Question about Tour(s) for deaf people

[DarylTX]

Before I start anything. I am deaf but I can hear a bit with my hearing aid. I am able to understand what they are talking if they are front of me and able to read the lip. Also, I do use sign language (ASL). But for the tour, the talking/listening part may or may not work for me. I am afraid I might miss what the CM saying about something.

I am planning to go to Disney World in few month. Right now I am looking at one of the tour, Backstage Magic. I am wondering will they provide some kind of assistance like sign language interpreter or device that allow me to read what they are saying?

Daryl.

 

[CarolAnnB]

According to the WDW website, they accept requests for special events and shows, so they may consider a tour to be a special event.

Requests for Interpretation
With a minimum of 14 days advance notice, Sign Language interpretation can also be requested for other special events and shows, such as:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
Disney's Spirit of Aloha
To request performance schedule confirmation or to request sign language interpretation at a specific special event or show, please call Walt Disney World Resort Information:

Voice: (407) 824-4321
TTY: (407) 827-5141
Guests will be contacted prior to their visit to verify arrangements, and they will receive an appropriate show schedule that lists the names, dates and times of the interpreted performances. (Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.)

Here is the link to the page I copied this from:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/hearing-impaired-services/

I would contact them. Good luck!

PS We have attended many of the ASL interpreted shows over the last few years as my daughter wants to be an interpreter. My husband (who wears hearing aids but sometimes has problems with background noise) also used the handheld captioning device on some of the rides and that was helpful as well.

 

[KPeveler]

I know more about DL interpretation than WDW, but my understanding is that if you call at least 14 days in advance (I would call at least a month - call now if you know which tour you wish to take), an interpreter would be provided for the tour.

Tour guests are given head-sets and the Tour Guide speaks into a microphone, which feeds into the ear phones. This may help a little bit with filtering out background noise and amplifying the sound you are able to hear.

When you call, make it clear that you are Deaf, and that ASL is your first language. I have discovered that if people (any company, not just Disney) believes you can "get by" without accommodation (like my saying I can walk a few steps suddenly means I can leave my wheelchair and walk for a half hour or up a flight of steps), then they may be less helpful.

I am pretty certain that if you call (to other ASL users - would Special Services have a VRS capability or TTY number - I am not certain the Call Centers would know where to send the call), and give them the date and time of the tour you wish to take, tell them you are Deaf, ASL is your primary language, and require an ASL interpreter to be present, they will make it happen.

On the day of the tour, let the Tour Guide know that you also read lips, and that whenever possible you would need to be close to him/her and have him/her facing you.

Also, what attractions, if any, are part of Backstage Magic? The handheld captioning device may be helpful for attractions - my thought was about lower light conditions.

It has been my experience that Disney is more than helpful when it comes to accommodating disability, including providing interpreters (the trick is knowing they exist). If the first person you talk to does not have answers, ask to be transferred to the next department, and then the next if need be. I have only ever seen a phone number for Special Services (which deals with disabilities and special needs), but I am sure they have a TTY or VRS capability...

Again, my experience is with the DL interpreters, but they are all the same company and I have had only the best experiences with them!

 

[DarylTX]

I did use the handheld devices and reflective caption last year when I went to WDW, and I don't have any problem with it. Only minor issue with handheld device is that it may or may not work on some shows/rides. Also, I did attend some shows that provide ASL Interpreter like 3 pm Parade and candlelight processional.

I will make phone call to make the reservation and buy ticket for Backstage Magic tour. Also, I plan to talk to them on how they provide the assistance.

Also, I want to say thanks for your feedback.

Daryl.

 

[Talking Hands]

Contact Maureen Hogan (Maureen.Hogan@disney.com) no later than 2 weeks prior to your visit and she can arrange interpreting for you on the tour. Give her the date, time and #. I usually give 1 month or more notice.

 

[elphaba91]

I was about to ask a similar question. My sister is severely deaf, but copes fine with her hearing aids - she goes to university, works in retail and loves musicals. I'd love for us to be able to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, but I'm a bit worried how she would cope. Interpreters aren't an option and I doubt she'd want to use a handheld device.

For those of you who've done the tour, is it possible to do it without headphones, i.e. by staying close to the guide? If not, what are the headphones like? Can you fit them over hearing aids comfortably and without feedback? Or can you turn the volume up without sound leaking out? Alternatively, she does have an RF (which she's supposed to use for uni, but doesn't). Does the tour use a similar system, so she could just use her RF on that channel? Or would the guide be allowed to wear the other half (the 'teacher's half') of the RF?

 

[Talking Hands]

I was about to ask a similar question. My sister is severely deaf, but copes fine with her hearing aids - she goes to university, works in retail and loves musicals. I'd love for us to be able to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, but I'm a bit worried how she would cope. Interpreters aren't an option and I doubt she'd want to use a handheld device.

For those of you who've done the tour, is it possible to do it without headphones, i.e. by staying close to the guide? If not, what are the headphones like? Can you fit them over hearing aids comfortably and without feedback? Or can you turn the volume up without sound leaking out? Alternatively, she does have an RF (which she's supposed to use for uni, but doesn't). Does the tour use a similar system, so she could just use her RF on that channel? Or would the guide be allowed to wear the other half (the 'teacher's half') of the RF?

Your best bet is to contact Maureen (Maureen.Hogan@disney.com) or Mark (Mark.Jones@disney.com) about this situation and see what can be done to accommodate your sister.