Disney fans who are hard-of-hearing or otherwise can enjoy an upcoming Disney+ special that reimagines popular Disney songs through American Sign Language.
Honor National Deaf History Month with Disney’s ‘Songs in Sign Language’
The animation special reimagines musical moments from several recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films using American Sign Language (ASL), presenting the songs through newly animated sequences that integrate sign language into the original films’ visual storytelling.
The special will feature three popular songs from recent Disney films: “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, and “Beyond” from Moana 2.
Rather than simply overlaying interpreters – a typical solution for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers in televised media – the animation for the special was created wholly anew to incorporate ASL performance directly into the visuals.
The project was directed by veteran Disney animator Hyrum Osmond, who worked with a team of more than 20 animators alongside performers and consultants from the Los Angeles–based Deaf West Theatre to choreograph and translate the lyrics into expressive sign language.
In explaining the motivation behind the project, Osmond shared the personal significance this effort holds for him:
“One (reason for the project), sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation … The other big reason for doing this project is to connect with the Deaf community. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad. This reimagining of Disney Animation musical numbers helps bring down barriers and allows us to connect in a special way with our audiences in the Deaf community. I’m grateful that the Studio got behind making something so impactful.”
Disney’s Growing Emphasis on Accessibility
This new animated special builds on Disney’s broader accessibility efforts for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Across Disney Parks, certain shows and attractions are regularly offered with scheduled ASL interpretation, allowing guests to experience live entertainment through sign language. Disney has also collaborated with deaf artists and organizations on ASL performances of Disney music and educational content, demonstrating a continued push to make its stories accessible in multiple languages and formats.
In recent years, the company has uploaded “ASL versions” of many hit Disney songs to YouTube, starting with “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, which you can enjoy below:
These efforts reflect Disney’s growing emphasis on accessibility and inclusive storytelling, using both technology and live interpretation to ensure more audiences can engage with the company’s films, music, and theme park experiences.
Are you or a family member part of the Deaf community? What are your thoughts on Disney’s accessibility efforts – are there areas where you find there’s still room for improvement? Share your experiences with us on social media.
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