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Marvel Hero Shang-chi Makes a Guest’s Day by Signing American Sign Language at Disneyland Resort

During Disneyland’s big launch on July 17, 1955, founding father Walt Disney stated, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome!” Ever since Mr. Disney made his announcement, it has been a guiding standard for Disney amusement parks world-wide. Just as Disney Chairman Josh D’Amaro states, “Walt Disney spoke these words during the dedication of the Disneyland Resort. More than 65 years later, they continue to inspire us – and remind us that the magic we make must include everyone.”

Fairly recently, an actor representing the Marvel character Shang-chi at Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus placed the company’s inclusivity key into practice. The Avengers Campus is an area having a Marvel Cinematic Universe style. The actor established that no matter your background or how diversely abled you may be, you are always acknowledged as an equal at a Disney theme park.

Shang-chi belongs to the increasing variety of Heroic Encounters that visitors coming to the Disneyland Resort can experience directly. Shang-Chi is also among the most current and popular additions to the Marvel super heroes roster. What this means is the character is always present at Disney California Adventure, interacting with attendees.

At some point in September 2022, Shang-Chi was roving around the Avengers Campus when he met a visitor named Lili Jae. Lili is a young model and actor from Los Angeles who has appeared in films and plays roles such as Sister Act at Stage Door Repertory Theater in Anaheim Hills, CA.

Lili is in addition deaf, and the Shang-chi actor pleasantly surprised her by commencing a conversation in American Sign Language (ASL). The touching conversation occurred in front of the Avengers Campus’ Pym Kitchen restaurant.

As it occurred, the touching event was recorded by a park guests nearby. The recording was then distributed to a universal audience via TikTok and also published on YouTube by Good Morning America.

This Connection Displays Disney Magic in Action

The discussion starts with Lili telling Shang-chi in ASL that she likes the arm rings he’s utilizing as a part of his superhero outfit. Shang-chi then signs, “Thank you! It’s nice to meet you.” The Shang-chi actor next mentions learning ASL because of his father’s influence, saying, “Sorry, my dad wants me to learn sign language,” and adds, “It’s been a long time since I practiced.”

So, Lili openly asks the Avenger if he’s discovering a variety of languages and if so, which language is actually his most desired. He then replies, “ASL” and she then signs, “I like. Me too.” The full exchange is subtitled to the benefit of those individuals who do not understand ASL.

It is a cheering moment from a Deaf visitor and a Marvel action superhero and represents a clear case of equal access for an individual who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. As such, the heart felt event is in line with Disney’s growing focus on the inclusion key point of customer service mentioned above.

This event shows that the administrators and employees of the Walt Disney Company are working hard to make sure their theme parks accommodate attendees coming from all backgrounds and abilities. In fact, another Disney policy additionally echos the company’s inclusive approach to serving guests. Visitors at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World currently have year-round access to sign language interpreters and can be present at sign language-interpreted shows.

Disney’s Inclusivity Policy has a Worldwide Effect

Memories like these demonstrate what it’s all about for the Walt Disney Company. It is actually easy to get caught up in the non-stop action and colorful surroundings when visiting Disney theme parks. On the other hand, the real wonder of Disney comes from creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all their visitors, regardless of who they may be or what their circumstance in their life could be.

The special actions by the two actors in the Disneyland Resort help to produce a better world for the Deaf community. This is due to videos of their interactions with Deaf guests ended up being filmed and distributed to a worldwide audience via TikTok, Good Morning America, and CBS This Morning. Such wide media publicity certainly assists to spread public awareness of the Deaf population and also the importance of sign language use. Additionally, it motivates people to learn how to sign, which can lead to greater acceptance and inclusion for the international Deaf/HOH community.

