Katie Champagne
The 17-year-old was told she would not be able to ride the rollercoaster at SeaWorld because of her disability. worldstarhiphop.com

A US teenager born without hands is taking legal action after she was prevented from going on a ride at SeaWorld.

Katie Champagne, 17, from Michigan claims she was humiliated when Orlando amusement park staff kicked her off the rollercoaster despite being allowed to ride in the past.

Katie, whose family have enlisted a lawyer, told the Orlando Sentinel online that she was devastated after being told that she had to get off the Kraken ride.

"My heart just sank. I was like, 'Oh no, not again,' " she said.

According to SeaWorld Champagne was barred from the rides because the company was afraid of liability if something went wrong.

A spokesperson said: "Our policies regarding guests with disabilities were written in consultation with ride safety experts, ride design consultants and manufacturers of each of our attractions.

"Making exceptions opens theme parks to liability and park-goers to danger," James Barber, of the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, told the Sentinel. "Safety rules aren't just put there arbitrarily. They don't put those restrictions there to be mean.'"

The Champagne family attorney said his client had a strong case.

"The requirement for Katie to grasp the harness 'with at least one hand,' rather than her arm, is an unnecessary distinction and possible violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act," he said.