How does reflective captioning work?

[rabidstoat]

Note: I'm not sure what this is called, so it's quite possible I'm using the wrong terminology, apologies in advance!

When I was looking around MuppetVision 4D, I noticed that there was some closed captioning going on in the back. It was being projected in mirror image. How does that work? I don't have anyone in my family who's deaf, I was just curious, because I couldn't figure out how it would be reflected so someone could view it.

Another question is, I remember going to a show in the past where there was an interpreter up front, think it was Beauty and the Beast. Are there still interpreters available for shows, for guests who need them?

I'm always impressed when I go to Disney how accessible they've made it, not even just for guests but also for people who work there, I saw such a diverse group there in terms of ability and body size and age. It's easy to see how scooters and the like are accommodated, but some things are trickier to figure out.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Reflectived Captioning projects the captions. The person needing it has a special viewer which is basically a semi-transparent mirror. It is set up so they can see the show through the mirror but the projected captions reflect off the mirror. And that way they read the captions (right side up) as they are watching the show.

And yes, some of the live shows are interpreted on a regular basis.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Near the top of Post #3 is a link to informaiton about hearing disabilities, as well as further down also in Post #3. You can get a lot more information there.
Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

I first noticed reflective captioning when I saw red words reflected in my glasses that I could read. I couldn't figure out where they were coming from; I thought they were in front of me somehow since the were the right way for me to read them. Then I noticed a sort of long thin screen in the back of the room with the words being projected as a mirror image. So, the image that was reflected onto my glasses was readable.

Here's a link to a good page that explains how reflective captioning works, including some pictures in movie theaters. It works the same way at WDW, although the ones I have seen there were freestanding, not attached to the theater seat as shown in the picture here. Since the screen is plexiglass, you can see thru it and still see the reflected words, even though it is tinted (as Cheshire Figment mentioned, sort of semi-transparent).

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I used to be a CM for Philhar and we have RC there. The captioning system is located on the back wall, and displays the text backwards. We have stanchions with little rectangular pieces of plastic. They are reflective, but you can see through them (they don't look like mirrors). We have specific spots we sit guests who need this, and we position the stanchions accordingly. Once we have the angle correct, the stanchion picks up the reflection of the words and it's like looking at them on a little screen right there in front of you. Because the it is just a piece of plastic and is not backlit, it is very unobtrusive and does not interfere with the show experience.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Is it the same/similar technology to what speakers use when giving a speech? (I know the reflective captioning technology, but am wondering if the speech technology is the same/similar.)

 

[Talking Hands]

One thing about the reflective captioning is you may have to position the screen yourself as the CM isn't in the same position as you are. It takes some fiddling to get it perfect.

Yes they still interpret certain shows. It is on a rotating schedule which you can get from Guest Services at any park or ask it be sent or emailed to you by calling Guest Services. MK: Mon and Thur, Epcot: Tues and Fri, AK: Sat, DHS; Sun and Wed.