Bride’s Brother-in-law Used American Sign Language at Her Wedding to Raise Inclusivity

Occasionally, the tiniest act of kindness could have the most vital impact on the lives of people. This has been certainly true in the case of Randy Latini, the officiant at his sister-in-law’s August 2022 wedding ceremony in Hamilton, New Jersey. Randy incorporated American Sign Language (ASL) into the wedding ceremony to the benefit of Deaf flower girl Riley Pacala and her parents. This act had a powerful emotional impact that made the celebration especially heart-felt for everybody in attendance.

2-year old Riley was brought into this world deaf. But nevertheless, she is learning to communicate in ASL and makes use of cochlear implants to find unique ways to convey her thoughts and feelings every single day. With her upbeat attitude and dazzling personality, Riley gives delight and enthusiasm to every one around her. So, Christina’s brother Brian Regan and his fiancée Jamie Kehoe was confident that Riley would make an excellent flower girl with regards to approaching wedding ceremony.

Then, as a surprise, the bride’s brother-in-law Randy privately learned ASL to express the couple’s wedding vows by signing at the wedding service. Randy planned to help to make everyone in his brand new expanded family feel at home during the wedding event, including Riley.

Randy’s considerate act showed his huge love and respect for Riley. It also set a good example of including Deaf people in social events which his family won’t ever forget.

Randy Secretly Learned ASL to Help Make the Wedding more Inclusive

Randy, who is married to Jamie Kehoe’s sister, learned ASL right after contacting an educator of the Deaf at the school where he works. Then he spent the next two months understanding the language. “I sent her what I wanted to say and she sent me a video showing how to sign those phrases,” he said. “After that, I just had to practice.”

Even if Riley is too young to completely comprehend Randy’s considerate notion, it meant the world to her parents. “It was Randy’s way of saying, ‘Riley is a member of our family and she uses sign language to communicate, so we will too,’” explained Christina in a Today show interview. “He was sending a message about inclusivity.” Among the phrases that Randy signed during the wedding was “Families that learn together grow together.”

Deaf Addition at Events such as Weddings is Very Important

Including people with handicaps like the Deaf and Hard of Hearing means giving them physical, social, and economic accessibility to the similar options as those relished by people with no handicap. This is certainly accomplished by using customized accommodations.

Take into Consideration the Varied Needs of Deaf/HOH Community Members

Individuals of the Deaf/HOH population are not all alike. As an example, many use sign language as their main communication method, whereas other people may employ assistive equipment like visual alert systems, cochlear implants, hearing aids, FM systems, or accessible telephones. Thus, it is important to avoid making assumptions about attendees’ needs and also to ask in advance to enable adequate time to accomplish their needs.

When possible, wedding planners should include individuals from the Deaf/HOH community in the event-planning procedure. Each and every Deaf/HOH individual’s experience is different and has its very own set of accommodations.

Ways to Make an Event More Deaf/HOH Inclusive

Here are a few pointers to make a gathering like a wedding a lot more inclusive for both hearing and Deaf/HOH guests .

Microphones

Make microphones accessible for the main participants, like the wedding couple. Everyone who attends desires to hear what is being said during the toast or speech, and just some who speak are great at projecting their voice.

Sign Language Interpreters

In order to accommodate Deaf/HOH people at the celebration, have a sign language interpreter for spoken segments like wedding vows, speeches, and announcements by DJs or singers.

Captions

If you intend to play a video clip during the affair, add captions so the Deaf/HOH attendees can enjoy the show, too.

Communicate in advance

Determine before the affair if any Hard-of-hearing or Deaf guests needing special accommodations will be going. In that case, offer them together with their invitees reserved seats in the front row of the venue to make sure they will not miss anything.

All these steps can really help make sure that your affairs will be inclusive of all invitees and offer the most delightful experience for everyone.

Top Reasons To Learn American Sign Language – Coldplay is Employing Interpreters To Help In Making Their Concerts More Accessible to All

In May 2022, the seven-time Grammy Award-winning British rockband Coldplay publicised that they would certainly be making all their concerts accessible to Deaf and Hard-of-hearing (D/HOH) fans. To accomplish this, they planned to employ sign language interpreters at each and every show, together with SUBPACS given out at no cost to D/HOH participants. SUBPACs are wearable vests which include an audio system and speakers. The units allow individuals to feel the bass when music are played by transferring vibrations to their body.

