Walt Disney World Parks

 Special Devices & Assists

The following is a list of items and services that are available within the parks. Though there's a variety of special needs that these assists address, most of these are for people with hearing disabilities.  Folks with hearing disabilities seem to really get a lot of benefit from the devices. 

Some of these are accessed at the Guest Services area and you take them with you through the park. Others are available at the attractions. They are as follows:

• Handheld Captioning:  This is the newest device created by Disney engineers. It’s about the size of a PDA and combines handheld captioning and closed captioning. The device will also provide descriptive audio for people who are blind or have low vision. This device uses wireless technology and can take appropriate pre-programmed actions based on what attraction you are in. It is available at Guest Relations in the four main parks and is free of charge.  There is a $100 deposit, which will be refunded if you return the unit on the same day.

• Reflective Captioning: This uses an LED display to project captions onto an acrylic panel in front of the Guest.  This is something you can request at the attraction.  Contact a cast member at the attraction if you wish to use this. 

• Video Captioning:  You’ll find this at a few attractions. These are monitors that are designated with a "CC" symbol.  They are activated by a remote control unit, which you get at Guest Relations.  You have to leave a refundable deposit of $25.  You only get your money back if the unit is returned on the same day. This technology has also been rolled into the Handheld Captioning unit, making it unnecessary to get both devices.

• Translation Device: You can rent this at Guest Relations locations, also with a refundable deposit.

• Assistive Listening Device: This is a device that picks up overhead signals to amplify sound. Receivers can be obtained at Guest Relations for a $100 deposit which is refundable if you return the unit the same day.

• Sign Language:  Disney provides sign language interpreters for many of its attractions.  They often offer the service on particular pre-scheduled days.  See more on this in the hearing impairment section in this chapter. 

(This article was taken from the guide book Walt Disney World with Disabilities).  ©Copyright 2007 Ball Media Innovations, Inc.  All rights reserved.  No part of this website and/or book may be copied without permission.  This website, book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.

Plan a safe, fun & comfortable trip to Walt Disney World with this guide book!     About the book:  This Disney World book is indispensable for people with minor to major health issues,  special needs and disabilities, as well for seniors & those with children. Here's what the book reviewer from the popular site MouseExtra.com had to say about Walt Disney World with Disabilities: "...This book is truly a marvel and an absolute must for anyone planning or thinking about planning a trip to WDW with any type of disability.  I would also recommend this book to those guests with small kids who would like to warn their children of potentially disconcerting or frightening aspects of rides. I would recommend this book to anyone going for the first time and who would like specific details on rides and dining options. In fact, I would recommend this book to anyone. period."  Click here for more of the book review    To see if the book is right for you, please view the details of the Walt Disney World with Disabilities guide book here:   What the book covers - Detailed info on what's in the guide book Rides & Attractions - Samples of ride descriptions you'll find in the book Table of Contents - For the guide book Parks - What's covered about each park in the book Special Needs - What's covered in the book on dealing with special needs Reader Reviews - What people say about Walt Disney World with Disabilities View the book Covers Quantity Discounts Buy the book

 

A Travel Writer's review:

 

"Stephen Ashley is a Disney guru! Walt Disney World with Disabilities includes the finest details, from hints for making room reservations to tips about which disability or phobia might be affected by each individual ride or attraction. Clearly, Ashley knows the parks inside and out. This book fills a glaring gap in Disney tourism literature and will help make the parks more enjoyable for every visitor."

 

Hillary Easom, Travel Writer

 

(Ms. Easom is a freelance writer featured in publications including Glamour Magazine, Caesars Player Magazine, Go World Travel, Cruise Magazine, InsideOut Travel, etc.)