Signers on Magic 8/2

[rae519]

I omitted posting the most wonderful sight we were able to see during our cruise.

There were two signers from American Sign Language doing interpretations for a group during all the shows and contests - these two individuals (guy and gal) were incredible in their ability to share the stories with deaf cruisers.

Since we have seen the shows several times, we watched with great interest the signers as they "spoke"......just incredible!

Would like to see Disney add this to furture cruises!!!

Rae

 

[SweetSpot]

There were signers on our cruise last Nov. also. I thought they were on every cruise but I guess it makes sense to only have them when needed. I agree rae they were amazing. It was my first cruise and my first time seeing the shows but I found myself watching them because they were so animated and beautiful in their expressions. Now knowing that they aren't part of every cruise I am even more amazed that they are so prepared.

 

[rae519]

We forget that Sign Language is universal and wouldn't it be wonderful if we were all knowledgeable in some basic communication in it?

My Dad was slowly losing his hearing due to injuries he received in the war - I taught our dog to alert him to the door, phone, and other necessary sounds. It was difficult when we spoke because we had to "SHOUT" for him to hear us - and (1) it was uncomfortable to do so and (2) often made our voices sound angry and abrupt. I always wished that we could have learned sign language so we could "talk" more often.....

I think I will incorporate this into Michael's homeschooling program - a few words a week won't be so hard to do and it could be a lot of fun for us!!!!!!! Plus you never know when you will use/need it!

Rae

 

[CathyCanada]

Isn't it a beautiful sight to watch? I LOVE that DCL added this to cruises that actually HAVE deaf people on it, rather than a certain week per month (that we would never know about because we always book way in advance!). It opened up a whole new experience for Patrick and I love to watch them instead of the performers (I've seen these shows so many times!)

The interpreters are terrific people! When I was on the panel for Mouseketeer and Patrick was chosen to be a contestant, his interpreter, Marvin, went up with him (Jim and Megan were shopping in Cozumel).

Kudos to DCL for really making the entertainment accessible to all!
Cathy

 

[rae519]

Cathy - thanks!!!!! I didn't know that they were now a permanent part of DCL!!! How wonderful!

Rae

 

[jlawall]

Yes, the lady signer was on my cruise last summer.

 

[CRB#33]

I find them absolutely beatiful to watch when they are "singing."

We have a signer at our church on occasion and when the choir or a soloist is singing, the difference in the flow of the signers hands and arms is so graceful and moving. I love how they "sing."

 

[Talking Hands]

Please do not call them signers. They are sign language interpreters. They have worked hard to become interpeters and not merely signers. I am looking forward to my cruise next week with awesome interpreters. I am lucky enough to know who is going to be interpreting for the cruise. I can't wait.
Btw I am an interpreter myself as well as hard of hearing. Right now I interpret in church as well as some community work. Plus as a sub for Deaf Ed I end up interpreting there as well.
Rae you might check and see if one of your local churches has an interpreter or deaf person who teaches American Sign Language. I have several homeschoolers in my class who use it as their foreign language
Also Sign Language is not universal. Each country has their own sign language just as they have their own oral language. A few use more than one sign language such as Canada. Canada uses ASL and LSQ. My daughter is a signer of both ASL and JSL (Japanese) thanks to Disney. She picked up both JSL and Japanese while working at Tokyo Disney Sea.

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

A little off the subject, but I feel so strongly about this -

Having children learn sign language is fablous!

My son was developmentally delayed and had trouble speaking. Once they taught him and us sign language, our communication improved so much and his frustration level was diminished.

It certainly brought our house together. Please encourage your children to learn this wonderful skill!!!

 

[CRB#33]

Please excuse my ignorance.

I didn't have any idea that there was an appropriate title.

 

[Talking Hands]

Just try to educate a bit when I can. It is a frequent mistake. Interpreting is a fairly new profession. Gone is the time when it was family friends and the church ladies. While there are still family friends and church ladies, interpreting is a full fledged profession and soon you won't be able to get nationally certified without at least an AA. And that national certification test is not easy. I'm starting to study for the written test already although I don't plan to take it for at least a year. Have to do my state QA performance test first.

