Jay Rasulo is the 2009 recipient of the IDA Corporate Honors Award. Jim was chosen based upon his leadership in the area of disability friendliness and accessibility as Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. A visit to one of Disney’s Parks or Resorts by people touched by disabilities is an amazing experience which is world-class, pre-planned and readily apparent.

Jay, who has been with The Walt Disney Company for 22 years, was appointed chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2005, after serving as president since 2002. Prior to that, he served as chairman and CEO of Euro Disney, S.C.A., in France, where he was instrumental in turning Disneyland Resort Paris into Europe’s top tourist destination.

Excepting upon Jay’s behalf is Bob Minnick, Manager, Worldwide Facility Safety and Accessibility, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The team consists of 12 technical and operations employees who identify and develop safety and accessibility requirements for Disney Parks and Resorts, which operates five world-class resort destinations with 11 theme parks on three continents, a top-rated cruise line, and guided family vacations around the globe. Bob’s team leads the development of technology and methods that make attractions and services even more accessible to Disney’s Guests with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy the rich storytelling experiences that have made Disney’s theme parks so popular.

Photo with Karyn Buxman, Wayne Connell and Bob Minnick who accepted the award for Mr. Rasulo.