The members of Coldplay care greatly with regards to their fans and will go all-out to ensure that their live shows are pleasurable for everyone. Chris Martin, lead vocalist, pianist, rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of the band, said on Instagram that they hope the interpreters and SUBPACs will heighten the concert experience for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing population.

In addition to a video of concertgoers experiencing and enjoying the band’s music while wearing SUBPACs, Martin wrote, “We want our live shows to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. For our Deaf and Hard-of-hearing guests, we’re proud to provide SUBPACs, in addition to two sign language interpreters at every show.”

He added that if D/HOH fans wanted to attend a concert featuring the interpreters and SUBPACs, they could email access@coldplay.com. The fans could also provide recommendations for making the band’s live shows more accessible and fun.

Sign language Interpreters Provide a New Dimension to Coldplay’s Music

A sign language interpreter is a person who can effectively, precisely, and impartially translate verbal language directly into sign language after achieving knowledge and skills through sign language classes.

In the case of concert events like Coldplay’s, sign language interpreters proficiently bring the music to life for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing crowd. The interpreters make use of their whole body to express the emotion and feel of the music. Seeing a concert event where an interpreter is present also gives D/HOH people accessibility to the lyrics. This means that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing can better take pleasure in the music visually and comprehend its significance. As one concertgoer once said, “We can see it. Plus we’re provided the words through the interpreter. So overall, it’s just a different way of viewing and experiencing the music. But we still can enjoy it.”

The live performance video includes footage of a remarkably enthusiastic sign language interpreter signing along to the band’s hit song “Fix You” at a concert in Scotland. The interpreter additionally grooves around excitedly to the song’s guitar solo. This action presented to the D/HOH crowd an additional flavor on the solo’s high-powered quality along with the song’s overall level of intensity.

The Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Community Appreciates Coldplay’s Efforts

Longstanding Coldplay fan Mike Rivera, who’s hard-of-hearing, applauds the band’s efforts in order to make their live shows more inclusive and accessible. “All of the accessibility for the community is very exciting,” he states. “Coldplay means a lot to us.”

Rivera’s daughter Kayley concurred, stating, “It’s crazy to be able to enjoy something like this with my dad on the same level my friends can with their dads. And the fact that Coldplay’s spearheading this is just a huge step in the right direction, and that makes me really excited for the future.”

Utilizing Sign Language Interpreters at Concert Events is Very Important

Many video clips displaying the remarkable capabilities of sign language interpreters performing at live shows have recently gone viral. All of the interpreters’ expertise for visualizing sound is giving members of the D/HOH community the ability to appreciate live music of all kinds. Not only are sign language interpreters delivering an essential assistance, they are also delivering a message and achieving recognition with regards to their performances at rap, pop, heavy metal, and classical music live shows.

Numerous interpreters gets ready for a show by studying the artist or group whose songs they will interpret to know their history better. In this manner their interpretations can target the full sensation and meaning behind the words of the song.

Sign Language Interpreters are Transforming the Lives of Concertgoers

About the impressive impact of sign language interpreters at concert events, American Sign Language interpreter Amber Galloway Gallego says, “My favorite experience is when Deaf people have told me that this was their first time ever truly experiencing music and [they] now have a better understanding of what each instrument sounds like. When I see Deaf and Hard-of hearing-patrons signing the instruments with me, it gives me chills every time.”

The Simpsons Makes History with Deaf Voice Actors and the Use of ASL

Season 33, episode 17 of the long-running popular animated sitcom The Simpsons titled “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” is outstanding for its use of American Sign Language (ASL) (even though the characters only have four fingers), and for its casting of Deaf actor John Autry II to be the voice of the Deaf character Monk. With this role, Autry has become the very first Deaf performer to voice a character on the show.

