[Tom Morrow]

Sign language program at Walt Disney World

Sign language is part of Disney's world Orlando Sentinel Next week Walt Disney World will receive the National Association of the Deaf's "Access Award," for the sign language interpretation and other programs. Throughout Walt Disney World, stage shows, parades and a few of the other attractions offer American Sign Language Interpretation services, at least once a week, for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors. Everything at Disney has a name, and the company has never been shy about inventing its own words, which is why it has invented hundreds of Disney-specific word signs. "To create that consistency from interpreted show to interpreted show, and also from interpreter to interpreter, there is that need to create signs that are unique to a character or unique to a location," said Jones, operations manager for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' services for guests with disabilities. Like any unfamiliar word that's spoken and heard for the first time, a new signed word might be gibberish the first time someone encounters it. But by the second or third use, people usually figure out its meaning, Jones said. The new signs — developed with the help of consultants, notably ASL Services in Kissimmee — are always used in context and are often spelled out, too, the first time they're used. And Disney has tried to make most of them obvious-looking. Spelling out M — i — c — k — e — y — M — o — u — s — e with finger-spelling gestures gets tedious in a hurry. Mark Jones curls his fingers on both hands, thumbs on the bottom, to form opposing "C" figures, places them on top of his head, and then smiles. Chances are, most people — hearing or deaf — would get the improvised mouse ears as the sign for Mickey Mouse — even though Disney officials made it up themselves. Donald Duck? Jones gave the sign for the letter D, then formed a beak with one hand, straight fingers on top, thumb on the bottom. He put the back of his hand to his lips, and then flapped his thumb. "Those signs wouldn't necessarily be known outside of Disney," he said. "But . . . it's nice to see folks sort of pick these up when they go back home, so they start actually using the sign that we use when they get home." by Scott Powers complete article

Submitted by Evouile. Edited by Ezra