[real-eyes] Fw: Outdoor Audio description device
- From: "jose" <crunch1@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "real eyes list" <real-eyes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:28:32 -0500
thought the list would want to read this.
Jose Lopez, President
Lopez Language Services, LLC
"We Speak Your Language"
Call us anytime at 888.824.3022
----- Original Message -----
From: Edward Reyes
To: cpyper@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 7:47 PM
Subject: Outdoor Audio description device
Outdoor Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities (The "World"
According to Jack)
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/06/outdoor_audio_description_tech.html
If you have some vision, and reading this on a computer, click on the link as
there are graphics and pictures showing what the device looks like and such.
Here's the text of this article:
Outdoor Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities
Beginning on June 27, guests with visual disabilities will be able to explore
Walt Disney World theme parks in a whole new way. Using a Disney-designed
Assistive Technology Device guests will now be able to explore the parks
accompanied with an audio description of all the sights.
This easy-to-use device is obtained at any theme park guest relations window.
It is offered at no cost with a refundable deposit. It comes with a headset and
strap so you can hang it around your neck. Disney conducted a number of focus
groups with organizations for the blind to help them create an easy to
understand machine that can be mastered in a few minutes.
I spent an hour today with an Assistive Technology Device (ATD) at Disney's
Hollywood Studios. As I walked from area to area, the ATD would come alive and
vibrate as I passed hidden sensors. Then it would provide me with a fairly
accurate description of my location. For example, it would announce, "You are
on Pixar Place near the restrooms" or "You are in Animation Courtyard between
Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney." If at any time I needed a
reminder of where I was at, I could push a button and the ATD would repeat the
last announced location.
Another button provided me with a general description of my surroundings. When
the recording finished, I was given the option to hear more information in six
categories. These were (1) a more detailed description of the area, (2) nearby
attractions (3) nearby restrooms, (4) nearby restaurants, (5) entertainment,
and (6) shopping. From these, I could drill down for even more detailed
information.
Another automatic feature of the ATD is Attraction Descriptions. When I boarded
Toy Story Mania, the ATD started automatically and provided me with a detailed
commentary of all the sights along the way. I never had to push any button.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I've included a short audio clip
from the Haunted Mansion. The first voice you hear is that of the Ghost Host.
Following our disembodied spirit is the ATD voice describing a few of the
sights.
(That is a link on the web site-the Editor)
The ATD can also be used by the hearing impaired. Although I did not get to try
this feature, I was told it works in all attractions and the ride or show's
dialog is automatically displayed on the screen.
I spoke with Bob Minnick, Manager - Facility Safety and Accessibility. I asked
him if the ATD could be easily updated as things are constantly changing at
WDW. He told me that Disney partnered with WGBH Boston in the development of
this device. I was assured that all Disney needed to do was provide a new
script to WGBH and an updated recording could be made an uploaded in very
little time. When I asked if these devices would be available at the resorts,
Bob told me that Disney's objective at the moment is to bring Disneyland online
with the ATD. After that, they will assess the demand and need for further
expansion.
Disney has patented and licensed this new technology and is eager to make it
available beyond the theme parks. To that end, it's already being used at the
Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta, The Hall at Patriot Place, and the Dallas Cowboys
Stadium.
Walt wanted Disneyland to be enjoyed by everyone. Through the years, his
company has strived to bring magic to all. Here are a few examples of how the
Imaginers are constantly looking for ways to improve the guest experience.
In making a drinking fountain wheelchair accessible, it also makes them "kid
friendly." And Braille maps can be found in all four theme parks.
All Walt Disney World transportation is wheelchair accessible - all buses have
hydraulic lifts and the docks all "float" so they are always level with the
watercraft. The buses also have closed captioning, announcing destinations and
other pertinent information.
A number of guest rooms are available with height appropriate vanities and easy
access tubs and showers. Text telephones are obtainable for the deaf.
Swimming pools have sloped entrances so that aquatic wheelchairs can easily
roll into the water. This shallow area also provides toddlers with an area to
splash with safety.
At the golf courses, specially designed carts are available to allow just about
anyone the ability to play a round.
At Blizzard Beach, a special gondola can accommodate a wheelchair for a ride to
the top of Mount Gushmore.
Special viewing areas have been set aside on a first come, first served basis
along the parade routes. Even the Grand Marshal vehicles can accommodate a
wheelchair so just about anyone can be included in the festivities.
Disney is always looking for new ways to retrofit older attractions. A special
Jungle Cruise boat was updated with a lift for wheelchairs. And newer
attractions are also getting into the act. Since loading and unloading can take
longer in these cases, Toy Story Mania was designed with an auxiliary loading
area so folks can take all the time they need to get situated.
Many of the live shows offer sign language interpreters. These are presented on
certain days and at certain hours. You need to check with Guest Relations for
exact days and times.
I have to admit, when I attended today's press event, my eyes became a little
misty when I saw all that Disney is doing to bring the magic to everyone. I
take so many things for granted and I was moved that Disney does not. They
strive to include everyone they can.
For more information about touring the parks with special needs, check out the
AllEars.Net section for guests with special needs
as well as Disney's webpage: WALT DISNEY WORLD GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
Tags: Assistive Technology Device ATD disabilities special needs
Posted by Jack Spence on June 23, 2010 5:00 AM
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