Is Mark Jones still the contact for interpreting services at WDW?

[welovedis]

DH & I haven't been to WDW in 9 years and are planning a Dec 2015 trip. Thinking about a Backstage or KttK tour but DH relies on lip-reading or signed English rather than ASL. Wondering if Mark is still the person to contact regarding interpreter scheduling for a tour and for the other portions of our trip?

 

[OurBigTrip]

DH & I haven't been to WDW in 9 years and are planning a Dec 2015 trip. Thinking about a Backstage or KttK tour but DH relies on lip-reading or signed English rather than ASL. Wondering if Mark is still the person to contact regarding interpreter scheduling for a tour and for the other portions of our trip?

He's the manager for domestic services for guests with disabilities, but I think that's probably a little high up the chain for making arrangements for a trip. I would contact Disability Services at 1-407-560-2547 and ask there. I'm not sure that I've ever heard of WDW having signed English interpreters, but it can't hurt to ask.

 

[welovedis]

Thanks, I appreciate the info. Years ago, Mark provided a signed English interpreter for DH during MVMCP and MNNSHP but not for the daily "regular" attractions. Hoping something similar can be managed or, at least, someone who moves their lips while interpreting.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thanks, I appreciate the info. Years ago, Mark provided a signed English interpreter for DH during MVMCP and MNNSHP but not for the daily "regular" attractions. Hoping something similar can be managed or, at least, someone who moves their lips while interpreting.

Seems weird to me that they would be utilizing interpreters that don't move their lips while interpreting. All interpreters that I know of are hearing people who learn ASL to interpret. I wanted to become an interpreter myself and was always told to move my lips while interpreting for a crowd as you might be also service as the focal point for someone who is better served through lip reading. I guess that could be a regional thing as I was looking to be certified in NY.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Thanks, I appreciate the info. Years ago, Mark provided a signed English interpreter for DH during MVMCP and MNNSHP but not for the daily "regular" attractions. Hoping something similar can be managed or, at least, someone who moves their lips while interpreting.

Personally, I would still start with the Disability line, and only go up the chain if they say they can't help.

 

[welovedis]

Seems weird to me that they would be utilizing interpreters that don't move their lips while interpreting. All interpreters that I know of are hearing people who learn ASL to interpret. I wanted to become an interpreter myself and was always told to move my lips while interpreting for a crowd as you might be also service as the focal point for someone who is better served through lip reading. I guess that could be a regional thing as I was looking to be certified in NY.

We live in the Rochester NY area & he finds the majority of the interpreters (probably 70%) don't move their lips when interpreting. The few that do are those he requests for work meetings, etc.. He thinks it is kind of odd, too, but is always thankful to have the assistance than nothing at all. He didn't learn sign until college because his family wanted him to be oral and not use sign so he went to a mainstream school, etc.. and didn't even pick up signed english until his freshman roommate was completely non-verbal

Personally, I would still start with the Disability line, and only go up the chain if they say they can't help.

Yes, I definitely plan to start there, sorry if what I wrote sounded like I meant to go a different route. Back 9 years ago, he was our only contact (or so I thought at the time) for passing along the specifics of our trip, so I'm glad to have the info. Thanks to you both.

 

[Talking Hands]

Contact Maureen.Hogan@Disney.com

 

[Talking Hands]

Ask for an oral interpreter

 

[KPeveler]

At least in Disneyland (same company, different interpreters), some interpreters move their lips, some do not. Some interpreters know Signed English, some do not. A lot of the time, it depends on who is there needing the interpreters. Often the interpreter will ask whether anyone needs SEE rather than ASL. I think if you ask, they can accommodate your DH's needs. Sometimes you just need to ask for something specific. Hope it turns out well!