Here is a "quiz" on "Disneyland-related" signing:
http://asl.gs/testing/disney/
Next I'll be slicing up the video and building the pages and linking them
here.
My name is Kelly MJ Andrews, and I work for Aulani, a Disney Resort
and Spa in Ko O'lina, Oahu, Hawaii. I am part of Disney Photopass
Imaging (DPI), and I make memories through the lens of the camera
along with my team of about twenty other photographers.
My team and I are very dedicated to our job; we really do LOVE our
work. However, we're finding that we having trouble communicating
with some of our guests.
A few weeks ago, one of our photographers had trouble communicating
with a couple because they were Deaf. It seemed as though we
couldn't find anyone in the area to help us. Though this person
would make a brilliant mime and was able to eventually help the
couple, it came to our attention that maybe we should try to learn
ASL. I've been researching for about a week now, and your website
seems to be the thing that has helped me most.
So here's my query:
I don't know ASL, but I want to learn along with the rest of my
department. We've agreed that we all want to learn together, and we
need to master basic phrases first that will help us on the job,
such as, "Hello," "Goodbye," "How can I help you?" "Where are your
parents?" "Would you like a photo?" "The restrooms are..." etc etc
etc. Anything that could help us at a Disney level resort.
My problem is, I don't know ASL. :) What do you recommend to start
with? Where should I/we begin? I'm going to put together some
worksheets, so we can practice on our own, but not knowing what to
put is difficult. Do you have any advice?
Thank you for all your help, in advance,
Kelly MJ Andrews
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa - Disney Photopass Imaging
Kelly writes:
"We work for Disney, so, how would you sign, 'Have a magical day?'"
Dear Kelly,
There "is" a sign for magic. However, the
MAGIC sign doesn't have the same range of meaning as the English
word "magic." When you say "magical" in the context of a "Disney
Resort" it paints a picture of "a special, wonderful, and fun
experience."
"Have a magical day!" is an encouragement have a day full of
experiences that seem "magic-like."
And while it is certainly possible that you could sign something to
the effect of MAGIC-SAME, it could be problematic since many Deaf
are unfamiliar with and/or do not recognize the sign MAGIC.
Many Deaf simply "spell" out the word m-a-g-i-c.
For a quick, safe, and solid way to extend "well wishes" I would
recommend you use the signs: "ENJOY WONDERFUL DAY" or maybe even,
"ENJOYFUN
WONDERFULDAY!"
Cordially,
Dr. Bill
