Disney Musicals in Schools Expands to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids for the First Time

Students from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) made Disney Musicals in Schools history, performing Finding Nemo KIDS with an entirely Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing cast for the first time in the program’s 17-year history. WPSD is a nonprofit, tuition-free school that provides academic, athletic and extracurricular programs for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children from birth through 12th grade. Their production demonstrated how the performing arts can create meaningful opportunities for self-expression, confidence building and inclusion, while showcasing the remarkable talent of students onstage.

What is Disney Musicals in Schools?

Disney Musicals in Schools is an initiative of Disney Theatrical Group that helps create sustainable musical theater programs in elementary schools. By working with local performing arts organizations across the United States and United Kingdom, and through the virtual Stage Connect program, Disney Musicals in Schools gives students access to theater education, performance opportunities and valuable life skills. WPSD’s production of Finding Nemo KIDS reflects Disney’s commitment to ensuring young people can experience the transformative power of art, storytelling and creativity.

Watch: Disney Musicals in Schools at WPSD

Disney Animations’ Songs in Sign Language on Disney+

Disney is also making content more inclusive beyond the stage. In celebration of National Deaf History Month in April, Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language premiered on Disney+. The series reimagines three iconic musical numbers in American Sign Language (ASL):

• “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2
• “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto
• “Beyond” from Moana 2

For series director Hyrum Osmond, whose father is Deaf, the project is deeply personal.

Go behind the scenes of Songs in Sign Language in this video.

Expanding Access to Storytelling

Whether through a school musical production empowering young performers in Pittsburgh or ASL animation reaching families through Disney+, Disney’s storytelling continues to evolve to invite more people to be a part of the magic. To learn more about how Disney is expanding access and opportunity for young people, visit  Disney.com/FutureGenerations.