ASL interpreters on board?

[teachermom]

Does anyone know if there are sign language interpreters aboard the ship? My daughter probably will not need the because sh uses a cochlear implant to help her hear but I was wondering if they are available for the shows? Thanks in advance!

 

[flexsmom]

I have seen them before on some cruises, but not others (and I love to watch them during the shows - sometimes the signing is SO complementary to the show that it really adds to the experience!). Anyhow, I have to think that the reason they are on some but not others is due to guests submitting the medical form to inform the crew that someone with a hearing impairment is on-board, yet on other cruises, they do not have any guests with that requirement. So - definitely submit that form to inform DCL!

 

[clarefb]

They had 2 at every show on our 7 night MR on the Wonder in March this year. I figured they would be on every cruise. If they are not, they SHOULD be!

 

[Mythicalbee]

Does anyone know if there are sign language interpreters aboard the ship? My daughter probably will not need the because sh uses a cochlear implant to help her hear but I was wondering if they are available for the shows? Thanks in advance!

Our son is D/HOH - he will be a week shy of 3 when we cruise in October, and has been aided since 6 months (moderate/severe bilateral loss) We asked when we booked what accomodations were available and DCL assured us that as soon as we made the request for an ASL interpreter, that request would be met! I wonder, if like our son, your daughter uses ASL as an assistive language in addition to spoken language? While he can 'hear' in ideal situations, when it is loud or there is a lot of background noise, he looks to us to communicate in ASL for information.

I would call DCL or your travel agent and express your daughters need, explaining that (assuming) fluency isn't required, having captions or an interpreter would maximize her experience.

Happy sailing, and please let me know what comes of the request!!!

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

They had 2 at every show on our 7 night MR on the Wonder in March this year. I figured they would be on every cruise. If they are not, they SHOULD be!

They'll provide them if requested, but don't send them on every cruise. We had a group of folks with an ASL interpreter on our Med cruise and every time we saw them (all over the ship, at shows, meals, etc.) they had the interpreter with them. I don't think they're regular cast members with other assigned duties, they could be, don't know for sure, but from what we observed, the interpreter didn't do anything else.

OP, I'd certainly request it, for the cabaret/family shows they were right next to the group, for the stage shows they were up on one side of the stage (not on the stage itself, but in the area in front/to the side) and the group was seated in the front row where they could see the stage and the interpreter.

 

[pjpoohbear]

There are ASL CM aids available. I believe you need to contact DCL, and provide a special needs form, before your cruise, asap. I have had hard of hearing friends cruise and they had two CMs on board for their cruise. They signed the shows, went on excursions and attended events with the family.

Pj

 

[EskiLvr]

There are ASL CM aids available. I believe you need to contact DCL, and provide a special needs form, before your cruise, asap.
Pj

My DS is unilaterally deaf (no hearing in his left ear, overly sensitive in his right). He'll be 13 when we're on the Dream in July. We put in a request to be seated at a table in Animator's Palette that would have a loudspeaker in it so that he'd have a fighting chance to join in the fun (hearing in crowds is a real challenge, even with his hearing aid). Our record now has it noted that he's Hearing Impaired, and we'll be filling out the forms this weekend to get them in ahead of time. As long as his Edge counselors know that there is a good chance they're going to have to tap him on the shoulder if it's noisy, we're good. DCL was incredibly accomodating when I called to ask about seating possibilities for AP.

 

[Super*Mum]

Now there is a cool job.... you know the ASL crew is probably not used frequently (because people don't think to ask) and are probably dying for people to request them. A free cruise where your only job is to interpret during shows and excursions? So fun!

Really wishing my sign language skills went beyond my Kindergarten class. If DCL needs someone to sign the alphabet, various family members, barn animals and "cookie" then I'm your girl!

 

[CalDisfans]

Man, what an awesome job! I'm a former sign language interpreter and have worked with those with visual impairments, and I couldn't imagine a better job experience than interpreting on a DCL cruise.. I would definitely take DCL up on that service if I were you!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I'm learning ASL and would love for them to interpret the shows. I have been losing my hearing due to Meniere's, and in situations with lots of noise and certain architectural structures, I cannot hear well at all. I don't know how the ship is going to be, especially at dinner.

