Disney Princess Conversing in American Sign Language Delivers Joy to Deaf Child

 

A lot of individuals may feel isolated considering the fact that it’s typically difficult to communicate effectively in American Sign Language with peers, family members and especially strangers. With regard to 11-year-old Zoe Tapley, this experience was suddenly overcome at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Zoe is Hard of hearing, and her dad and mom, Jesse and Jeanette, routinely have to interpret conversations on her behalf when she's out in the general public. Within places such as amusement parks, they wander around experiencing and enjoying the park with Zoe. Subsequently, they help build awareness to her surroundings. They need to stop occasionally at check-in spots where the family discuss what is taking place around them using American Sign Language (ASL).

However, things changed around the family’s 2022 trip to Disneyland. When Zoe and her parents were meeting various Disney characters, Zoe reached out to the actor dressed as Princess Anna coming from the movie Frozen. Zoe signed “Hello” in ASL, and the actor roleplaying Anna instantly realized that Zoe was Deaf. The lady then looked at Zoe’s parents and requested, “Can I sign?” The moment Zoe’s father Jesse said “Yes,” Anna communicated with Zoe in American Sign Language.

Zoe and Anna then signed together regarding topics including Zoe’s favorite Disneyland rides to how Zoe had been adopted from the Congo. It absolutely was a great encounter for Zoe’s parents to witness their daughter fully having fun at Disneyland by interacting independently through American Sign Language. 

As indicated by her mother Jeanette, it absolutely was the very first time she was able to connect with a Disney personality through American Sign Language. Jeanette said it was fascinating to see her daughter use ASL with a character at the amusement park. Zoe’s father, Jesse, added in, “It was one of those things where she got to feel the magic rather than being filtered through mom and dad.”

Why This American Sign Language Story Makes a Difference 

Influence on many other Deaf/Hard of Hearing Households as well as on Society at Large

Individuals who viewed the online video footage of Zoe Tapley signing with Princess Anna at Disneyland had a powerful and inspirational message. Such stories really make a difference to the Deaf and Hard of hearing community simply because they’re empowering. They convey the notion that Deaf/HoH people have a place in the broader society and are appreciated and included. 

More People Will be Inspired to Learn American Sign Language

As more videos of Disney characters interacting with Deaf/HoH visitors are distributed to a global audience online, Deaf recognition and knowledge of sign language increases. The process can even encourage people to learn sign language physically or through online learning resources like Start ASL. This, in turn, can lead to increased acceptance and inclusion for the worldwide Deaf/HOH community.

Possibility for Other Companies to Follow Suit

The Disney initiative has the potential to inspire other companies to follow suit and recognise the significance of conversing in sign language with Deaf and Hard of hearing people. Accomplishing this can open up a whole new world of opportunities for every type of companies in today’s increasingly diverse and interdependent global society.