Require Disneyland & Disneyworld to teach cast members 6 American Sign Language words
Require Disneyland & Disneyworld to teach cast members 6 American Sign Language words
The Issue
As a person whole LOVES Disneyland that goes yearly, this last visit was one I will never forget. I am not deaf but I know American Sign Language and firsthand felt the isolation when only 3 characters could communicate with me at Disneyland. It was an overwhelming realization that any deaf children visiting would face similar communication barriers. Disneyland & Disneyworld, these places branded as "the happiest place on earth," should ensure every child has a fulfilling experience, and that includes fostering communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a bridge to inclusion and community for many who are deaf. It's not just a language; it's a means of connecting, expressing, and understanding. It is inexplicable how Disneyland & Disneyworld cannot incorporate teaching as few as six ASL signs to their cast members and characters, providing a more inclusive experience for deaf children. Such a small effort could make a world of difference.
Imagine the joy and sense of belonging for a deaf child meeting their favorite characters who can express simple phrases like "Beautiful," "Thank you," "Handsome," and "Friend."
Approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. This includes 34 million children. In the United States alone, ASL is one of the most commonly used languages apart from English and Spanish. Learning a few basic signs is a feasible, modest request that could fundamentally transform the experience for children who rely on ASL.
The solution is straightforward and incredibly impactful: require all Disneyland & Disneyworld cast members and characters to learn at least six basic signs in ASL. These signs can cover fundamental greetings and expressions that could span a meaningful interaction for guests who communicate via sign language.
With Disneyland & Disneyworld as a melting pot of diversity and a beacon of happiness, including fundamental ASL in cast training aligns with its values of inclusivity and joy for all. When every child can speak to Mickey Mouse in some way, that’s when Disneyland can truly call itself the happiest place on earth.
Sign this petition to urge Disneyland & Disneyworld to make this essential and heartfelt change a reality.
42
The Issue
As a person whole LOVES Disneyland that goes yearly, this last visit was one I will never forget. I am not deaf but I know American Sign Language and firsthand felt the isolation when only 3 characters could communicate with me at Disneyland. It was an overwhelming realization that any deaf children visiting would face similar communication barriers. Disneyland & Disneyworld, these places branded as "the happiest place on earth," should ensure every child has a fulfilling experience, and that includes fostering communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a bridge to inclusion and community for many who are deaf. It's not just a language; it's a means of connecting, expressing, and understanding. It is inexplicable how Disneyland & Disneyworld cannot incorporate teaching as few as six ASL signs to their cast members and characters, providing a more inclusive experience for deaf children. Such a small effort could make a world of difference.
Imagine the joy and sense of belonging for a deaf child meeting their favorite characters who can express simple phrases like "Beautiful," "Thank you," "Handsome," and "Friend."
Approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. This includes 34 million children. In the United States alone, ASL is one of the most commonly used languages apart from English and Spanish. Learning a few basic signs is a feasible, modest request that could fundamentally transform the experience for children who rely on ASL.
The solution is straightforward and incredibly impactful: require all Disneyland & Disneyworld cast members and characters to learn at least six basic signs in ASL. These signs can cover fundamental greetings and expressions that could span a meaningful interaction for guests who communicate via sign language.
With Disneyland & Disneyworld as a melting pot of diversity and a beacon of happiness, including fundamental ASL in cast training aligns with its values of inclusivity and joy for all. When every child can speak to Mickey Mouse in some way, that’s when Disneyland can truly call itself the happiest place on earth.
Sign this petition to urge Disneyland & Disneyworld to make this essential and heartfelt change a reality.
42
Supporter Voices
Petition created on May 8, 2025