Accessibility at Disney on Ice
Published Date: 25 May 2023
I simply cannot praise the accessibility team enough at OVO Hydro and the performance interpreter for the experience they gave to Olivia at Disney on Ice.
From the moment I contacted the team to explain Olivia’s needs, they couldn’t have been more understanding and helpful. Robin, a member of the accessibility team, organised our seating and an interpreter for Olivia, and she asked me to explain what I wanted the experience to be like for Olivia. She is a true credit to her team.
Robin met us at the entrance and guided us to our seats, making sure the interpreter was in the best position and that our seats allowed Olivia a full view of the ice rink. She continuously checked that we had everything we needed.
Chris the interpreter was so friendly. He greeted us on arrival and made sure the lighting was perfect. He was so enthusiastic during the performance – he was just magical to watch. I have now learned a whole load of new Disney signs I can practice with Olivia. Her eyes were glued to him the entire time.
As a parent of a deaf child, often booking experiences like these can be very daunting. They come with lots of worries. Is my child going to have full access to the show? Are we going to be in the best seating so she can see everything she needs to? Is she going to be fully included? And most importantly, is she going to be able to enjoy this experience? Thanks to the accessibility team at the Hydro, I can happily answer yes to all of these, and we’re so grateful.
But I’m fully aware that this isn’t always the case. Often the deaf community are overlooked during performances like these, making it difficult for them to be fully included. That’s why it’s so important to contact the accessibility team no matter how big or small the experience. Tell them the requirements, explain the importance, outline your child’s needs and ask for these things to be made available.
I’m so happy I had the courage to do so, because it made our little girl so happy. Watching your baby dancing and clapping away in her element is utterly priceless.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for letting a little girl have her own unique and magical Disney experience.
