Devices for the hearing impaired?

[Tanmadpey]

We are leaving in two weeks and my mom is hearing impaired. She is not deaf, but does wear hearing aids. She can carry on a normal conversation with someone next to her, but shows and things like that, she will miss a lot. For instance, she has to use closed captioning to watch tv.

I read somewhere about a device you can get at guest services that has captioning or something...does anyone know what this is and what attractions or shows it works with?

Any info is greatly appreciated!

 

[Talking Hands]

There is a handheld captioning device that can be borrowed for a $100 deposit (Fully refundable when you return it to Guest Services) There is also reflective captioning available at some venues. Just ask a castmember to set it up. ALDs can also be obtained for a $25 deposit from Guest Services
For those who know sign language there is interpreting at certain shows and a schedule can be obtained at guest services.

 

[Tanmadpey]

There is a handheld captioning device that can be borrowed for a $100 deposit (Fully refundable when you return it to Guest Services) There is also reflective captioning available at some venues. Just ask a castmember to set it up. ALDs can also be obtained for a $25 deposit from Guest Services
For those who know sign language there is interpreting at certain shows and a schedule can be obtained at guest services.

What do the handheld captioning devices work with?...I'm assuming pre-scripted shows, etc? Will they automatically work or do we have to have CM's set them up every show, etc?

Also, what is the reflective captioning?

I really appreciate your help!

 

[Talking Hands]

Handhelds are preset up and the script comes on automatically. I believe you can also preview the script.
reflective captioning has to be set up at each venue. It is done by castmembers on request. You don't need to carry it with you. You can get a list from Guest Services of the venues that use each.

 

[Tanmadpey]

Handhelds are preset up and the script comes on automatically. I believe you can also preview the script.
reflective captioning has to be set up at each venue. It is done by castmembers on request. You don't need to carry it with you. You can get a list from Guest Services of the venues that use each.

Thanks again for your help! I appreciate it...I know it will help make her visit a little more enjoyable by not having to miss out on stuff.

 

[eeyore45]

IF you do a search on allearsnet.com for Assitive Listening Devices they have pictures of the devices, as well as where they can be used at. My dh and ds both are hard of hearing and used Reflective Captioning at the shows (again I know if you use the search function at www.allearsnet.com they will list the attractions) DH esp liked reflective captioning for Philharmagic (he understood Donald!!) Muppets, and Hall of Presidents - just tell the CM's when you enter these attractions you need to use RC - they will then have you sit at a good spot to "capture" the captions with the "mirra" they will bring to you to use! (he did not use it during Fantasmic because of the location of the captions - plus the crowds, he prefers to get out of the theatre fast!)

Wish more regular theatres could use this (some do - use a google search for movie theatres in your area) My son waits till movies (Like Pirates of the Caribbean) come out on dvd for the closed captioning.

 

[Tanmadpey]

IF you do a search on allearsnet.com for Assitive Listening Devices they have pictures of the devices, as well as where they can be used at. My dh and ds both are hard of hearing and used Reflective Captioning at the shows (again I know if you use the search function at www.allearsnet.com they will list the attractions) DH esp liked reflective captioning for Philharmagic (he understood Donald!!) Muppets, and Hall of Presidents - just tell the CM's when you enter these attractions you need to use RC - they will then have you sit at a good spot to "capture" the captions with the "mirra" they will bring to you to use! (he did not use it during Fantasmic because of the location of the captions - plus the crowds, he prefers to get out of the theatre fast!)

Wish more regular theatres could use this (some do - use a google search for movie theatres in your area) My son waits till movies (Like Pirates of the Caribbean) come out on dvd for the closed captioning.

Thanks for your reply...it really helps!

 

[Val]

We just got back a week ago, and used both the hand held device and the closed captioning for my DD9. She LOVES the closed captioning- and she could hear and understand Donald, too! She didn't like the handheld device- it distracted her from watching the actual show or ride, and fairly often the text was off from the narration. But, she is 9...adults may find it easier to multitask. She also didn't like carrying the handheld around-prefers mom as her packhorse. This meant a lot of switching back and forth, which made it less convenient. Again, I don't think an adult would have this problem.