The creators additionally deserve credit for aiming to have characters with just four fingers communicate in American Sign Language. This process must have been challenging to animate, which could account for the fact that signing is only featured at the end of the episode. It’s a fairly brief sequence, but it’s also fun to see the characters perform the virtually impossible task of signing while lacking a fifth finger. To ensure the accuracy of the ASL used in the episode, the producers employed two ASL consultants, despite the limitation of The Simpsons characters having just four fingers on each hand.

“The Sound of Bleeding Gums” installment of The Simpsons shows that its creators care about dealing with real-life issues on the show, especially regarding people of different communities like the Deaf. For instance, to voice the Deaf character Monk they selected Deaf actor John Autry II, who gave a stellar performance. One more thing is the script that was carefully composed by Loni Steele Sosthand, whose sibling was born Deaf. Additionally, details related to Deaf culture were carefully presented. And at another point in the episode Monk says to Lisa,I’m not anybody’s cause,” reflecting how Deaf people actually feel. They don’t really want sympathy or assistance in doing things simply because they can’t hear. They feel they can do anything a hearing person can.

With CODA winning Best Picture and other awards at the 2022 Oscars, and the airing of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” on The Simpsons, the Deaf community undoubtedly has a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry, especially in the field of animation. The Deaf actor John Autry II provides a great source of inspiration for other aspiring Deaf and hard of hearing actors. His ability to land a starring role star on The Simpsons despite his being Deaf is uplifting and encouraging to both the Deaf and hearing populations alike.

Check out the video below to know more about this story.

Juliette Gordon Low: Founder of the Girl Scouts and A Deaf Champion Who Would Not Hear “No”

Each year on October 31st, Girl Scouts all over the United States celebrate Founder’s Day. The date was decided on to commemorate the birthday of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. Ms. Low, who blazed a trail for many girls to follow and lived a life of boldness, self-assurance, and integrity, would not take “No” for an answer when dealing with negativity in her never-ending pursuit to make Girl Scouts of the USA a success.

Juliette Gordon Low, also referred to as “Daisy,” founded Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, during a period when women in the US didn’t yet have the right to vote. Juliette expanded her first troop of 18 girls into a global organization with nearly 3 million members in 92 countries and over 59 million alumnae. She pictured the Scouts from the start as a movement wherein girls could band together, collaborate, share their unique strengths, and also realize their dreams. Eventually, as many Girl Scouts have done since, she realized her noble vision and left a lasting mark on the entire world.

Total Loss Of Hearing Developed Slowly

Juliette was born with the ability to hear but began to lose her hearing at age seventeen. She suffered severe loss of hearing by the time she reached her mid-twenties and had frequent ailments including brain fever, earaches, and malaria. When she was 24 years old she contracted a serious infection in her right ear. Antibiotics were not known during those times but Juliette persuaded her doctor to try using the new treatment silver nitrate. The doctor then used silver nitrate to deal with the infection and ended up causing more harm, thus Juliette lost some of her hearing in that ear.

Later, she became permanently deaf in the left ear after a grain of rice got lodged in her ear during her wedding on December 21, 1886.

Check out the video below to find out more about Juliette Gordon Low as well as her legacy.

The Dance Routine of BAFTA Winners Makes a Strong Statement on Behalf of Sign Language

Deaf TV star Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice won a BAFTA for their appearance on the UK television show Strictly Come Dancing. During their ballroom dance to the band Clean Bandit’s song “Symphony,” the music was switched off for a few seconds as the pair danced in silence.

Rose, an actor from the popular British soap opera EastEnders, became Strictly Come Dancing ‘s first Deaf contestant. She powerfully brought society’s notions about the Deaf community into the limelight through her stellar performance on the show.

BAFTA Presenter Impresses Viewers

Rochelle Humes, an English singer and also tv presenter, presented Rose with her BAFTA in the most touching way possible by announcing the winner in sign language. Rochelle’s notable action coincided with the passage of a new UK law that designated British Sign Language (BSL) as an official language in England and Wales.