 

[musicgirl]

My brother in law has down's syndrome. He was taught basic signs very early because his speech development was very slow.

I teach music and I like to include sign language in my classes and especially in programs. I have had parents with hearing problems and they greatly appreciate it. I'm not very good (I have a cd-rom that shows the signs) but the kids love doing it!
It also give them a chance to understand. Many have not been exposed to anyone who is deaf. I think it is important that children are educated about all kinds of impairments. I hope that was the appropriate word..sorry if it wasn't.

 

[figment52]

In addition to the cruises Disney has Sign Interpretors at all Candlelight Processional Performances at EPCOT too. Those people are truly AMAZING. The expression they put into it is as much a part of the performance as the choirs.

Rae - If you can't find anyone in your community that signs to help with Michael's "class" I have also seen software ($20) that helps you learn to sign. It is part of the EuroSpeak line.

 

[Talking Hands]

Some of the same interpreters do Candlelight that are on the cruise. Wonderful to watch and at least for me it means I understand all of shows and not just part. For a person who spent 25 years doing Miami Christmas Pageant that is important to me. The loss of enjoying music has been the most difficult part of losing some of my hearing. It used to be super accute.

 

[rae519]

Wow!
The misinterpretations we carry with us!!!! Thank you so much for sharing the facts with us "Talking Hands" - I know that I really appreciate being taught and from the replies here, I know that others do also.

What a wonderful idea about the computer program - that will be a big help. Michael told me that he knows some already and you know, the little scamp actually did pick up some signs from the interpreters at the show!!!!!

I know how hard it was for my Dad when his hearing loss began and progressed - the sound of birds in the woods when he walked, phone calls he couldn't take.....

We all need appreciate the gifts and senses we have and be mindful of others. And would it be so hard to learn some basic sign - I think not!!!! Now to be fluent, well, some of us still have that problem with our native language!!!!!!!! Just ask BD when he corrects my grammar!!!!

Again, thanks for helping us out on this one and please, add more information if you like -

Rae

 

[Talking Hands]

www.SignEnhancers.com and www.harris.com are good sites to get books, videos and programs for ASL. Harris is deaf owned while Sign Enhancers is owned by an interpreter.
You can find interpreted shows at the Disney parks on a scheduled basis. Just check at Guest Services and ask for the schedule. A different park each day. Also if you have deaf friends going to WDW let them know that interpreting is available as well as assistive devices such as captioning, listening devices and a handheld PDA. By contacting Disney at least 2 weeks in advanced interpreting can be arranged for other things like Adventurers Club and Comedy Warehouse and dinner shows. If you need the name of the contact person just let me know.
And as you all have seen interpreters are available on the cruises by request now and not on a schedule. No deaf and hard of hearing can cruise on their own schedule and not Disney's.

 

[catspjmas]

Loved the sign language interpretors too! They were so animated and enthusiastic that I sometimes watched them more than the shows! During Disney Dreams, we watched them interpret the songs and actually picked up on the movements that tell the chorus of Beauty & the Beast. The week after returning, I worked a a week-long Day Camp for young children and actually taught them some of Beauty and the Beast. They LOVED it! Gotta love Disney for being fun and educational!

 

[rae519]

Thanks Lisa - and have a great cruise!!!!!

Rae

 

[Towncrier]

There were sign language interpreters present on the inaugural 7-day cruise. I was fascinated by their interpretation of the shows and, like catspjmas, I often times found myself watching them instead of the other performers that were on the stage. I particularly liked how the comedian on our cruise interacted with them. He was mocking them (in a friendly way) in an effort to fluster them, but it was to no avail. They were an unexpected highlight of our first cruise. I was actually disappointed that they weren't on any of our subsequent Disney cruises. I am overjoyed that DCL has made them available for any cruise. Bravo DCL.

 

[rae519]

I found a Sesame Street Sign Language book and Michael and I have really enjoyed our "private" talking! He says that someday he will be able to really talk with hearing impared people and you know, I believe him!!!!

Rae