[Travelandtourism] Outdoor Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities

Wed Jun 23 12:45:46 UTC 2010

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/06/outdoor_audio_description_tech.html

If you have some vision- 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.

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 Imagineers 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 DeviceATDdisabilitiesspecial needs
Posted by Jack Spence on June 23, 2010 5:00 AM
Cheryl Echevarria
Independent Travel Consultant
C10-10646

http://Echevarriatravel.com
1-866-580-5574

http://blog.echevarriatravel.com
Reservations at echevarriatravel.com
Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Montrose Travel CST-1018299-10 