Rose Ayling-Ellis Uses Strictly Come Dancing to Raise Awareness About Deaf Issues.

Ms. Ayling-Ellis emphasizes that simply having Deaf people in front of the camera is insufficient. A lot more people must work behind the camera as writers, producers, and directors.

“We still need to keep going, and keep the pace. We need people behind the scenes because that’s what makes it authentic and real to what Deaf people’s experiences are like.” – Rose Ayling-Ellis

See the video below to know more about Rose Ayling-Ellis — precisely how she provides a role model for Deaf individuals, as well as how she helped bring Deaf inclusion to the forefront of public interest through a number of other innovative efforts.

Key Points to Remember about International Day of Sign Languages

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) provides an opportunity for people to preserve and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf people and other sign language users around the world. Countries emphasized the global oneness engendered by the use of sign language during the 2022 observance, which featured the theme “Sign Language Unites Us.” Through the event, Deaf organizations, governmental bodies, as well as civil institutions continued to promote and recognize national sign languages as critical to preserving their respective countries’ distinct linguistic environments.

The following sentences demonstrate the significance of International Day of Sign Languages for deaf people and society as a whole.

– Sign language is the only means of communication for the Deaf and those who are unable to speak. Having a special day that honors their distinct verbal medium is thus encouraging and uplifting to these groups.

– The IDSL emphasizes the importance of access to learning sign language at a young age for the development and education of Deaf and hard of hearing people.

– The International Day of Sign Language emphasizes the importance of preserving sign language as a means of communication for the Deaf.

-This Day serves as a platform for sign language’s future growth and development.
IDSL draws attention to the internationally agreed-upon sign language expansion goals and achievements.

-The IDSL reinforces the unifying aspects of signing as a universally-understood form of communication across countries and cultures.

The IDSL raises awareness about the importance of preserving deaf people’s human rights, and giving them their rightful place in today’s social order by supporting the continued expansion and conservation of sign language.

OSU Led the Way to Learn American Sign Language With its ASL Bachelor’s Degree

If your desire was to learn American Sign Language (ASL) in the 1800’s fewer educational organizations could offer more value than Oklahoma State University.

In the fall of 2021, OSU made its American Sign Language (ASL) major into a bachelor’s degree program, a crucial development for students who want to study signing and possibly teach ASL in the US or around the world. The move was also a great leap forward for the D/HoH community, which has long been under-resourced by both the public and private sectors. Previously, ASL was only offered as a minor at OSU. Dr. Woodall-Greene, who was then an adjunct professor close to receiving her doctorate, applied for the position. Dr. Woodall-Greene was selected as the program’s tenure track professor.

OSU’s ASL Bachelor’s Degree Program is Hands-on

Once students are admitted into the program, required classes such as American Sign Language I, II, and III develop students’ receptive and expressive skills in real situations and introduce various aspects of Deaf Culture, including finger spelling, numbers, classifiers, and facial expressions. The different accents within sign language, as well as idiomatic features are also taught. Subsequent courses in the program include Interpreting Concepts in American Sign Language, Linguistics of American Sign Language, and American Sign Language Poetry, which broaden students’ knowledge of ASL grammar, idioms, linguistics, and other topics.

American Sign Language Majors Can Use Their Skills in a Wide Variety of Fields

After gaining a broad background in ASL through these courses, students who major in ASL at Oklahoma State University can follow countless academic and career paths. They can double major and work at obtaining a job in a different field such as electronic media, or possibly become interpreters in the business world, the military, the government, or other areas.

Qualified Deaf ASL Instructors Enhance OSU’s Inclusivity

Part of the inclusivity at OSU results from the rising number of people learning ASL on campus, and also Deaf and Hard of Hearing students having the chance to be taught by competent and experienced Deaf professors.

