Enhanced handheld device now available at Walt Disney World Resort

Exceptional Parent, The, July, 2007

Whether exploring the world's most famous rivers on the Jungle Cruise or chasing down poachers while aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, a next generation handheld assistive device at Walt Disney World Resort is further enhancing the experience for guests with disabilities.

Designed by Disney engineers, the new device combines multiple functions into one small, easy-to-use platform. Services currently enabled include handheld captioning and closed captioning. By September, the devices also will provide amplified audio for assistive listening, and future plans call for the devices to provide descriptive audio for people who are blind or with low vision. The handheld assistive device, which is about the size of a PDA, utilizes wireless technology to enable the device to know its location and take appropriate pre-programmed actions. Disney has patented and licensed the technology, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. The device is available free of charge at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. For further information about services for guests with disabilities, guests should visit the Walt Disney World Web site at www.disneyworld.com or contact Walt Disney World Information at 407-824-4321 (voice) or 407-827-5141 (TTY).