because of their relationship to the person with a disability.

Increased accessibility also has value for non-disabled people. A ramp makes it easier for a person using a wheelchair to enter the museum, but also helps a mom or dad pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon. While captioning a video allows a person with a hearing impairment to read the text of the narration, it also helps other guests better retain information by both hearing and reading it. (See Figure 1.)

Detailed life-size animal statues enhance the exhibit for a person with a visual impairment. These statues allow non-disabled guests to study animals up close, as well.