A Bachelor’s in Interpretation May be the Next Step for ASL at OSU

Dr. Woodall-Greene is hoping that OSU can start a bachelor’s degree for ASL interpreters to complement its current ASL bachelor’s program. With ASL now being classified as a foreign language and offered as a bachelor’s degree at OSU, many students who need a foreign language credit and want to learn to sign will be drawn to the ASL interpreting program. Dr. Woodall-Greene says a bachelor’s degree in ASL interpreting would benefit any type of profession, as so few certified ASL interpreters are currently available, and she adds, “If you have those [ASL] skills, the Deaf community is going to go to you because you can communicate with them in their first language. And they don’t have to try to figure it out via their second language.”

Troy Kotsur Appears on Sesame Street Teaching American Sign Language

Troy Kotsur, an Academy Award-winning Deaf actor, recently appeared in an episode of the classic PBS children’s show “Sesame Street” teaching American Sign Language. He was the 2nd Deaf person in history to win an Oscar, the 1st being his CODA co-star Marlee Matlin. He made an appearance on the show to explain to 2 of the Muppets and the show’s global viewers the show’s regular “Word of the Day” in ASL. He said to Sesame Street characters Rosita and the Count that he is Deaf and that he interacts with other people through ASL.

American Sign Language or ASL is widely known form of sign language is used by Deaf individuals all over North America and other parts of the world, including Canada. Signing is the use of sign language to communicate. To convey messages, ASL utilizes both manual or hand-based gestures as well as movements with other body parts.

What is the The Importance of Troy Kotsur’s Appearance on the Show & Teaching ASL for the Deaf Community?

Troy Kotsur’s guest appearance on Sesame Street is significant for combining 3 different languages – American Sign Language, English, and Spanish – and repeating a couple of words. This feature of the signing segment improves viewers’ capability to sign these terms and demonstrates the diversity of sign language use.

Seeing a Deaf actor doing American Sign Language on Sesame Street, which has a worldwide viewership, can help to fill the void in Deaf representation in the media.

Small Steps toward Improved Awareness and Inclusivity

Such little changes in the global media are powerful mainly because they get individuals talking. Hearing people become more aware of the Deaf, are more exposed to Deaf communities, and also start to know a few of the accessibility issues that Deaf people encounter daily.

Watch the video here:

The post “Troy Kotsur Appears on Sesame Street Teaching American Sign Language” first appeared on Start ASL.

A Young Girl Decided to Learn Sign Language in Order to Deliver a Tender Message to Her Deaf Delivery Man

Around 2 percent of individuals in the US are deaf or nearly deaf, and many others report that they’re struggling with hearing even though they’re not really deaf. Because of these information, plenty of people in both developed and developing countries utilize sign language in order to communicate with their family and also to conduct business.

In England, an eight-year-old girl named Tallulah McLellan, demonstrated a level of empathy and kindness far ahead of her years when she learned how to use sign language as a way to interact with her deaf neighborhood delivery driver Tim Joseph. Tim goes to their house once or twice a week to bring parcels. A heartwarming video of the two friends communicating in sign language quickly became popular on social media sites, as many people were touched by Tallulah’s loving gesture as well as her sweet, innocent friendship with Tim. Tallulah amazed Tim by using sign language to say “Have a good day!” to him. Tim was deeply touched by the girl’s efforts to learn sign language and her endearing message. He was quoted saying the morning surprise “made [his] day” and that he was “stunned” when Tallulah signed a message to him. Tim then took the opportunity to teach Tallulah more common phrases, like “Good morning, have a good day,” which she signed back to him on his subsequent delivery to her house.

Their video has since been shared many, many times on the internet via social media and even inspired many people who saw it to begin learning sign language, thus making Tim really glad.

We must all take young Tallulah McLellan as a role model and strive to connect with the deaf people in our everyday lives by using sign language.

Here are a few reasons why sign language is so helpful and versatile:

It Is Utilized Around the World
It Becomes Extremely Beneficial in Everyday Life
Sign Language is Beautiful!
Available Resources for Learning Sign Language

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