Guests with hearing loss

[Mmfan4]

I understand Disney has been working on their definition and policy on disability/special needs.
Do physical disabilities only qualify as special needs/disability?
Our daughter has a severe hearing loss. We aren't looking for front of the line kind of things, just wondering if they offer any kind of assistive devices or special services for this?

Thank you

 

[lanejudy]

Disney did change their previous "Guest Assistance Card" to the new "Disability Access Service" -- however, unless your DD had a particular issue with waiting in lines, the DAS would not be of use for her. Here is the link to WDW's site explaining services for the hearing-impaired: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/hearing-impaired-services/

I will add that my family tried the assistive listening device for DD who has a mild-to-moderate hearing loss, but we didn't find it particularly helpful. That was a couple of years ago and hopefully something has been improved since then -- seemed we had trouble catching the right audio to match the attraction. Or maybe our device was defective.

Feel free to come back and ask question on the disABILITIES forum -- several regular posters have hearing needs. I'd suggest you post there, rather than here in the community forum, as it might get seen easier.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Talking Hands]

I understand Disney has been working on their definition and policy on disability/special needs.
Do physical disabilities only qualify as special needs/disability?
Our daughter has a severe hearing loss. We aren't looking for front of the line kind of things, just wondering if they offer any kind of assistive devices or special services for this?

Thank you

The accommodation for those with a hearing loss depends on what their needs are and if they know ASL. They have reflective captioning, handheld captioning, closed captioning and interpreted shows. I suggest you contact guest services and request the PDF for guest with hearing disabilities be sent to you. That will give you the various options available. If your daughter uses ASL also request a schedule of interpreted shows sent to you. It will arrive the week prior to your trip.
Basically the interpreting schedule for parks is. Mon & Thur Magic Kingdom,
Tues & Sat Animal Kingdom, Wed & Sun Hollywood Studios and Fri - Epcot.
Finally they have written scripts available at each venue that the guest can read.
One thing about FP+ if your daughter uses ASL. Do not get those shows as FP+ as the interpreter is basically your fastpass. All you do is tell the CM at the entrance that you are there to see the interpreted show and they will admit you and guide you to the needed area.

 

[Mmfan4]

Disney did change their previous "Guest Assistance Card" to the new "Disability Access Service" -- however, unless your DD had a particular issue with waiting in lines, the DAS would not be of use for her. Here is the link to WDW's site explaining services for the hearing-impaired: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/hearing-impaired-services/ I will add that my family tried the assistive listening device for DD who has a mild-to-moderate hearing loss, but we didn't find it particularly helpful. That was a couple of years ago and hopefully something has been improved since then -- seemed we had trouble catching the right audio to match the attraction. Or maybe our device was defective. Feel free to come back and ask question on the disABILITIES forum -- several regular posters have hearing needs. I'd suggest you post there, rather than here in the community forum, as it might get seen easier. Enjoy your vacation!

Thanks for your input

 

[Mmfan4]

The accommodation for those with a hearing loss depends on what their needs are and if they know ASL. They have reflective captioning, handheld captioning, closed captioning and interpreted shows. I suggest you contact guest services and request the PDF for guest with hearing disabilities be sent to you. That will give you the various options available. If your daughter uses ASL also request a schedule of interpreted shows sent to you. It will arrive the week prior to your trip. Basically the interpreting schedule for parks is. Mon & Thur Magic Kingdom, Tues & Sat Animal Kingdom, Wed & Sun Hollywood Studios and Fri - Epcot. Finally they have written scripts available at each venue that the guest can read. One thing about FP+ if your daughter uses ASL. Do not get those shows as FP+ as the interpreter is basically your fastpass. All you do is tell the CM at the entrance that you are there to see the interpreted show and they will admit you and guide you to the needed area.

Thank you for the information!

Jen

 

[SueM in MN]

You already got very good answers, but just moving to a better board for WDW answers.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know that many attractions have "reflective captioning" devices, or whatever they're called. I have a friend who has hearing loss, whom I often meet up with at WDW. If you have any specific questions I'll check with her.

 

[Tink575]

You can ask at rides too if some accommodation will help. My husband has gotten over being shy and asks at Jungle Cruise not to sit by the motor, because it interferes with his hearing aides and he can't hear the skipper. We sometimes have to wait for the next boat, but they will always do this and seat us in front.

 

[Mmfan4]

Thank you for the further information.
You are all so helpful!

Jen