How Hong Kong Disneyland makes sign language part of the show, a world first for Disney parks, as part of diversity and inclusion push
- Alex Clifton, executive director of entertainment and costuming at Hong Kong Disneyland, talks about his mission to make the park accessible to all
- From sign language integrated in performances, starting with its Halloween show, to empowering disabled artists, he explains how it will live up to its promise
Hong Kong Disneyland is embarking on new initiatives to make the theme park more accessible to people with disabilities.
It is the first Disney park in the world to provide sign language integrated into the body movements of performers at its shows, a practise it calls “theatrical interpretation” – starting with Halloween.
The initiative is part of the park’s drive to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
“There’s a responsibility to live up to the promise that Walt Disney himself made when he invited all guests to come to our park and be welcomed,” says Alex Clifton, executive director of entertainment and costuming at Hong Kong Disneyland. “We need to create uniquely welcoming environments and spaces for our guests.”
Clifton was inspired to create inclusive venues after working with a friend who used a wheelchair and had cognitive disabilities. The pair worked together on the design of Storyhouse, a cultural centre that Clifton co-founded in Chester, in the United Kingdom, to ensure that it was accessible to people with disabilities.