She did suggest that WDW add games to the handheld device so when she was waiting in line she could be distracted! Oh, the mind of a child!!! The handheld did have lots in information on it that an adult would find useful- I would often "read up" as we were waiting.

We don't use the headphones- find that it makes everything too loud. Voices are better, but the explosions and loud sounds are also augmented and that scares her.

We saw the Crush narration signed, as well as the diver demonstration at the Living seas.....we found she can now follow a fair amount of the sign (we are slowly learning as her hearing worsens). Also, found that there is no captioning at the Laugh Factory show because it is new each time (thanks for explaining that, Talking Hands)....can't caption a live show. I just repeated the jokes to DD and it worked just fine. The CMs we asked for assistance with hearing were extremely helpful. We renewed our GAC for center/frontrow seating at shows for lip reading, and we used that as necessary. All in all, an excellent trip!

 

[Talking Hands]

We saw the Crush narration signed, as well as the diver demonstration at the Living seas.....we found she can now follow a fair amount of the sign (we are slowly learning as her hearing worsens). Also, found that there is no captioning at the Laugh Factory show because it is new each time (thanks for explaining that, Talking Hands)....can't caption a live show.

As of my last trip at the beginning of June Laugh Factory is interpeted on Monday and Thursday as the last interpreted thing of the day. Also I will say if a person has any speech reading skills the interpreters are mouthing the words as well much of the time and you can read there lips.

 

[eeyore45]

Great tips - Thanks

My dh had me take care of the hand held devices, and that was our experience also (heavy to carry around, and not always in synch) He hasnt used them since... (only tried them at MGM)

Thanks Lisbett - I think dh would enjoy laugh factory more if he could read lips! I feel like *duh of course he could read the interpreters lips! They do a fantastic job!

 

[Val]

That's great news about the Laugh Factory! My DD9 is slowly losing more hearing (apparently she has otosclerosis and now has been diagnosed with an autoimmune inner ear disease that is attacking the nerves- or at least that's the latest explanation in this mystery)....we are finding better and better ways to help her, and as she becomes older and more skilled at lip reading and sign she is better skilled herself!

WDW does a remarkable job helping her! We went to Busch Gardens on the last trip- beautiful park and lots of coaster. Howeover, with DD9's vertigo, she can't do the coasters, and NO staff members we talked to knew anything about any adaptations. I stayed at WDW with her when the rest of the family went back for a second day to do more coasters. Showed me what a fine job Disney does!

On a funny note- my DD19 teaches riding lessons. A new student came, and the mother started explaining that her son has hearing loss and started into her "spiel". DD19 gently interrupted her, told the new mom that her youngest sister has hearing loss, and that she has the spiel memorized after listening to ME say it upteen times. DD19 has complained about having a sister with hearing loss many times- but now she is glad that she knows what to do! Turns out my DD9 knows the new rider from Camp Lions (they both are going the same week this summer!)- and she now has a new local buddy! And- the new family LOVES Disney!!! Small world!

 

[SueM in MN]

There is a also a link in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board to the Official WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities information for people with hearing disabilities.
Not as good as the first hand info you have already gotten here, but it has lists of attractions where the different types of assistance are available.

 

[CIAO82]

Hi! Im new to the this board and I think somewhere I read that there is a schedule for the interpreters at the shows? My son and daughter are both deaf. We are going in two days. I am sure glad I found this board. I wished I found it earlier. We are going down to Disney to celebrate our 20th anniversary and my son just received a Cochlear Implant.

ciao82

 

[Hook's Girl]

Hi! Im new to the this board and I think somewhere I read that there is a schedule for the interpreters at the shows? My son and daughter are both deaf. We are going in two days. I am sure glad I found this board. I wished I found it earlier. We are going down to Disney to celebrate our 20th anniversary and my son just received a Cochlear Implant.

ciao82

The schedule you mentioned above can be found in any guest relations lobby in the theme parks! Have fun!

 

[Talking Hands]

CAO82 check your PMs

 

[CIAO82]

Thanks for the info. I tried to email back on PM but it didnt work..oh, well I will try and see if I could get it in three days before we leave...

thanks again
ciao82