Do they have assisted listening devices for the Candle Light Processional? UPDATE!!!

[WANNABE@WDW]

I know they have wonderful sign language at each performance, but dh doesn't know sign language. Dh has moderate hearing loss in both ears and has a hard time with background noise. The assisted listening headphones would be ideal for him, if they do that at the performances. We will definately be using it in the parks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I don't think so. CP is a live performance with very little amplification. I think that the ALDs are really for where there is a soundtrack.

Though I'm sure Lisa will chime in on this.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

I really want dh to enjoy this event. It is so beautiful and moving, but only if he can actually hear it.

 

[Talking Hands]

THis is one I really have no idea on. I sign so watch the sign language interpreter and have never asked to use an ALD for this. I am sure you can get the information from Guest Services at EPCOT.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Thank you. I have to say that the signing at the Candle Light Processional was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The whole event is beautiful, truly a blessing to behold and really sets the tone for the holidays.

 

[arminnie]

Thank you. I have to say that the signing at the Candle Light Processional was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

I agree. I do not know sign language, but I still find the signing to be a wonderful addition to a great program. It is just a beautiful extra.

 

[spotdog]

Be sure to WRITE to Disney about the need for Assisted Listening for the Candle Light Processional.

I don't work for Disney. But I have been a sound technician (also responsible for the assisted listening system) in a regional theatre. There is nothing quite like a WRITTEN request to make things happen.

 

[momsgoofy]

If you can't get one of the ALDs for your DH, be sure to ask to be seated in the section reserved for Deaf and Hard of Hearing...if need be tell the CMs he needs to be near the interpreter. If he doesn't understand the interpreter why? So, he can be assured of a seat near the front...in the first few rows...where he might have less background and ambient noise from the walkway and also a better view of the narrator in case he gets any benefit from lipreading.

I know it may seem like your taking away seats from the folks who do need to see the interpreter, but as a professional interpreter I greatly enjoyed being able to see Angela, the intepreter during the CP both times I attended at Christmas 2005. It was one of the best professional developments I've done...I learned a lot from watching her. The reserved section is quite large and there were people seated next to me (DH and DS) who had no need or even interest in the interpreter, so by all means ask to be seated there...it is your DH's right to sit there and the family is able to sit with him. Now, that said...I was also willing to give up my seat if the section became full and a seat was needed for someone needing the interpreter.

Please post back if you find out anything concerning the availability of an ALD at the CP.

 

[Talking Hands]

Laura,
Just so you know, Angela is not the only interpreter that does Candlelight. There are 3 or 4 others including Tara, Brian, Tony and I think Susannah.
Also I would not judge a persons need for an interpreter by just seeing them.
I am hard of hearing and use hearing aids and in a one on one conversation I have very little problem in understanding a person. You would not think that I need an interpreter but in a noisy situation like shows or large meetings I need one. I am a church interpreter and do quite well except when they place the drummer behind me then forget it. BUt at least I have the lyrics in front of me and have practiced.
During my internship they tried to have me interpret a faculty meeting. No way. I could not understand half of waht was said. Yes I know this will limit me but I am still going for my QAST and then RID.

 

[momsgoofy]

Laura,
Just so you know, Angela is not the only interpreter that does Candlelight. There are 3 or 4 others including Tara, Brian, Tony and I think Susannah.
Also I would not judge a persons need for an interpreter by just seeing them.
I am hard of hearing and use hearing aids and in a one on one conversation I have very little problem in understanding a person. You would not think that I need an interpreter but in a noisy situation like shows or large meetings I need one. I am a church interpreter and do quite well except when they place the drummer behind me then forget it. BUt at least I have the lyrics in front of me and have practiced.
During my internship they tried to have me interpret a faculty meeting. No way. I could not understand half of waht was said. Yes I know this will limit me but I am still going for my QAST and then RID.

Lisbet...thank you for adding the names of the other interpreters who do CP. I had forgotten since Angela was the only one I was able to see while there.

And a bit OT...You are so right about the background noise! The last time I had a hearing check, I was still within the normal range, but the audiologist asked me if I'd gone to a few concerts in my day...uh, yeah, a few. But, I have a hard time with certain rooms when I'm interpreting at the college...a few have exposed ventilation systems and high ceilings...wow! get some student commenting in a normal speaking voice and it's gone right up to the rafters. I understand exactly what you mean about those drums. I did my very first religious setting last week and even after having the music in front of me and having practiced, I still got lost on one section. The musician is a high tenor and plays acoustic guitar...the voice and the guitar just blended (beautifully) but I couldn't make out the words. Ah, well, otherwise it went fine.

I think we would both agree though that if the OP's DH wanted to be seated near the front, to be able to enjoy the CP without the background and other bothersome things, that it would be advised for the OP's DH to request a seat in the section reserved for Deaf and Hard of Hearing and by all means he should not have to give up his seat. I only meant that I..me...hearing person who just really wanted to see the interpreter something awful...was willing to give up my seat in the section in case they needed it for another person with a hearing loss.

And last, I didn't realize that you were preparing for your QAST. I will pray that you have much success! I'm thinking that you will do just fine! Also, have you considered becoming a CDI (certified Deaf interpreter)? My former instructor, is RID certified as a CDI...goes into situations where an individual may have a large "home sign" vocabulary or may have low level functioning where a Deaf person could be the go between for the individual and a (hearing) interpreter. I just wanted to put that out there...another friend who is Hard of Hearing...former student I worked with in public school years ago is going to school now to become a CDI.

Again, best wishes for much success on your QAST!

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have not heard back from Disney about the ALD. We will be doing a CP pkg, where would I go to let the CMs know that we would like to sit near the interpretuer? I only remember two lines, one for CP dining pkgs and the other line for standby. Would I just tell the CM that lets us in on the pkg line?

 

[Talking Hands]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have not heard back from Disney about the ALD. We will be doing a CP pkg, where would I go to let the CMs know that we would like to sit near the interpretuer? I only remember two lines, one for CP dining pkgs and the other line for standby. Would I just tell the CM that lets us in on the pkg line?

Yes just tell the CM that seats you. Since you are doing a package you will be able to sit in the front sections on either side and the interpreters is on the right hand side as you look towards the stage

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Thanks!

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Good News! Mark Jones replied to my email. The American Gardens Theater does have the ability to work with the assisted listen devices! Yeah! Thank you guys so much for all your help and suggestions.

 

[momsgoofy]

Good News! Mark Jones replied to my email. The American Gardens Theater does have the ability to work with the assisted listen devices! Yeah! Thank you guys so much for all your help and suggestions.

So glad to hear this! I hope you have a wonderful time! The CP is the most awesome experience!

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Thank ya'll for all the help! Most of my family went to the CP last year and really enjoyed it, but dh wasn't able to join us on that trip. This will be his first time to experience this beautiful Christmas event. I can't wait!