new service for hearing impaired at WDW

[teri]

Check out the DIS news at this link
Real-time captioning sounds like a wonderful new service!

 

[lisapooh]

WOW, That is great. I know I will use it. It won't replace interpreters but for shows that are captioned and other areas that should be captioned it will be great. I can think of a few places where it would be nice such as the interactive displays at AK.

 

[SueM in MN]

That does sound great. I can see it working well for things like the Jungle Cruise, the Land and AK Safari where a sign language interpreter wouldn't work at all and a script would not work either.
I hope that the quality is better than some of the TV shows I have seen. We had videotaped the show Survivor, but something had happened to the sound (it didn't record), so we thought, no problem, we'll just watch the closed captioning. It turned out to be such poor quality that it was almost incomprehensible. Words spelled so wrong that you couldn't tell what they were saying, things that the captioner figured out later were wrong, so it was inserted farther down. I feel really bad for anyone with a hearing disability that is relying on the information they are getting from closed captioning.
My DD likes the closed captioning on sometimes while she watches TV, so I have seen the variation in quality. Some is really good (even news shows where you know it is real time captioning). Some is really bad, including shows that are scripted so they should be able to get it right.

 

[lisapooh]

Sue,
THe boat ride in the Land is interpreted and is done quite well. The terp uses a flexible flashlight for lighting and the deaf add extra light from their own flashlights. You know we carry falshlights with us so we can talk when it isn't well lit. Jungle Cruise is also interpreted. What is done is the deaf guests all go in the same boat together. Then the add others to fill the boat if there is room. Safari wouldn't be a problem for an interpreter except for the bouncing. Interpreter might bounce out of the truck and get hurt. It is the one that is not interpreted and the only one I really haven't gotten the whole story for.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm surprised to see that the Jungle Cruise and the Land are interpreted. I didn't think there would be room for someone to be facing the audience for those. I guess you learn something every day.
I can see that the Safari would be too bumpy. That's one where the new captioner would work well. The story part doesn't last very long, but the driver's comments about the animals really help to figure out what animals to look for and where to look.

 

[lisapooh]

I think those of us who are deaf and hard of hearing tend to scan more side to side in order to not miss things. Plus my dh will signal me where to look.

 

[Wheelsie]

Wonderful news.....this sounds great!!

 

[Mazzy]

As someone who is partially deaf doesn't sign, this is great news for me.

I've just been across to the offical WDW site and there is no mention of this at all, just the usual list of captions etc.

Does anyone know where I can find out more information about this service, ie which attractions it is used on?

Thanks

 

[lisapooh]

You might contact Mark Jones, who is the sign langauge coordinator for WDW. He is the one who has the most information on helping deaf guests. If you are in the parks and see one of the interpreters ask them. They are the ones who clued me to reflective captioning and the availablity of ALDs. Also for special events you can get a voice interpreter if needed. I prefer ASL but that is because it is my second langauge at this point and I use it reguarly. Not all deaf use it or even know it. Depends on the person and their circumstances.

 

[slyster]

Can someone please clarify something for me? My friend (deaf) and I are heading down to WDW in September? We were there about 7 years ago and we had an interpreter with us for about 6 hours one day. We basically used the interpreter for all the shows and after the 6 hours went on rides. It sounds like there are certain shows and times that an interpreter is available? Even though having reflective captioning is a great idea, nothing beats having an interpreter there for the shows. Can you request an interpreter even if a ride or event has reflective captioning?

Any feedback on how the process works would be an appreciated and a description of the reflective captioning as well. Is it a small box (makes it more difficult since the deaf person would have to look at the box and maybe miss part of the show/ride) or is it in visual range of the show, ride, or event so that the deaf person will have everything in their "line of sight"? Hope this makes sense. I also want to commend WDW for their efforts in making WDW as accessible as possible. Thanks Disney!

 

[lisapooh]

Contact person is Mark Jones. He is great.
Yes shows are interpreted on schedule with each park except for Animal Kingdom having 2 days per week with the interpreter.
Schedule is
Mon,Thur Magic Kingdom
Tues, Fri EPCOT
Wed, Sun Studios
Sat Animal Kingdom
It is a mix of shows, rides and parades that do not have reflective captioning.

Reflective captioning is done with a see through plexiglas screen that is places in front of you and you adjust it so you see both the captioning and the show itself. Pretty much the same as you watch tv with captioning. You do not miss portions of the show.

You can request an interpreter for shows and events that are not normally interpreted. For example. I am an avid pin collector and wanted to go to a Pin Talk. I emailed Mark and asked if it was possible. I actually asked him to pick the one that was most convenient for his people and he actually pick the best one on property.

On another occasion I wanted to go on a Backstage Tour. I am not fully deaf at this point (in my future) and lip read well. Since it was a small group on the tour he worked with making sure I had a guide who understood how to best communicate with me and a a low range voice that carried and was very clear. I would now need an actual interpreter but at that time I did not.

He also arranged where I would sit at the Candleligth Processional so I could both see the interpreter and Marlee Matlin since my wheelchair could not be placed in the actual area the deaf were sitting so I would not need to transfer to a bench but could remain in the wheelchair during the show.

I will working again with Mark for my upcoming trip in March and another in September for the EPCOT Pin Event.

If you are interesting in schedule of interpreted events please email and I will send you the schedule from October. It may change some but will give you idea of the schedule.

 

[slyster]

Thanks Lisa for the information. I will have my friend Cindy contact him probably in the summer since we are planning on a September trip. While I certainly appreciate that Disney has interpreters available on certain dates, it bothers me just a little bit that we have to follow Disney's schedule for interpreters. For example, if we are only going for 3 days, it sounds like we have to go to park on the day they have the interpreter. We will certainly contact Mark and find out more information. Thanks again

 

[lisapooh]

Mazzy
Are you on the Jazzy Boards too?

 

[Mazzy]

Hi Lisa

Sorry I'm not sure what the Jazzy Boards are?

I am from the UK, and am on the UK boards regularly. Maybe you could enlighten me on the Jazzy Boards?

Thanks

 

[lisapooh]

Pride's Chat Boards for users of Jazzy wheelchairs or their scooters. We have a Mazzy there from England. That's why I asked.

 

[Mazzy]

Lisa, thanks for explaining to me what the Jazzy Boards are, I obviously have a namesake over there, cos it aint me!

I'm curious though to find out more information about the new wireless captions, do you know where I could find out which attractions they are provided on?

Thanks

 

[lisapooh]

I would think that Mark Jones would have that information. Mark.Jones@disney.com
He is the Coordinator for Sign Langauge and well versed in all things for the deaf and a great help.

 

[SueM in MN]

It wasn't posted yet on the official WDW Board when I looked last week, so your best bet is the contact in fo that Lisa posted.

 

[Mazzy]

Thanks Lisa and Sue for the info!

 

[AbbyKate]

My 3 year old dd was diagnosed this week with mild - moderate sensorineural hearing loss. We are going to be at WDW before she gets her hearing aids. I need help! I'm so new at this I don't even know the questions to ask or the options available. If anyone can give me some advice I'd really appreciate it! Thanks so much!