If DCL will provide your daughter with the option, I'd certainly submit the medical form. Even with a CI, there will be times it's still difficult for her.

 

[lindylou2_2002]

On the Med cruise we were on LAst year our friend had an ASL guy and for the show they had a man and a woman so the woman could do the woman parts it was great to watch and sometimes the cast on stage interacted with the Signers.
They reserve seats in the theatre so you can see them.
Im sure she contacted DCL to arrange, but she and her husband are both deaf and her daughter has the implants so im guessing she has learned through growning up deaf, what to ask rather than having a child and having to learn as you go.
I will show her the thread so she can comment

 

[MrsScooby]

Definitely need to request the interpreters in advance. They are wonderful!!!

BTW, I'm one year post activation and love my CI. I still have trouble with noisy situations though. I try to get the seat in the dining rooms with my back to the majority of the room and my noise or focus program on.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I believe I am going to look into this. For me, having the shows signed would add so much, as that is exactly the type of situation where I miss much of what is being said.

I hadn't thought of actually requesting interpreters for the shows as I'm not that fluent yet. However, I am learning - going to classes and Deaf Socials. In fact will be attending a Silent Weekend the end of June in Orlando.

Interestingly, one of the ASL classes I will be taking is on Disney property.

I looked up Disney's info and policies regarding interpreters on cruises, and here's a link with some info from them:
http://www.disneytravelagents.com/StaticFiles/DTA-Domestic/pdf/DCL/DisabilitiesInfoMagicWonderNov2010.pdf

It also appears from that info PDF booklet that they will especially assist children. Good to know for the OP!

I've recently been aided but I am still struggling in the same situations: noisy rooms, and places that are large and cavernous. Get me in a Walmart and I'm basically totally deaf. I suspect I will have issues in certain parts of the ship.

Thank you OP for starting this thread. Hope there is useful info for you, and you've also helped others!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

A friend of mine pointed out to me that they probably no longer supply human interpreters and have gone totally hi-tech with the listening devices. So....not sure. If anyone finds out - let us know!

 

[scottishwee35]

Does anyone know if there are sign language interpreters aboard the ship? My daughter probably will not need the because sh uses a cochlear implant to help her hear but I was wondering if they are available for the shows? Thanks in advance!

Hello

We are from Scottish, we are deaf family apart from hearing son...

My daughter wear the an cochlear implant as she is 11 years old now...

We had been on Disney Cruise 4th times and DCL offers us an interpreters (2)... Oh they were so awesome, wow, we never see what a beautiful ASL sign at the show...

They shared with us at meals every night and we had the fun too...

Please go for it and it will be amazing to watch them to ASL sign and actors show too...

We met them again at Florida and we had chatting and it was great to see them at Disney Park...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

A friend of mine pointed out to me that they probably no longer supply human interpreters and have gone totally hi-tech with the listening devices. So....not sure. If anyone finds out - let us know!

Ihave heard the rumour that there will be no interpreter if go to Europe only not based in US...

Scottishwee35

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I looked again and on the DCL FAQ's it talks about the high tech stuff available. BUT, on that same page on the right-hand side is a link for different ships. The PDF I posted comes from the Disney Dream's accessibility.

So....DO check on what's available. It does appear that they will be extremely helpful for children. As for providing that shows be interpreted it says, "various sailings". That is wide open for interpretation (excuse the pun).

One will never really know unless DCL is contacted and asked.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I'm going to call DCL tomorrow and see what they say. I'll post the response I get.

Back to the OP: Since your question involves a child, I suspect DCL would be very helpful, but it would be nice to know for sure.

 

[ldo]

2 ASL interpretors for the Dream 8:30 show every night on 4/17/11 sailing. The main character in the show involved them a lot. We enjoyed watching them very much--they looked like they were having a great time signing--fabulous expressions. have a great cruise. Elaine

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I just called DCL and asked the procedure.

One can put in a REQUEST for the shows to be signed. As with all requests, it is not guaranteed.

I didn't ask for all the procedures for requesting an actual interpreter that would work with individuals. However, it does appear that is possible, especially for children. Simply call and ask how to go about it.